Our Staff
Leadership
Nicholas Fonte
Executive Director & White Oaks Guide
Nicholas considers himself blessed to serve the Lord through John XXIII's mission. "God prepared me for this opportunity throughout my spiritual and professional life." Before joining the Center, he served as the Director of Leadership Development for Cana Family Institute, responsible for the leadership formation of hundreds of leaders throughout the nation. He also led a Minnesota Catholic parochial school's transition from the traditional education model to the Montessori method. At a pivotal moment in the school's history, he spent years building a family-focused, joyful community of children, parents, and staff.
Two decades ago, he graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor's Degree in Great Books, in which he studied the seminal works of Western philosophical, theological, scientific, and literary thought. Following college, he lived and worked in a Catholic orphanage for two years in Honduras, where he encountered Christ in the poorest of the poor. Soon after, he experienced a clear call to serve God through His Catholic schools. Nicholas served as a high school teacher and campus minister before pursuing a master's degree in Theology at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Studies in Washington, DC. He then joined a team of educators led by the Nashville Dominican sisters, which founded Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School, where he served as a religion teacher and the Dean of Instruction & Student Life. During this time, he earned a master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Notre Dame. In June of 2016, he received a phone call inviting him to be a Catholic school principal in Minnesota. However, his thin California blood did not adapt well to the cold, and he was delighted to return to Virginia in 2020. "The Lord blessed me with the opportunity to lead John XXIII, and my wife, four children, and I remain ever-grateful to call John XXIII and Front Royal our home."
Laura Accettullo
Head of Catechesis and Mission Integration, Elementary Program Level II and III Catechist, Toddler Atrium Catechist, Sacramental Program Coordinator
A Montessori child herself, Laura believes deeply in the Montessori way of life as foundational to assisting each child to discover his/her unique place in God's plan. After receiving a B.A. in Religion from the University of Virginia, she and her husband Mark incorporated Montessori principles in the home education of their nine children. Since being introduced to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program in 2000, Laura has received CGS certification in Levels I, II, III and Infant-Toddler, and is additionally recognized as a CGS National Formation Leader for Levels I and II. Laura is coordinator with St. John’s parish for John XXIII’s Sacramental preparation, volunteers with the parish's Religious Education program, and is a founding Board member of John XXIII. A proud Nana, she is delighted that seven of her grandchildren attend at the Center. For the past 35 years Laura and Mark have operated Briarmead Farm, a “beyond organic” grass-fed farm producing beef and lamb; a Slow Food DC “Snail of Approval Award” recipient.
Lead Academic GUides
Valentina Craft
Step-Up Toddler Lead Guide
Valentina is our Lead Toddler Guide in the Step-Up Program and comes to us with four years of experience in a Montessori toddler environment. In 2021 she received her Montessori diploma in Assistants to Infancy (toddler training) from the Montessori Training Center of St. Louis and completed her undergraduate studies in special education. She served as a special education teacher before being called to work with toddlers in Montessori. Fluent in Spanish, Valentina is a talented linguist and teaches Spanish classes in the community to children ages 0 - 10. In 2024 she received her diploma of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level I.
Lisa Smith
Lead Primary Guide
Over twenty years of Montessori Primary experience has seasoned Lisa with wisdom and artful skill, which she brings to John XXIII as our Lead Primary Guide. Her professional work includes 16 years at St. Helena Montessori School in California. She holds an AMI Montessori Primary diploma, as well as a BA in special education, and is a certified Level I Catechist in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Over the years, Lisa received additional Montessori training in mathematics, Montessori music, science and culture, art, and serving children with learning disabilities. Lisa is known for the delight she takes in her students. More than simply guiding children to knowledge, she loves each child individually and draws out the best in them. She radiates joy as she accompanies the little ones.
Karen Primeau
Elementary Lead Guide
Karen Primeau brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for Catholic Montessori education to John XXIII. Mrs. Primeau is a certified catechist for Levels I, II, and III of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Her formal academic training includes an AMI Montessori Elementary teaching degree from the Hershey Montessori Training Institute, special needs training, and an advanced catechist certification from the Diocese of Arlington. Mrs. Primeau has extensive experience in parent enrichment programs, curriculum development, and ensuring the world is her elementary students' classroom, connecting them to local land, historical sites, and a community's educational resources. She knows how to provide hands-on experience with wildlife exploration and foster a profound connection with nature. Mrs.Primeau has also worked in Montessori primary and adolescent environments, deepening her understanding of child development and children's unique needs at each stage of life.
Elliot Martin
Farm & Facilities Manager, White Oaks Co-Lead Guide, White Oaks Occupations Guide
Elliot does many things around campus, including handyman repairs, groundskeeping, occupations work with the adolescents, and co-leading the White Oaks program. He graduated from Eastern University in 2015 with a degree in Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics. In 2016 he received a permaculture design certificate from the Possibilities Alliance in rural Missouri. So far, he has completed his AMI Adolescent Orientation course. Before his employment at the Center, Elliot worked construction for several years and pursued missionary work through the Catholic Worker Movement and related ministries. Living nearby, he loves walking to work and church with his family. Elliot and his wife, Maribeth, have one child and enjoy gardening together, going on hikes, and reading good books.
Susan Hibl
Co-Lead Guide for White Oaks, Adolescent Catechist, Assistant Sacramental Prep Coordinator, Level III Catechist on Tuesday and Friday
Susan graduated from Christendom College in 1990 with a BA in English Literature. She began her Catechesis of The Good Shepherd training and assisting at John XXIII in 2006. Susan has worked and is Certified in all three levels of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She is currently working with Level II and III Atrium students and the Adolescents as a Co-Lead and Atrium Guide. Additionally, she has a Catechist Certification from The Diocese of Arlington Office of Faith Formation. Recently, she completed the AMI 12-18 Orientation Course. Susan says that CGS training is a beautiful personal retreat with the Good Shepherd and feels extremely blessed to be able to share this work with children in the beautiful Atrium environment. Assisting in the sacramental preparation with the children has brought her much joy. Susan and her husband Chip have 13 children and 10 grandchildren and live in Bentonville, VA.
Lead catechists
More about Michelle
Michelle has a B.A. in Theology from Christendom College and an M.T.S. in Marriage and Family Studies from John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family. She is certified in Levels I and II of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and holds an Early Childhood diploma through North American Montessori Center. Michelle has been with John XXIII Montessori Center since 2005 and has been Lead Catechist in both Levels I and II as well as Primary Guide for a time. Additionally, she assists with the CGS adult formation courses held at the Center. Michelle and her husband, Bill, have five children, all of whom have attended John XXIII Montessori.
More about Mary
Mary Hambleton has assisted in the Atrium since the early years of John XXIII. She received Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation in 2013. She now drives from Northern Virginia every week so that her children can attend Atrium and is grateful to work and pray in the Level I with the children.
More about Bridgette
Bridget Marrazzo is the Friday Level II and Level III Catechist. She originally completed the formation courses in three levels Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS): Level I, Level II, and Level III when her own children were young and involved them in the Atrium. After her career in private industry, she returned to her first love, working with children. She refreshed her knowledge of CGS by completing the formation courses in 2021 - 2024. At the center, she has serves as an assistant in the Level II Atrium and as a lead Catechist in Level II and III. She has her Bachelors and Masters in Communication from California State University, Long Beach.
Maribeth Martin
Tuesday Level I Catechist
Danielle Matava
Level II Catechist
More about Danielle
Danielle initially came to John XXIII as a prospective parent, but we soon discovered she had completed the formation courses for CGS Levels I and II. Originally joining us an assistant and Level II, we are so grateful to have her as our Elementary Level II Catechist. With four years of experience in Atria, a gentle and peaceful spirit, a bachelor's in theology from Mount St. Mary’s University, and a master’s in clinical psychology from Divine Mercy University, she is a beautiful witness to Christ for our children.
Jane Millette
Level II & III Catechist
White Oaks Science Guide
More about Jane
Jane joined White Oaks as the Science Guide in 2023. She is a certified Montessori Guide in the adolescent program, and is completing her online Master’s degree in Montessori Education at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She earned a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree majoring in Biology-Physics, and a Master of Education degree in Biology. She holds advanced and postgraduate professional certificates in MD and VA to teach biology for adolescents at ages 12-18. She taught for four years as a Montessori Upper Elementary Guide, and has at least 30 years of teaching experience in Japan, the Philippines, and the United States at various age groups from elementary to college levels.
Jane completed her Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation for Levels I, II and III. She is our current Level II catechist on Friday afternoons and Level III catechist on Monday mornings. She loves to integrate art, math and theology in the natural sciences; and looks at science as a way of experiencing the divine in the material world. She is enthused about molding the adolescents in their ordinary work through life skills, work habits and a passion for learning and study using their natural gifts and talents.
Jane enjoys spending time with family, and is blessed with two girls, and recently, a granddaughter.
Liz Powell
God's Creation in Nature & Science
Lead Guide
More about Liz
Liz has received formation for Infant-Toddler, Level I, and Level II Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and has been involved at John XXIII in various roles throughout the years. She is also a certified Master Gardener. Her gentle spirit and willingness to get her hands dirty are a great gift to our community.
Assistants
Amy Angulo
Primary / Children's House Assistant
More about Amy
Amy Angulo is the Primary Assistant at John XXIII Montessori Center, specializing in nurturing children aged 3-5. A graduate of Seton Homestudy School in June 2023, Amy has cultivated extensive experience working with young children across diverse environments and roles. She is an atrium child herself, she has volunteered at Joyful Child in Purcerville as a level I assistant, and she has served as a primary assistant at Renaissance Montessori School in Nokesville, VA. She is a Level I trained CGS. Amy discovered her passion for working with children while working at her parish summer camp “Summer at Sacred Heart” (SASH). She has been an instructor there every summer since 2020. Passionate about integrating her Catholic faith into
her work, she views her role as a primary assistant as an exciting opportunity to blend her dedication to education with her commitment to service. She believes in the importance of instilling values and creating a supportive environment where children can thrive. Amy is eager to continue her professional growth, further developing her skills in Montessori education and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. With a strong work ethic and a genuine love for working with children. Her long-term goal is to one day be trained in all levels and in Montessori education!
Ursula Angulo
Level I Atrium Assistant
Gianna Baker
Level I Atrium Assistant
More about Gianna
Gianna will accompanies our toddlers in the Step-Up program and a Mommy & Me Atrium as an Assistant, in addition to assisting in a Level I Atrium. She is a certified Level I Catechist. Prior to joining John XXIII, she was a missionary catechist for the Apostolate for Family Consecration. Her homeschool education was modeled after the Montessori method, and her goal is to become a trained Montessori guide. She is adept at horseback riding.
Casey Irvine
Elementary Assistant
Eileen Janaro
White Oaks Guide
More about Eileen
Eileen Janaro graduated with a Masters in English from the University of Dallas. She has been teaching for over 20 years, inspired by Montessori principles for the better part, and served as the Center’s Montessori Elementary Directress from 2009-2023 before changing roles to serve our adolescents at White Oaks. Eileen completed her AMI Elementary certification as well as a Master's degree in Montessori Elementary Education at The Washington Montessori Institute at Loyola University of Maryland. Eileen and her husband, John, have been blessed with five children.
Cheryl Jensen
Primary Atrium Assistant
More about Cheryl
Miss Cheryl is our Level I Catechist for the Primary Program. She has three children at John XXIII in Elementary and Primary. Cheryl has served in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atria and Montessori classrooms since 2008. She has served as a Primary guide, assisted in Toddler, Primary, and Elementary environments, and led Level I Atria. She completed the formation courses for all four levels of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Infant-Toddler, Level I (3-6), Level II (6-9), and Level III (9-12). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Mental Health and Human Services from Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Nikki Niles
Level I Atrium Assistant
Rachel Riordan
Step-Up Toddler Assistant
Clare Schuman
Primary Outdoor Assistant
Carolyn Thomas
White Oaks Math Guide
More about Dr. Thomas
Carolyn is immensely grateful to serve the Lord and the students at John XXIII. She has a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of California, San Diego and is a retired community college professor. She's now found a new calling as a guide in the White Oaks program where she can share the beauty of God's creation as seen in mathematics.
administration
Kelsey McManus
Office Manager