Montessori Kids Universe Short Pump recognizes that our caring, dedicated teachers are what makes our school so valuable. MKU Short Pump recruits and maintains a high-quality staff through an intensive selection and vetting process. We provide on-going professional development and growth opportunities within our school, and foster a healthy work environment for our employees. Meet the most important aspect of our school: Our quality teaching staff!
Ms. Lashlee is our Lead Teacher in our Nido-1 classroom, where she has been a valued part of the MKU team for two years. Her teaching is guided by the philosophy of learning through play, and she particularly enjoys watching the babies in her room grow and reach new developmental milestones.
Ms. Lashlee is Montessori certified and is a committed lifelong learner, holding a degree in Photography from Sweet Briar and actively studying for her Elementary Education degree at Bluefield. Ms. Lashlee played field hockey and softball in college, and she holds the distinction of being the first girl born on her dad’s side of the family in 52 years!
Ms. Jalisa is our Lead Teacher in our Nido-2 classroom! With seven years of childcare experience, Ms. Jalisa is an expert in nurturing infants and truly enjoys seeing her students’ personalities develop and grow.
Her teaching philosophy centers on encouraging exploration and natural curiosity. She is committed to lifelong learning, currently working toward her Early Childhood degree, and holds a Montessori certification. In her free time, she cherishes moments with her family, finds peace on nature walks, and enjoys the creative outlets of reading and crocheting.
Ms. Lilli our Lead in Training Teacher for our Piccino classroom. Ms. Lilli brings an enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable perspective to our staff. A recent magna cum laude graduate of Virginia Tech, Ms. Lilli specialized in Developmental Psychology and Disability Studies. She is passionate about creating equitable and inclusive learning environments where every child feels supported.
Ms. Lilli is a strong communicator who is organized and dedicated to fostering positive relationships with families and students. She is eager to apply her academic rigor and compassionate approach in the classroom.
Ms. Rhakaya is an experienced Lead Teacher, Rhakaya is committed to inspiring a love for learning by creating engaging curriculum and maintaining a positive learning environment for all students. Her professional philosophy is built on empathy and patience, ensuring every child feels supported.
Ms. Rhakaya excels at family engagement, working closely with parents to provide regular updates and collaborate on educational goals. Rhakaya is very family oriented and she has completed coursework toward an Associate Degree in Applied Psychology.
Mrs. Bernadine is our Lead Casa Teacher! She is an experienced Montessori educator who brings four years of classroom expertise to our students. She holds a prestigious Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential and Reading Certificate from the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Mrs. Bernadine guides her classroom with a philosophy rooted in respecting each child’s individuality, fostering independence, and allowing children to explore and grow at their own pace. When she is not teaching, she loves spending time with her wonderful husband and two daughters.
Ms. Ashley serves as our Piccino Assistant! She is known for her dedication, having been with us for two wonderful years. Ms. Ashley is highly versatile, with professional experience caring for children across all age groups.
While she is originally from Houston, Texas, her family is from Honduras, which she visits occasionally. Ms. Ashley is very family-oriented, often assisting her sister with the care of her nieces and nephews outside of school hours.
Ms. Aileen is our Cassetta Assistant! Aileen is a compassionate, nurturing, and dependable professional with a natural ability to connect with others. She brings a strong background in team coordination and leadership, demonstrating a proactive mindset and exceptional communication skills.
When she isn’t supporting our students, Aileen is very family oriented and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is also currently furthering her education in pursuit of an Associate’s degree in Nursing at Bryant & Stratton.
Ms. Ashleigh, our dedicated Casa Assistant and a passionate educator with an Associate’s degree in Elementary Education. Ms. Minor is dedicated to ensuring a safe and supportive place for children to learn and grow. She has hands-on experience leading small group instruction and providing one-on-one student support from her time as student teaching.
Ms. Ashleigh excels at building positive relationships with students and staff. Her strong organizational, communication, and time management skills, honed through her professional experience, including nearly two years at a Hallmark store, make her a valued member of our team.
