About Us

At SVMS we believe that excellent education is built around nurturing and supporting the whole child. Starting in preschool our teachers help students learn personal responsibility through peaceful resolution of minor conflicts and encourage a positive outlook regarding self and others. The core values in each classroom are respect for oneself, for others, and for the environment. The small size of our school allows close involvement among teachers, students, and parents, creating a powerful sense of community. Children feel valued for who they are, and parents become an important partner in the educational process.

As a Montessori school we understand that children really learn more by touching, seeing, smelling, tasting and exploring, than by just listening. Children learn by doing, not by passively accepting preexisting knowledge. Our developmentally appropriate approach has been designed to fit each individual child, instead of making the child fit the program.

Faculty and Staff Biographies

Luann Wilks - Head of School

I have been involved in the field of education for the past twenty five years. The majority of my experience has been in early childhood education in public schools. I taught elementary education for a few years at the college level and have also taught preschool and developmentally delayed adults. I have a MA in elementary education and a BS degree in Horticulture and Special Education. I began Montessori training last year and am currently working on my AMS certification. I have always embraced the philosophy of Maria Montessori and have tried to incorporate the philosophy into my classrooms through individualized learning and respecting the integrity of the child. It has been an especially satisfying and enriching experience to actually work at a Montessori school and to be surrounded by a professional staff of other Montessorians that share my beleifs. This is my second year at SVMS and my first year as Head of School. I am honored to work with a staff that believes in and incorporates the Montessori principles in their daily lives.

I live in Black Mountain with my husband, three Labradors and three cats. Our children are grown, with two currently attending college. I have two grand children living in England. My husband and I enjoy cycling, skiing and camping together. I especially enjoy knitting, cooking and gardening.

Melanie Accino – Young Pre-Primary Lead Teacher (3-6 year olds) I was first introduced to Montessori in 1992 when I was studying Early Childhood Education in Vermont. I quickly realized that the Montessori approach to education was the way I wanted to teach. I began working at East Providence Montessori that year and took my training the following year. I attended New England Montessori Teacher Education Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I received my AMS credentials in 1995.

This is my eleventh year teaching in a Montessori School and my third year at SVMS. I enjoy teaching Montessori now as much as I did right after my training.

I live in Black Mountain with my husband and two children Noah, age 9 and Eli, age 5. I enjoy gardening, hiking and jewelry making.

Kristy Beaver - Primary Lead Teacher

I have been involved in education for several years as a Reading Specialist at Black Mountain Primary School and as a preschool teacher at a preschool in the area. The Montessori Method of education suits my teaching style and philosophy of education. I hold a teaching certificate in elementary education and certification as a Reading specialist. I am currently working on obtaining my AMS Montessori certification. I live in Black Mountain with my husband and two daughters who are six and nine. We have a variety of animals who share our life. We enjoy camping, biking and hanging out together as a family. I feel blessed to have found such a wonderful school to begin my work as a Montessori teacher.

Mindy Bradley - Primary Assistant Teacher (3-6 year olds)

My first experience with Montessori education was with my son. He attended a Montessori school for three years. We all cried on his last day because it was such a wonderful experience. Now I am excited to be working at SVMS following the Montessori Method of education. I grew up in Swannanoa, where I attended Warren Wilson College. I studied Elementary Education for two years and plan on returning soon to finish my degree. Last year I worked at the Progressive Education Program in South Asheville with Autistic children. I live in Swannanoa with my husband and son Elijah. We love to garden, hike, fish and play with our two dogs and cat.

Laura Coleman - Upper Elementary Lead Teacher

I have a BA in Liberal Arts from New York University and a Masters in Waldorf education. I am currently completing my 9-12 year old training for AMS credentials. I moved here with my daughter from my Colorado about two years ago. I have taught in a variety of alternative settings. I co-founded a Waldorf home preschool in the mountains of Colorado and directed and taught at a home school enrichment program for Earthhaven Ecovillage. This is my second year at SVMS and my first year as lead teacher for the Upper Elementary program for 9 to 12 year olds. Last year I assisted in the 6-9 Lower Elementary class at SVMS. In my free time I enjoy hiking in the forest, dance and yoga. My interests also include permaculture and herbalism.

Shaun Gerson – Lower Elementary Lead Teacher/Elementary Director

My life as a Montessorian began at York College of Pennsylvania, with long discussions with my Developmental Psychology professor. She has 2 children in Montessori schools. She showed me that there is a method that considers development in education. I graduated with a B.S. in Developmental Psychology. From there, I immediately sought out Montessori schools as a career. Soon after, I received my Elementary I (6-9) certification from the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in New York. Being a native of Brooklyn, NY and attending P.S. 115, I understand the value of these sensitive periods of learning. I would like to continue to share the love for learning, and to pass it on to every one of my students. I joined the SVMS community in the summer of '05, when I moved from Baltimore, Maryland to Asheville. I am pleased to be on my second year as the Elementary (6-9) Director, and I am happy to begin another school year.

Amanda Riley – Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher

This is my third year with SVMS and my first year with the lower elementary class. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn about and be a part of a Montessori Elementary class. I sincerely enjoy being a part of such a wonderful community and experiencing the growth and success of SVMS. I moved to North Carolina five years ago shortly after earning a degree in Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Agriculture at Cook College, part of Rutgers University. While completing my studies there I became interested in teaching and took a few classes towards a teaching certificate while substituting in grades K-12. I enjoyed working with the children. When I learned more about the Montessori philosophy of education and began working at SVMS I found a match for my philosophy of education. I live in Fairview with my husband Mike and our dog and cat. I love spending time outside gardening, hiking and walking our dog. I also enjoy traveling, reading, taking photographs and learning new things. Last year a student in my class taught me how to knit. I hope to continue with that and I look forward to seeing what I will learn from the students this year.

Sally Heath - Business Manager

Sally Heath found out about Montessori when her daughter was three and the more she learns the more passionate about it she becomes. “It lets my daughter grow and develop at her own speed. It takes her as a whole person,” says Sally. Montessori isn’t just about reading writing and math. “While she is excelling in those areas, she is also learning a lot about culture and social skills. She is learning to cooperate and be compassionate. I am sold on Maria Montessori’s method. I believe it is the best option out there.” Concerning her strong involvement in her daughter’s school she says, “I think it’s the way it should be. It’s great to be so connected to her school experience. I feel I am able to make a great contribution to the community and her education experience.” Sally has a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Her interests include gardening, old-time music & dancing, hiking and remodeling her home with her husband, Dave.

Ruth Duckworth - Foreign Language Teacher

I first fell in love with Montessori while in college. My first teaching job was at a school in Ohio, then I moved on to Montessori school in Tennessee. I have studied art in Paris, living in France for 2 1/2 years. I have taught French to children of all ages for over 12 years. My teaching credentials include grades 1-8 and 6-12. In my free time, I like to weave, spin, sew, paint and hike. I live with my husband Mike, children Kaitlyn (15) and Cody (13), Erik the dog, and Ted the cat.