Teachers and Staff
Tammie Sarver she/her - 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 she/her - Assistant Director and Forest Programming Director
My passions are outdoor education and emergent curriculum. 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 working with teachers to help students develop skills in an authentic, meaningful manner, and scaffold 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 25th year in education. 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 from UNC Chapel Hill. I completed my North Carolina Environmental Educator’s Certification and my Virginia Master Naturalist training. I enjoy working to support teachers, students and families at Blue Mountain School. When I'm not in the classroom you can find me in the woods with my family and our dogs. My oldest children graduated from Blue Mountain and my two younger children currently attend. My husband, Perrin works as a holistic veterinarian.
My passions are outdoor education and emergent curriculum. 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 working with teachers to help students develop skills in an authentic, meaningful manner, and scaffold 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 25th year in education. 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 from UNC Chapel Hill. I completed my North Carolina Environmental Educator’s Certification and my Virginia Master Naturalist training. I enjoy working to support teachers, students and families at Blue Mountain School. When I'm not in the classroom you can find me in the woods with my family and our dogs. My oldest children graduated from Blue Mountain and my two younger children currently attend. My husband, Perrin works as a holistic veterinarian.
Lore Deighan she/her - Enrichment Director, Art Teacher
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 thirteen years, spending that time as a parent, art teacher, forest school teacher, 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 thirteen years, spending that time as a parent, art teacher, forest school teacher, 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 she/her - Opal Class, 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.
Tabby Cospel she/her - Opal Class, Early Childhood Teacher
From the ocean to the mountains! Originally from the Eastern Shore of Virginia where the Chesapeake Bay was on one side and the ocean on the other, I found my way to the mountains to attend Radford University where I earned a degree in Psychology. I fell in love with the autumn colors on the mountain and never left. Christiansburg is now home for me, my husband and our 3 children.
From the ocean to the mountains! Originally from the Eastern Shore of Virginia where the Chesapeake Bay was on one side and the ocean on the other, I found my way to the mountains to attend Radford University where I earned a degree in Psychology. I fell in love with the autumn colors on the mountain and never left. Christiansburg is now home for me, my husband and our 3 children.
Iris Flad she/her - Opal Class, Early Childhood Teacher
I love Blue Mountain School and our community! I’m originally from Blacksburg and currently live in Stuart, Va, along with my partner, our dog, and two cats. I have several years of experience working with children. I currently am finishing my degree in Early Childhood Development and Education at Patrick & Henry. During my free time I enjoy hiking and playing music with my band.
I love Blue Mountain School and our community! I’m originally from Blacksburg and currently live in Stuart, Va, along with my partner, our dog, and two cats. I have several years of experience working with children. I currently am finishing my degree in Early Childhood Development and Education at Patrick & Henry. During my free time I enjoy hiking and playing music with my band.
Mya Cockram she/her- Opal Class, Early Childhood Teacher
I am a Floyd native, born and raised amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains. My journey towards my passion for children and education began at Floyd County High School when I was in the first class of the Teachers for Tomorrow program. I had an amazing teacher who introduced us to the widespread spectrum of teaching. I went to Radford University for four years, studying Art Education and beginning my master’s degree.
I began working at Yellow Hen, the neighboring childcare run by Red Rooster, in 2021, beginning as an assistant teacher and continuing as a lead full-time teacher. The community at YH has forever impacted me and properly equipped me to face everything I do head-on—but, more importantly, with love! I plan on continuing my teaching at Yellow Hen for our afterschool and summer programs.
As the focus of Yellow Hen shifted, the opportunity to work at Blue Mountain School fell into my hands, the stars aligned, and here I am! I am eager and excited to begin my journey at Blue Mountain in the Amethyst class.
I am a Floyd native, born and raised amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains. My journey towards my passion for children and education began at Floyd County High School when I was in the first class of the Teachers for Tomorrow program. I had an amazing teacher who introduced us to the widespread spectrum of teaching. I went to Radford University for four years, studying Art Education and beginning my master’s degree.
I began working at Yellow Hen, the neighboring childcare run by Red Rooster, in 2021, beginning as an assistant teacher and continuing as a lead full-time teacher. The community at YH has forever impacted me and properly equipped me to face everything I do head-on—but, more importantly, with love! I plan on continuing my teaching at Yellow Hen for our afterschool and summer programs.
As the focus of Yellow Hen shifted, the opportunity to work at Blue Mountain School fell into my hands, the stars aligned, and here I am! I am eager and excited to begin my journey at Blue Mountain in the Amethyst class.
Abby Nicolo she/her - Sapphire Class, 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 received a Masters of Library and Information Science with a concentration in the Information Needs of Children from Florida State University in 2009. In the Spring of 2024, I completed a Masters of Arts in Innovative Early Childhood Education 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 received a Masters of Library and Information Science with a concentration in the Information Needs of Children from Florida State University in 2009. In the Spring of 2024, I completed a Masters of Arts in Innovative Early Childhood Education 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!
Kara Buehler she/her - Sapphire Class, Early Learning 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.
Rashmi Staengl she/her - Jade Class, Early Elementary Teacher
Teaching is one of my greatest passions in life. I consider it as a service I render to society with the intention of motivating curious minds, guiding creative hands and nurturing compassionate hearts. In the words of my spiritual mentor, P.R.Sarkar -"Real education is that which leads to liberation". I do believe that through proper education, we can freely think, speak, act and simply be the best version of ourselves.
I am from the Philippines with a degree in BS Medical Technology, Board Certified in Teaching High School majoring in Biology and an undergraduate Masters of Family Life and Child Development. I have been teaching for more than 14 years in 3 different countries (Philippines, Laos & U.S.A.) with students ranging from preschool to college. I am grateful to be a part of a diverse, artistic, and loving community such as Floyd and Blue Mountain School whose philosophy and values are aligned with mine.
My family of four, all of whom are connected with BMS, love music, nature and good food.
Come and join me as we learn and play!
Teaching is one of my greatest passions in life. I consider it as a service I render to society with the intention of motivating curious minds, guiding creative hands and nurturing compassionate hearts. In the words of my spiritual mentor, P.R.Sarkar -"Real education is that which leads to liberation". I do believe that through proper education, we can freely think, speak, act and simply be the best version of ourselves.
I am from the Philippines with a degree in BS Medical Technology, Board Certified in Teaching High School majoring in Biology and an undergraduate Masters of Family Life and Child Development. I have been teaching for more than 14 years in 3 different countries (Philippines, Laos & U.S.A.) with students ranging from preschool to college. I am grateful to be a part of a diverse, artistic, and loving community such as Floyd and Blue Mountain School whose philosophy and values are aligned with mine.
My family of four, all of whom are connected with BMS, love music, nature and good food.
Come and join me as we learn and play!
Jacob Sisson he/him - Amber Class, Middle Elementary Teacher
It is important to me that my students feel safe and that they are valued as an individual at our school and in our classroom. I value my students not only for their performance in classwork but strive to show them that they learn and grow with their minds, their bodies and their hearts and that each of those aspects are honored and taught. When we embrace each other because of our challenges or celebrations, when students are curious and creative, when students dance on the deck, run on the field and climb trees confidently with joy then I know my job as a teacher is successful.
Teaching is my second life. I worked for 16 years in retail until one day I realized that I control my happiness and destiny and with hard work attending Virginia Western Community College and completing my bachelors degree in Elementary & Special Education from Radford University I taught in many different schools and settings as a math tutor, Special Education Support, Substitute teacher, YMCA Virtual School Teacher and 5th Grade Elementary School Teacher. The day that I became a teacher at Blue Mountain School is the day my whole life changed. I am now filled with joy knowing that I am surrounded by people who know what it is to be a lifelong learner.
It is important to me that my students feel safe and that they are valued as an individual at our school and in our classroom. I value my students not only for their performance in classwork but strive to show them that they learn and grow with their minds, their bodies and their hearts and that each of those aspects are honored and taught. When we embrace each other because of our challenges or celebrations, when students are curious and creative, when students dance on the deck, run on the field and climb trees confidently with joy then I know my job as a teacher is successful.
Teaching is my second life. I worked for 16 years in retail until one day I realized that I control my happiness and destiny and with hard work attending Virginia Western Community College and completing my bachelors degree in Elementary & Special Education from Radford University I taught in many different schools and settings as a math tutor, Special Education Support, Substitute teacher, YMCA Virtual School Teacher and 5th Grade Elementary School Teacher. The day that I became a teacher at Blue Mountain School is the day my whole life changed. I am now filled with joy knowing that I am surrounded by people who know what it is to be a lifelong learner.
David Choquette he/him - Copper Class, 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 fifth 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 fifth year combining all those skills and passions into one glorious learning adventure at Blue Mountain School.
Jagadisha Rotella he/him - 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 she/her - 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.
Amy Malcolm she/her - Ruby Experiential Learning Communities, Civics and Economics Teacher
I’m excited to collaborate with students and families to continue a classroom environment that recognizes and respects individuality and allows each student to grow and succeed! I’ve been an educator for 12 years, and my passion is student-led, project-based learning, where social-emotional learning is the foundation. I graduated from RU in 2012 with a BA in Elementary Education with a concentration in English and Special Education. My certifications include pre-k to 6th and 6th - 8th grade Social studies. I’ve taught in Floyd and Montgomery counties and currently teach 7th and 8th grade Civics and Economics virtually. I’ve been a virtual educator for five years.
I’m originally from Richmond. After many years of living across the country in multiple states, as far as California, we moved to the NRV in 1992. After graduating from RU, my husband and I moved to Floyd. Both of our kids began their schooling career in the Amethyst classroom and are still at Blue Mountain! We enjoy being in and near water, skiing, gardening, golfing, hiking, cooking, practicing yoga, and enjoying the beautiful mountains we call home.
I’m excited to collaborate with students and families to continue a classroom environment that recognizes and respects individuality and allows each student to grow and succeed! I’ve been an educator for 12 years, and my passion is student-led, project-based learning, where social-emotional learning is the foundation. I graduated from RU in 2012 with a BA in Elementary Education with a concentration in English and Special Education. My certifications include pre-k to 6th and 6th - 8th grade Social studies. I’ve taught in Floyd and Montgomery counties and currently teach 7th and 8th grade Civics and Economics virtually. I’ve been a virtual educator for five years.
I’m originally from Richmond. After many years of living across the country in multiple states, as far as California, we moved to the NRV in 1992. After graduating from RU, my husband and I moved to Floyd. Both of our kids began their schooling career in the Amethyst classroom and are still at Blue Mountain! We enjoy being in and near water, skiing, gardening, golfing, hiking, cooking, practicing yoga, and enjoying the beautiful mountains we call home.
Jackie Ruiz she/her - Ruby Experiential Learning Communities, Blue Mountain Free Press Newspaper Teacher
I am incredibly excited and grateful to be spending this time with the Rubies! My educational background is in Studio Art and Printmaking — I received my BA from University of Mary Washington in 2006. Post-graduation-and pre-motherhood-and-publishing-life, my work was in the nonprofit sector for over a decade. At Visarts Richmond I created an SOL-based gallery education curriculum for our international gallery space, and helped to launch a mentorship program called SOHO (Space of Her Own), which paired professional artists with young girls living in government housing, I’ve also been Teen Programming Director of two YMCAs, as well as a scrappy little wonderful basement teen center in Montpelier, Vermont. I’ve written and illustrated two books with Random House since then, and made two wonderful people who are the reason why I moved here!
These times are so intense, but our students feel safe and engaged in a loving and progressive learning community; I am thankful beyond measure for that. It’s why I moved my family here — I believe our kids are the change makers, and learning happens when we feel safe enough to open. I am honored to work with your kids!
I am incredibly excited and grateful to be spending this time with the Rubies! My educational background is in Studio Art and Printmaking — I received my BA from University of Mary Washington in 2006. Post-graduation-and pre-motherhood-and-publishing-life, my work was in the nonprofit sector for over a decade. At Visarts Richmond I created an SOL-based gallery education curriculum for our international gallery space, and helped to launch a mentorship program called SOHO (Space of Her Own), which paired professional artists with young girls living in government housing, I’ve also been Teen Programming Director of two YMCAs, as well as a scrappy little wonderful basement teen center in Montpelier, Vermont. I’ve written and illustrated two books with Random House since then, and made two wonderful people who are the reason why I moved here!
These times are so intense, but our students feel safe and engaged in a loving and progressive learning community; I am thankful beyond measure for that. It’s why I moved my family here — I believe our kids are the change makers, and learning happens when we feel safe enough to open. I am honored to work with your kids!
