Compassionate and experienced educators who are dedicated to fostering a love for learning and supporting the holistic development of each child.
Eva Paré - Director
Eva Paré-Maynard was born and raised in Windham, Vermont. Eva became a certified Montessori teacher through the North American Montessori Center (NAMC) in 2019. In August of 2021 she graduated from the Community College of Vermont (CCV) with an AA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and in September of 2023 became a graduate of Northern Vermont University with a BA in ECE. She has been with West River Montessori School (WRMS) since 2015 when she began as a substitute. In that time, Eva also worked as both a para educator through BRSU and provided in-home respite care for a child with special needs. It was through these experiences she learned how to connect with and support children with developmental and intellectual delays. She knows the value of creating a trusting relationship with a child to help them reach their potential. Her passion is building relationships with children while providing clear and consistent expectations and routine.
Eva fell in love with the Montessori method while pregnant with her daughter in 2011, and is so grateful to be a part of the growth of WRMS. In her free time, she loves to be outdoors with her family whether she is snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding or hiking, every season has an adventure.
Eva fell in love with the Montessori method while pregnant with her daughter in 2011, and is so grateful to be a part of the growth of WRMS. In her free time, she loves to be outdoors with her family whether she is snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding or hiking, every season has an adventure.
Nicole Ray - Administrative Assistant
Nicole was born in Rhode Island, but moved out West after graduating from Johnson and Wales University in 2012. The pandemic brought her back East, and she found home in the beautiful Green Mountains in 2021.
She joins the WRMS team with an extensive background in the hospitality industry, specializing in small business. She loves people, and creating meaningful experiences. Her 3 year old son is her inspiration for everything she does, and has given her life purpose! She intends to foster the outstanding environment here at WRMS, and hopes to make it an even better place for the future.
Preschool Room
Leigh Nance - Licensed Teacher
Miss Leigh grew up on the island of Maui, Hawaii.
She moved to Vermont in 2001 and lives in South Londonderry with her husband and her two children, Andrew and Serra. A few things that Miss Leigh enjoys are being with her family, her horse, her chickens, her two dogs, gardening, and hiking.
Miss Leigh has always been passionate about children.
Miss Leigh received her BA in Liberal Arts, majoring in History and Family Studies through Johnson State College. She became a licensed teacher in 2020 and is an Apple Room teacher.
She moved to Vermont in 2001 and lives in South Londonderry with her husband and her two children, Andrew and Serra. A few things that Miss Leigh enjoys are being with her family, her horse, her chickens, her two dogs, gardening, and hiking.
Miss Leigh has always been passionate about children.
Miss Leigh received her BA in Liberal Arts, majoring in History and Family Studies through Johnson State College. She became a licensed teacher in 2020 and is an Apple Room teacher.
Haley Abbott
Miss Haley was born in Vermont and spent her first 11 years here. She then moved to New York for a few years but found her way back home to Vermont where she finished high school, graduating from Burr and Burton Academy. Haley has been working in Early Education for six years now and has completed her Childcare Certificate through the Community College of Vermont. West River Montessori School is the first Montessori school Haley has worked in and has really enjoyed learning about the Maria Montessori philosophy. She is looking into continuing learning about the Montessori method by completing the Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Training Program through the North American Montessori Center (NAMC).
Outside of her work here at WRMS Haley enjoys spending time with animals. She works Per Diem at the Springfield Humane Society while having her own two dogs Josie and Kita, and two cats Jackson and Joey.
Outside of her work here at WRMS Haley enjoys spending time with animals. She works Per Diem at the Springfield Humane Society while having her own two dogs Josie and Kita, and two cats Jackson and Joey.
Toddler Room
Rheanna Paré - Head Teacher
Miss Rheanna was born and raised in Vermont. Rheanna was a nanny for six years. She assisted in an Elementary School Pre-k Program through a CO-OP in High School and also took part in running their After School Program. Rheanna shadowed Miss Eva; her sister, in 2017 at WRMS. This allowed her to see the vast difference between a Montessori Classroom and a traditional Pre-k Classroom. She began subbing for WRMS in 2019, the first hand experience gave Miss Rheanna a new perspective on Early Childhood Education. This eventually led to her accepting a full time role at WRMS in 2020. She sees the value of Montessori and everything it has to offer a young child. One fun fact about Rheanna is she has been skydiving. When not at school she enjoys trying out new recipes and time spent with her family.
Our Board of Directors
President
Trevor Ladd
Secretary
Carrie Temple
Treasurer
Rachel Dutcher
Parents
John Culligan
Alexander Temple
Community Member
Melissa Richmond
Trevor Ladd
Secretary
Carrie Temple
Treasurer
Rachel Dutcher
Parents
John Culligan
Alexander Temple
Community Member
Melissa Richmond