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."

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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.