Teachers and Staff
Tammie Sarver - Executive Director
I’m honored to be leading and learning with our Blue Mountain School community! I’m committed to nurturing our youngest citizens' love of learning, mindfulness, social emotional strength, and developmentally appropriate activism. I’m committed to caring and connecting with every family in our Blue Mountain School community. I want every child and family in our community to feel seen, heard, and valued.
I’ve been teaching in and out of the classroom for nearly 30 years. I’m very grateful that after a winding journey, as a teacher and administrator, I have found my pedagogical home at Blue Mountain School! I’m inspired by the philosophies of Reggio Emilia and constructivist education. I received my undergraduate education at Virginia Tech. In my masters work at ETSU, I studied Emergent Inquiry, and I’m proud to have attended training in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
I look for ways to celebrate and inspire each child’s unique abilities, sense of wonder, and feelings of success. I believe that students, families, and Blue Mountain School weave together a beautiful fabric of support, curiosity, and provocation. Together, we combine core academics with the rich alchemy of outdoor education and mindfulness. We weave a tapestry of curiosity, work, and learning that blanket a life rich with the love of learning and the tools to succeed in a diverse and rapidly changing world.
When I’m not at school you will usually find me in the woods, the river, volunteering, or cooking in my kitchen or reading a good book with my Eric, our 5 children, and many pets.
I’m honored to be leading and learning with our Blue Mountain School community! I’m committed to nurturing our youngest citizens' love of learning, mindfulness, social emotional strength, and developmentally appropriate activism. I’m committed to caring and connecting with every family in our Blue Mountain School community. I want every child and family in our community to feel seen, heard, and valued.
I’ve been teaching in and out of the classroom for nearly 30 years. I’m very grateful that after a winding journey, as a teacher and administrator, I have found my pedagogical home at Blue Mountain School! I’m inspired by the philosophies of Reggio Emilia and constructivist education. I received my undergraduate education at Virginia Tech. In my masters work at ETSU, I studied Emergent Inquiry, and I’m proud to have attended training in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
I look for ways to celebrate and inspire each child’s unique abilities, sense of wonder, and feelings of success. I believe that students, families, and Blue Mountain School weave together a beautiful fabric of support, curiosity, and provocation. Together, we combine core academics with the rich alchemy of outdoor education and mindfulness. We weave a tapestry of curiosity, work, and learning that blanket a life rich with the love of learning and the tools to succeed in a diverse and rapidly changing world.
When I’m not at school you will usually find me in the woods, the river, volunteering, or cooking in my kitchen or reading a good book with my Eric, our 5 children, and many pets.
Jenni Heartway - Office Support, Forest Programs Director and Teacher
My passion is educating young learners using emergent curriculum and project based learning. I began my training as a Foxfire Certified teacher and have continued my love of learning that spirals from student interests, since that time. I truly enjoy helping students develop literacy skills in an authentic, meaningful manner, and scaffolding children’s play to create learning experiences. I have taught in a variety of settings; public schools, private schools, internationally and outdoors as a Forest Kindergarten teacher. This is my 20th year in the classroom. I am a licensed Birth through Sixth grade teacher and have an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with a second major in Psychology. My Masters Degree is in Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support. I completed my North Carolina Environmental Educator’s Certification, and look forward to sharing my love of the outdoors with my students. When I'm not in the classroom you can find me in the woods with my family and our dogs. My four children attend Blue Mountain and my husband, Perrin works as a holistic veterinarian.
My passion is educating young learners using emergent curriculum and project based learning. I began my training as a Foxfire Certified teacher and have continued my love of learning that spirals from student interests, since that time. I truly enjoy helping students develop literacy skills in an authentic, meaningful manner, and scaffolding children’s play to create learning experiences. I have taught in a variety of settings; public schools, private schools, internationally and outdoors as a Forest Kindergarten teacher. This is my 20th year in the classroom. I am a licensed Birth through Sixth grade teacher and have an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with a second major in Psychology. My Masters Degree is in Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support. I completed my North Carolina Environmental Educator’s Certification, and look forward to sharing my love of the outdoors with my students. When I'm not in the classroom you can find me in the woods with my family and our dogs. My four children attend Blue Mountain and my husband, Perrin works as a holistic veterinarian.
Lore Deighan - Office Support, Art Teacher, Enrichment Director
As a Floyd native by birth carried away for many years, I have been happily settled back in this wonderful community since 2008. I have taught at Blue Mountain School now for ten years, spending that time as a parent, art teacher, forest school leader, upper elementary teacher, and administrator. I have learned so much about teaching, parenting and myself as I've grown into my role as an educator at BMS. My passion is painting, graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006 with a degree in Painting and Printmaking. I weave my artistic and creative self, my passion and awe for the natural world, and my enthusiasm for wandering and wondering through life into my role as educator.
As a Floyd native by birth carried away for many years, I have been happily settled back in this wonderful community since 2008. I have taught at Blue Mountain School now for ten years, spending that time as a parent, art teacher, forest school leader, upper elementary teacher, and administrator. I have learned so much about teaching, parenting and myself as I've grown into my role as an educator at BMS. My passion is painting, graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006 with a degree in Painting and Printmaking. I weave my artistic and creative self, my passion and awe for the natural world, and my enthusiasm for wandering and wondering through life into my role as educator.
Stefi Schafer - Early Childhood Teacher
I am a native of Germany, and I settled in the New River Valley in 1994. I found my true Heimat right here in Floyd. I have a degree in early childhood development and education from New River Community College. I have been working in the early childhood field since my arrival as an Au pair many years ago with various age groups. While my training is valuable, my experience as a teacher and as a mother has taught me a lot about children that the textbooks left out. I have been a member of the BMS teaching team since 2010. I strongly believe that children are capable collaborators in their own learning process: Children are people, too!
They deserve respectful and caring adults to guide them on their journey as they learn about themselves and others, and the world around them. In addition to teaching, I also am an active member of the Floyd Humane Society and provide foster care for puppies and dogs.
I am a native of Germany, and I settled in the New River Valley in 1994. I found my true Heimat right here in Floyd. I have a degree in early childhood development and education from New River Community College. I have been working in the early childhood field since my arrival as an Au pair many years ago with various age groups. While my training is valuable, my experience as a teacher and as a mother has taught me a lot about children that the textbooks left out. I have been a member of the BMS teaching team since 2010. I strongly believe that children are capable collaborators in their own learning process: Children are people, too!
They deserve respectful and caring adults to guide them on their journey as they learn about themselves and others, and the world around them. In addition to teaching, I also am an active member of the Floyd Humane Society and provide foster care for puppies and dogs.
Kara Buehler - Early Childhood Teacher
My family and I found our way to Floyd by what felt like a calling. We traded the sunny beaches of South Florida for the gorgeous Appalachian mountains and we feel like we’ve found home. My personal nature has always been centered around empathy and sensitivity; I like to find the beauty in the small things, the tiny pieces of the picture that can pull everything into focus. Children possess an unmatched sense of wonder and to be a part of that process feels magical to me. I have three little ones of my own and I don’t take lightly the opportunity to be a part of your children’s lives. I studied Early Childhood Education, Women’s Studies and Latin American Area Studies at the University of Central Florida and would love to expand on that educational foundation. Life is such a wonderful journey and I’m so grateful it’s led me to Blue Mountain School.
My family and I found our way to Floyd by what felt like a calling. We traded the sunny beaches of South Florida for the gorgeous Appalachian mountains and we feel like we’ve found home. My personal nature has always been centered around empathy and sensitivity; I like to find the beauty in the small things, the tiny pieces of the picture that can pull everything into focus. Children possess an unmatched sense of wonder and to be a part of that process feels magical to me. I have three little ones of my own and I don’t take lightly the opportunity to be a part of your children’s lives. I studied Early Childhood Education, Women’s Studies and Latin American Area Studies at the University of Central Florida and would love to expand on that educational foundation. Life is such a wonderful journey and I’m so grateful it’s led me to Blue Mountain School.
Abby Nicolo - Early Learning Teacher
I love teaching at Blue Mountain School! I am very passionate about outdoor education and inquiry and project based learning. My past teaching experiences include teaching Forest School in Central and Prospect Parks in New York City. I was a museum educator at the N-Y Historical Society and have enjoyed teaching in preschools from Fredericksburg, Virginia all the way to the island of St. Kitts in the West Indies. I have also had the privilege of homeschooling my own two children for two years. I am currently completing my final year of a Masters degree in Innovative Early Childhood Learning with a focus on Reggio Emilia through a partnership with the University of Colorado-Denver and the Boulder Journey School. I grew up here in Southwest Virginia and I am so happy to be back exploring my passion for teaching on such a beautiful campus. See you in the woods!
I love teaching at Blue Mountain School! I am very passionate about outdoor education and inquiry and project based learning. My past teaching experiences include teaching Forest School in Central and Prospect Parks in New York City. I was a museum educator at the N-Y Historical Society and have enjoyed teaching in preschools from Fredericksburg, Virginia all the way to the island of St. Kitts in the West Indies. I have also had the privilege of homeschooling my own two children for two years. I am currently completing my final year of a Masters degree in Innovative Early Childhood Learning with a focus on Reggio Emilia through a partnership with the University of Colorado-Denver and the Boulder Journey School. I grew up here in Southwest Virginia and I am so happy to be back exploring my passion for teaching on such a beautiful campus. See you in the woods!
Rashmi Staengl - Early Learning Teacher
My childhood dream was to be a teacher and teaching young minds has been one of my biggest passions in life (aside from gardening and crocheting). I believe that Education is beyond the four corners of a classroom and much more than just the transfer of knowledge. Anytime can be a learning moment, anywhere can be a learning space and anyone can be a teacher. Education is a process of expanding and developing ourselves and others around us.
I am an undergraduate of Masters degree in Family Life and Child Development and have been teaching for more than 13 years in 3 different countries (Philippines, Laos & U.S.A.) with students ranging from preschool to college. I'm originally from Philippines and Floyd is my home away from home. I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to work at Blue Mountain School whose philosophy and values are aligned with mine. My husband and daughter are alums and my son is following in their footsteps as well.
I love learning while growing with children and adults so I look forward to another year of fun and exploration with you all!
My childhood dream was to be a teacher and teaching young minds has been one of my biggest passions in life (aside from gardening and crocheting). I believe that Education is beyond the four corners of a classroom and much more than just the transfer of knowledge. Anytime can be a learning moment, anywhere can be a learning space and anyone can be a teacher. Education is a process of expanding and developing ourselves and others around us.
I am an undergraduate of Masters degree in Family Life and Child Development and have been teaching for more than 13 years in 3 different countries (Philippines, Laos & U.S.A.) with students ranging from preschool to college. I'm originally from Philippines and Floyd is my home away from home. I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to work at Blue Mountain School whose philosophy and values are aligned with mine. My husband and daughter are alums and my son is following in their footsteps as well.
I love learning while growing with children and adults so I look forward to another year of fun and exploration with you all!
Kiara Sprowls - Early Elementary Teacher
I became a teacher because I love being a part of students' journey of exploration of the world and developing their socio-emotional skills. I’m grateful for the Blue Mountain School’s values of learning through connection, wonder, and developing reverence for our natural environment. I recently joined my family in Floyd, Virginia and I’m grateful for the peaceful nature and open heartedness of the community. When I’m not in school, you can find me adventuring outdoors, spending time with friends and family, or relaxing with journaling or singing. I am a licensed preschool through 6th grade teacher with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a minor in Childhood Studies. In 2021 I graduated with a Masters in Elementary Education from Christopher Newport University. In January 2022, I started teaching our school’s class of Early Learners and I'm looking forward to teaching Early Elementary this upcoming school year :)
I became a teacher because I love being a part of students' journey of exploration of the world and developing their socio-emotional skills. I’m grateful for the Blue Mountain School’s values of learning through connection, wonder, and developing reverence for our natural environment. I recently joined my family in Floyd, Virginia and I’m grateful for the peaceful nature and open heartedness of the community. When I’m not in school, you can find me adventuring outdoors, spending time with friends and family, or relaxing with journaling or singing. I am a licensed preschool through 6th grade teacher with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a minor in Childhood Studies. In 2021 I graduated with a Masters in Elementary Education from Christopher Newport University. In January 2022, I started teaching our school’s class of Early Learners and I'm looking forward to teaching Early Elementary this upcoming school year :)
Jacob Sission - Middle Elementary Teacher
Each day I am thankful to have the opportunity to learn, play, and create things with my students. It is important to me that my students feel safe, love learning, and are happy in their school endeavors. Among my favorite quotes is "Imagination is more important than knowledge." by Albert Einstein. Each day I spend time teaching I find new perspectives on his amazing words. When a child smiles at a new marvel that they have found in their world I know I am lucky to share in their adventure.
Each day I am thankful to have the opportunity to learn, play, and create things with my students. It is important to me that my students feel safe, love learning, and are happy in their school endeavors. Among my favorite quotes is "Imagination is more important than knowledge." by Albert Einstein. Each day I spend time teaching I find new perspectives on his amazing words. When a child smiles at a new marvel that they have found in their world I know I am lucky to share in their adventure.
David Choquette - Upper Elementary Teacher
My teaching license says I teach math, reading, science, and social studies, but my true goal is to inspire students to be kind, curious, and confident. How do we build a caring community? How do we answer the zillion questions we have about the world? How do we get really good at stuff like long division, writing stories, identifying bugs, and making fires? Let’s figure it out together in the woods! I came to Blue Mountain after six years of public school teaching in VA and NC, and ten years of counseling at summer camps, year-round camps, and even a therapeutic wilderness camp. I have a master’s degree in teaching from NC State and a BS in psychology from Virginia Tech. I’ve also caught 21 species of snakes, paddled 500 miles, and played 100 different games. This will be my fourth year combining all those skills and passions into one glorious learning adventure at Blue Mountain School.
My teaching license says I teach math, reading, science, and social studies, but my true goal is to inspire students to be kind, curious, and confident. How do we build a caring community? How do we answer the zillion questions we have about the world? How do we get really good at stuff like long division, writing stories, identifying bugs, and making fires? Let’s figure it out together in the woods! I came to Blue Mountain after six years of public school teaching in VA and NC, and ten years of counseling at summer camps, year-round camps, and even a therapeutic wilderness camp. I have a master’s degree in teaching from NC State and a BS in psychology from Virginia Tech. I’ve also caught 21 species of snakes, paddled 500 miles, and played 100 different games. This will be my fourth year combining all those skills and passions into one glorious learning adventure at Blue Mountain School.
Susan Cordell - Middle School Teacher
I just finished my 24th year of education and so excited to be continuing my journey here at Blue Mountain School. I began my career in California after changing from a career in Television, Radio, and Film. There I taught middle school, which included self-contained multiple subject classrooms, multi-aged combination classes, science teacher & department chair, physical education & department chair.
When I moved to Texas, classroom instruction was designed differently and I taught just math and/or science and was the math department chair. However, my philosophy and expectations from students has remained steadfast. I believe students should be given more control over their learning, no matter the learning environment. My passion in education is helping students build their self-efficacy, accountability, and autonomy. I am enthusiastic about bridging my love of learning, teaching, and exploring with your students. Children have so many questions about the world, so why not give them the skills and tools to search for the answers themselves.
I have a great love and respect for outdoor learning and when teaching in California I got to take students into the mountains for a week of outdoor science curriculum every school year.
Although I have been in Floyd for one year, I have discovered a supportive community, that like me, is a steward of nature. I cannot begin to express my gratitude, appreciation, and joy that Blue Mountain School and its community has brought to me! When I’m not in the classroom I can be found reading, gardening, and traveling.
I just finished my 24th year of education and so excited to be continuing my journey here at Blue Mountain School. I began my career in California after changing from a career in Television, Radio, and Film. There I taught middle school, which included self-contained multiple subject classrooms, multi-aged combination classes, science teacher & department chair, physical education & department chair.
When I moved to Texas, classroom instruction was designed differently and I taught just math and/or science and was the math department chair. However, my philosophy and expectations from students has remained steadfast. I believe students should be given more control over their learning, no matter the learning environment. My passion in education is helping students build their self-efficacy, accountability, and autonomy. I am enthusiastic about bridging my love of learning, teaching, and exploring with your students. Children have so many questions about the world, so why not give them the skills and tools to search for the answers themselves.
I have a great love and respect for outdoor learning and when teaching in California I got to take students into the mountains for a week of outdoor science curriculum every school year.
Although I have been in Floyd for one year, I have discovered a supportive community, that like me, is a steward of nature. I cannot begin to express my gratitude, appreciation, and joy that Blue Mountain School and its community has brought to me! When I’m not in the classroom I can be found reading, gardening, and traveling.
Jagadisha Rotella - Enrichment Mindfulness Teacher
Jagadisha has been helping children at Blue Mountain School cultivate mindfulness within themselves and their interactions within the world for over ten years! He shares his deep sense of calm, and love for the art of bonsai and plantings with the students at Blue Mountain School.
Jagadisha has been helping children at Blue Mountain School cultivate mindfulness within themselves and their interactions within the world for over ten years! He shares his deep sense of calm, and love for the art of bonsai and plantings with the students at Blue Mountain School.
Kris Kiko-Cozy - Enrichment Music and Movement Teacher
Kris Kiko-Cozy has been facilitating groups of all ages in music and movement for over 30 years. She often teams up with her husband Jeff who also enjoys bringing people together to sing, dance and make music. Kris draws from rich and diverse personal experiences and resources to knit together the common threads of different movement and dance modalities, simple, traditional songs, spontaneous improvisations, nature themes and the world's many spiritual traditions for joyful and meaningful expression in a safe, group context.
Kris grew up the oldest of eight children on a farm in NE Ohio. She began at age 13 teaching private clarinet lessons and at 16 performing professionally in the classical music world. Her passion for using the arts for health and wellness and community building led to work in mental health, the Bosnian war zone and many diverse educational settings.
Kris Kiko-Cozy has been facilitating groups of all ages in music and movement for over 30 years. She often teams up with her husband Jeff who also enjoys bringing people together to sing, dance and make music. Kris draws from rich and diverse personal experiences and resources to knit together the common threads of different movement and dance modalities, simple, traditional songs, spontaneous improvisations, nature themes and the world's many spiritual traditions for joyful and meaningful expression in a safe, group context.
Kris grew up the oldest of eight children on a farm in NE Ohio. She began at age 13 teaching private clarinet lessons and at 16 performing professionally in the classical music world. Her passion for using the arts for health and wellness and community building led to work in mental health, the Bosnian war zone and many diverse educational settings.
Gigi Austin - Facilities Manager, Forest School Lead Teacher, Spanish Club Leader
Gigi Austin was raised an Appalachian Mountain girl and spent much of her childhood hunting, fishing and farming in Southwest Virginia. Her dad instilled in her a deep love for Nature and its conservation. Her mother taught her social graces and grit. Gigi left her home after college and spent the next twenty years developing her career as a language instructor and facilitator of conscious travel communities. Some of the most treasured experiences she accrued during her seven years of wanderings include: walking the full Camino de Santiago in Spain, WWOOFing across Chile, working at a hostel while living in a tent on the Uruguayan coast, raising baby goats on a ranch in Texas, couchsurfing the south of South America, leading people-to-people exchange programs in Cuba, apprenticing as a Dream Quest guide, leading Gap Year programs in Latin America, teaching yoga at a silent retreat center in the mountains of Guatemala and going on a safari in Tanzania. She has recently returned to the ‘hollers and hills of Virginia that raised her and looks forward to contributing to the community nestled in them.
Gigi Austin was raised an Appalachian Mountain girl and spent much of her childhood hunting, fishing and farming in Southwest Virginia. Her dad instilled in her a deep love for Nature and its conservation. Her mother taught her social graces and grit. Gigi left her home after college and spent the next twenty years developing her career as a language instructor and facilitator of conscious travel communities. Some of the most treasured experiences she accrued during her seven years of wanderings include: walking the full Camino de Santiago in Spain, WWOOFing across Chile, working at a hostel while living in a tent on the Uruguayan coast, raising baby goats on a ranch in Texas, couchsurfing the south of South America, leading people-to-people exchange programs in Cuba, apprenticing as a Dream Quest guide, leading Gap Year programs in Latin America, teaching yoga at a silent retreat center in the mountains of Guatemala and going on a safari in Tanzania. She has recently returned to the ‘hollers and hills of Virginia that raised her and looks forward to contributing to the community nestled in them.
