The true strength of Jane's Montessori Academy lies in our incredible faculty.
Each member has her bachelor's degree, and each has come from different
educational and professional backgrounds. We believe your child will be the
beneficiary of this diverse base of knowledge and experience. We are extremely
proud to call them our own:
Each member has her bachelor's degree, and each has come from different
educational and professional backgrounds. We believe your child will be the
beneficiary of this diverse base of knowledge and experience. We are extremely
proud to call them our own:
Ms. Tammy -- Principal
Tammy Chabria, owner and principal, is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University with a degree in
zoology. Ms. Tammy was an assistant teacher at Ohio Wesleyan’s Early Childhood Center, a traditional
preschool, for four years, as well as a lead pre-Kindergarten teacher at a local Columbus pre-school for
five years. She has also taught in the field of informal education at COSI and at the Columbus Zoo and
Aquarium for a combined seven years. Before opening Jane’s Montessori Academy, Ms. Tammy
broadened her education experience by writing and editing life science and biology textbooks at
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. There she gained valuable knowledge of various teaching methods.
Born in Lancaster, Ohio, Ms. Tammy moved to Columbus upon graduating from Ohio Wesleyan. She
blogs about the Montessori method at The Montessori Advisor. Ms. Tammy is a member of the National
Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Association Montessori
Internationale (AMI). She is an active volunteer for the Ohio Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. She
also practices yoga, plays tennis, and enjoys Irish step dancing in her spare time. Tammy and Jai Chabria
enjoy traveling, scuba diving, and rooting for the Columbus Blue Jackets. They make their home in
Powell, Ohio with their daughter, Arya, graduated from Jane's Montessori Academy in 2012.
Miss Julie -- Children's House Directress
Miss Julie was born and raised in Lancaster, Ohio. She is a graduate of Ohio University with a
bachelor's degree in Psychology. While attending Ohio University, she tutored socially and
academically at-risk elementary children for two years in an after-school program. Upon her graduation,
she worked at Community Action as a summer youth counselor. At the end of that program she was
employed by New Horizons Youth and Family Center, a counseling center for severely mentally disabled
individuals in Fairfield County. There she worked as a case manager for four years.
Miss Julie still resides in Lancaster and is the mother of twin daughters, Cameron and Brooklyn. In her
spare time she enjoys outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, golfing, and spending time with
family and friends.
Ms. Megan -- Children's House Directress
Ms. Megan recently graduated with honors from The Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in
English. Although certain she would ultimately become a teacher, she was unsure with which age group
she would ultimately work. In her junior year, Ms. Megan spent six months providing care for her
newborn niece, Kayci. This experience propelled her in the direction of early childhood— and Jane’s
Montessori Academy. During the 2007-08 school year, Ms. Megan worked at the academy as a
substitute teacher while she completed her bachelor’s degree. Now, she is immensely excited to have the
opportunity to teach full-time in the coming years.
Though predominantly someone who believes in resource conservation, Ms. Megan will brave high gas
prices if it means a good road trip. Together with her husband, she has driven to New York City and
Southern California several times, San Francisco, Ocracoke Island, Savannah, Chicago and many places
in between. The Road is not only the title of one of her favorite books, but is also the perfect place to
exercise her passions—spending time with people she loves, reading, taking pictures, and listening to
great music.
Mr. Mat -- Assistant Teacher
Mr. Mat has always been surrounded by children. He grew up with 3 younger brothers and 37 younger
cousins. He studied theater at The Ohio State University where he was a member of two professional
children's theater troupes: Griffin's Tale and The Giggle Factory. He was a lead counselor for four years
at Camp Waziyatah in southern Maine. For the past 10 years, he has volunteered his time as the
Expressive Arts director for Camp Sunrise, a therapeutic summer camp for children impacted by
HIV/AIDS. He served two of those years on the camp's board of directors. For the nearly 11 years, prior
to joining the Jane's Montessori Academy faculty, Mr. Mat was a faculty leader at COSI Columbus, one
of the nation's largest science centers.
Mr. Mat is currently involved with Columbus Children's Theatre, where he enjoys making funny faces
and talking in strange voices. He spends much of his free time with his three nifty nieces (Ivy, Ayla, and
Skyler) and his two notorious nephews (Breyden and Trent). Mr. Mat believes that EVERY child is a
genius and deserves to have passionate and dedicated adults helping them realize their brilliance. He
hopes to inspire awe and wonder in his students.
Miss April -- Young Children's Directress
Bio Coming Soon!
Ms. Cathi -- Nest Teacher
Ms. Cathi graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood
Education. After graduation she taught preschool at the Columbus Crippled Children Center, which has
since been renamed The Easter Seal Society. She enjoyed working with the special needs of these
children and their families.
After her first son was born her interest turned into being a full time mom as she enjoyed raising her
three children. During their childhood years she was very connected to the schools they were attending,
volunteering for everything possible to help with classroom, sports and social activities.
Her outside interests have always included some kind of art or craft, which she made for both donation
and as a part time business venture. She is a dedicated dog lover, and now has 4 Chihuahuas who greet
her when she comes home every day. She also enjoys watching and cheering on the Ohio State
Buckeyes (football and basketball).
Spending time with her children is of most importance. Her daughter and youngest son live in Los
Angeles and her eldest son and daughter-in-law live in Columbus. Now that her children are grown, Ms.
Cathi has found it a real delight to enter back into the world of teaching and spending time with the
students at Jane’s Montessori Academy.
Miss Anna -- Nest Teacher
Anna McCoy will be joining us as the Nest lead teacher beginning Monday, October 17th. Due to
scheduling conflicts Ms. Margarita will be changing her role to Administrative Assistant and Substitute
teacher. Ms. Anna’s work schedule will be 7:30 until 4:30, so she will be able to greet and say good-bye
to most of the babies. Please join me in giving Ms. Anna a warm welcome!
A Columbus native, Ms Anna began her career working with children on the autism spectrum as an
Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapist. She loved the opportunity to connect with parents and siblings,
and the joy of watching a child achieve breakthroughs that would help them navigate the world. For 5
years she provided this service to multiple children in their homes, where she was able to make lasting
friendships. Ms Anna went on to work as a nanny (or as the family insists, a second mother). For 4
years, she helped raise 5 children, and this experience changed her life forever. She now knows that
raising children is her life's work and greatest joy.
When she's not snuggling babies, you will find Ms Anna reading, writing, sewing, bird watching, riding
bikes with her husband, or playing guitar for her cats.
Tammy Chabria, owner and principal, is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University with a degree in
zoology. Ms. Tammy was an assistant teacher at Ohio Wesleyan’s Early Childhood Center, a traditional
preschool, for four years, as well as a lead pre-Kindergarten teacher at a local Columbus pre-school for
five years. She has also taught in the field of informal education at COSI and at the Columbus Zoo and
Aquarium for a combined seven years. Before opening Jane’s Montessori Academy, Ms. Tammy
broadened her education experience by writing and editing life science and biology textbooks at
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. There she gained valuable knowledge of various teaching methods.
Born in Lancaster, Ohio, Ms. Tammy moved to Columbus upon graduating from Ohio Wesleyan. She
blogs about the Montessori method at The Montessori Advisor. Ms. Tammy is a member of the National
Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Association Montessori
Internationale (AMI). She is an active volunteer for the Ohio Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. She
also practices yoga, plays tennis, and enjoys Irish step dancing in her spare time. Tammy and Jai Chabria
enjoy traveling, scuba diving, and rooting for the Columbus Blue Jackets. They make their home in
Powell, Ohio with their daughter, Arya, graduated from Jane's Montessori Academy in 2012.
Miss Julie -- Children's House Directress
Miss Julie was born and raised in Lancaster, Ohio. She is a graduate of Ohio University with a
bachelor's degree in Psychology. While attending Ohio University, she tutored socially and
academically at-risk elementary children for two years in an after-school program. Upon her graduation,
she worked at Community Action as a summer youth counselor. At the end of that program she was
employed by New Horizons Youth and Family Center, a counseling center for severely mentally disabled
individuals in Fairfield County. There she worked as a case manager for four years.
Miss Julie still resides in Lancaster and is the mother of twin daughters, Cameron and Brooklyn. In her
spare time she enjoys outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, golfing, and spending time with
family and friends.
Ms. Megan -- Children's House Directress
Ms. Megan recently graduated with honors from The Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in
English. Although certain she would ultimately become a teacher, she was unsure with which age group
she would ultimately work. In her junior year, Ms. Megan spent six months providing care for her
newborn niece, Kayci. This experience propelled her in the direction of early childhood— and Jane’s
Montessori Academy. During the 2007-08 school year, Ms. Megan worked at the academy as a
substitute teacher while she completed her bachelor’s degree. Now, she is immensely excited to have the
opportunity to teach full-time in the coming years.
Though predominantly someone who believes in resource conservation, Ms. Megan will brave high gas
prices if it means a good road trip. Together with her husband, she has driven to New York City and
Southern California several times, San Francisco, Ocracoke Island, Savannah, Chicago and many places
in between. The Road is not only the title of one of her favorite books, but is also the perfect place to
exercise her passions—spending time with people she loves, reading, taking pictures, and listening to
great music.
Mr. Mat -- Assistant Teacher
Mr. Mat has always been surrounded by children. He grew up with 3 younger brothers and 37 younger
cousins. He studied theater at The Ohio State University where he was a member of two professional
children's theater troupes: Griffin's Tale and The Giggle Factory. He was a lead counselor for four years
at Camp Waziyatah in southern Maine. For the past 10 years, he has volunteered his time as the
Expressive Arts director for Camp Sunrise, a therapeutic summer camp for children impacted by
HIV/AIDS. He served two of those years on the camp's board of directors. For the nearly 11 years, prior
to joining the Jane's Montessori Academy faculty, Mr. Mat was a faculty leader at COSI Columbus, one
of the nation's largest science centers.
Mr. Mat is currently involved with Columbus Children's Theatre, where he enjoys making funny faces
and talking in strange voices. He spends much of his free time with his three nifty nieces (Ivy, Ayla, and
Skyler) and his two notorious nephews (Breyden and Trent). Mr. Mat believes that EVERY child is a
genius and deserves to have passionate and dedicated adults helping them realize their brilliance. He
hopes to inspire awe and wonder in his students.
Miss April -- Young Children's Directress
Bio Coming Soon!
Ms. Cathi -- Nest Teacher
Ms. Cathi graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood
Education. After graduation she taught preschool at the Columbus Crippled Children Center, which has
since been renamed The Easter Seal Society. She enjoyed working with the special needs of these
children and their families.
After her first son was born her interest turned into being a full time mom as she enjoyed raising her
three children. During their childhood years she was very connected to the schools they were attending,
volunteering for everything possible to help with classroom, sports and social activities.
Her outside interests have always included some kind of art or craft, which she made for both donation
and as a part time business venture. She is a dedicated dog lover, and now has 4 Chihuahuas who greet
her when she comes home every day. She also enjoys watching and cheering on the Ohio State
Buckeyes (football and basketball).
Spending time with her children is of most importance. Her daughter and youngest son live in Los
Angeles and her eldest son and daughter-in-law live in Columbus. Now that her children are grown, Ms.
Cathi has found it a real delight to enter back into the world of teaching and spending time with the
students at Jane’s Montessori Academy.
Miss Anna -- Nest Teacher
Anna McCoy will be joining us as the Nest lead teacher beginning Monday, October 17th. Due to
scheduling conflicts Ms. Margarita will be changing her role to Administrative Assistant and Substitute
teacher. Ms. Anna’s work schedule will be 7:30 until 4:30, so she will be able to greet and say good-bye
to most of the babies. Please join me in giving Ms. Anna a warm welcome!
A Columbus native, Ms Anna began her career working with children on the autism spectrum as an
Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapist. She loved the opportunity to connect with parents and siblings,
and the joy of watching a child achieve breakthroughs that would help them navigate the world. For 5
years she provided this service to multiple children in their homes, where she was able to make lasting
friendships. Ms Anna went on to work as a nanny (or as the family insists, a second mother). For 4
years, she helped raise 5 children, and this experience changed her life forever. She now knows that
raising children is her life's work and greatest joy.
When she's not snuggling babies, you will find Ms Anna reading, writing, sewing, bird watching, riding
bikes with her husband, or playing guitar for her cats.
| Jai and Tammy Chabria in the Galapagos Islands |
"Our aim is not only to make the child understand, and still less to
force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse
him to his innermost core."
~ Dr. Maria Montessori
force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse
him to his innermost core."
~ Dr. Maria Montessori
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| Jane's Montessori Academy 1375 Francisco Road Columbus, Ohio 43220 (614) 457-6404 Contact@janesacademy.com |
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| Jane's Montessori Academy Faculty |
| Ms. Cathi |
| Ms. Megan |
| Miss Julie |
