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 - Forest Programing 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 24th 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 24th 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 - Amethyst 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 - Amethyst 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.
Alice Moore she/her- Amethyst Class, Early Childhood Teacher
My purposes and focuses in this life are tending Mother Earth and children. Many influences and inspirations found me in my later twenties and early thirties when I became a mother and guide to larger groups of children in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. I hold a BA in Elementary Education with 20 years of experiences with children in and out of the classroom. I’ve been gifted many opportunities to guide children’s groups from
18 months to 12 years old with different methods, such as project based learning with ESL, Montessori, Waldorf, child led homeschooling, and forest learning. I love to share the heart language Spanish with all ages and dialects. Dancing, music and singing are quickly becoming a larger part of my life, as I find an authentic expression. My heart sings for digging in the earth, Chi Gong, ocean salts, mountain views, stocked kitchens and Latin celebrations. My daughters and I love to experience native cultures of any land, traveling off the beaten path for weeks. I feel deeply honored to be guiding, growing and playing with the children at BMS!!!
My purposes and focuses in this life are tending Mother Earth and children. Many influences and inspirations found me in my later twenties and early thirties when I became a mother and guide to larger groups of children in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. I hold a BA in Elementary Education with 20 years of experiences with children in and out of the classroom. I’ve been gifted many opportunities to guide children’s groups from
18 months to 12 years old with different methods, such as project based learning with ESL, Montessori, Waldorf, child led homeschooling, and forest learning. I love to share the heart language Spanish with all ages and dialects. Dancing, music and singing are quickly becoming a larger part of my life, as I find an authentic expression. My heart sings for digging in the earth, Chi Gong, ocean salts, mountain views, stocked kitchens and Latin celebrations. My daughters and I love to experience native cultures of any land, traveling off the beaten path for weeks. I feel deeply honored to be guiding, growing and playing with the children at BMS!!!
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!
Ayana Arrington she/her- Jade Class, Early Elementary Teacher
I am very honored and very glad to be at Blue Mountain School. In August 2024, the verdant,
steep mountains of Blue Ridge called me from the tar-paved, busy streets of my hometown,
Gaithersburg, Maryland.
At school, I love to build and invest in relationships with students. My mission is to bring joy,
good effort, and virtuous principles to myself and others everyday. I love helping students to
make good choices and have fun. My love of literature and social studies led me to undertake a
Bachelor’s degree in American Culture Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Every
year I volunteer at HYA in Callaway, and it led me to begin the next chapter of my life here.
Outside of school, you can find me singing my heart out, cooking for family meals, or hiking. I
am very happy to be here at Blue Mountain School.
I am very honored and very glad to be at Blue Mountain School. In August 2024, the verdant,
steep mountains of Blue Ridge called me from the tar-paved, busy streets of my hometown,
Gaithersburg, Maryland.
At school, I love to build and invest in relationships with students. My mission is to bring joy,
good effort, and virtuous principles to myself and others everyday. I love helping students to
make good choices and have fun. My love of literature and social studies led me to undertake a
Bachelor’s degree in American Culture Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Every
year I volunteer at HYA in Callaway, and it led me to begin the next chapter of my life here.
Outside of school, you can find me singing my heart out, cooking for family meals, or hiking. I
am very happy to be here at Blue Mountain School.
Jacob Sission he/him - Amber Class, 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 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.
Susan Cordell she/her - Ruby Class, Middle School Teacher
I’m beginning my 25th year of education and so excited to be continuing my journey here at Blue Mountain School and this is my third year as a Ruby teacher. Prior to teaching, my profession was in Televison, Radio, and Film. I began teaching in California where 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. This was truly the highlight of each year. Being in Floyd, 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’m beginning my 25th year of education and so excited to be continuing my journey here at Blue Mountain School and this is my third year as a Ruby teacher. Prior to teaching, my profession was in Televison, Radio, and Film. I began teaching in California where 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. This was truly the highlight of each year. Being in Floyd, 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 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.
