Our Faculty
Ashley Blunt
Head of School
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With a lifelong passion for education and child development, Ms. Ashley brings deep experience and heartfelt dedication to her role as Head of School at The Woods. Her journey in education began at the age of 16, inspired by the transformative impact that caring, engaged teachers had on her own life. Their support not only ignited a love of learning but also shaped her desire to create that same sense of belonging and encouragement for every child she teaches.
Ms. Ashley studied Deaf and Special Education at both The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Radford University, before earning a degree in Communication with an emphasis on Non-Profit Public Relations from George Mason University. This unique educational background has given her a strong foundation in both the academic and social-emotional aspects of school leadership.
She began her career at The Springs, our sister school, in 2017 as a floater and quickly rose through various roles, including Assistant Teacher, Intern, Lead Teacher, and School Resource Specialist, serving both The Springs and The Woods. Her leadership and commitment to student growth led her to become Assistant Head of School at The Woods, and she now proudly serves as Head of School.
At the heart of Ms. Ashley’s work is a belief in the power of being seen and supported. child feels known, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Ashley Blunt
Head of SchoolWith a lifelong passion for education and child development, Ms. Ashley brings deep experience and heartfelt dedication to her role as Head of School at The Woods. Her journey in education began at the age of 16, inspired by the transformative impact that caring, engaged teachers had on her own life. Their support not only ignited a love of learning but also shaped her desire to create that same sense of belonging and encouragement for every child she teaches.
Ms. Ashley studied Deaf and Special Education at both The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Radford University, before earning a degree in Communication with an emphasis on Non-Profit Public Relations from George Mason University. This unique educational background has given her a strong foundation in both the academic and social-emotional aspects of school leadership.
She began her career at The Springs, our sister school, in 2017 as a floater and quickly rose through various roles, including Assistant Teacher, Intern, Lead Teacher, and School Resource Specialist, serving both The Springs and The Woods. Her leadership and commitment to student growth led her to become Assistant Head of School at The Woods, and she now proudly serves as Head of School.
At the heart of Ms. Ashley’s work is a belief in the power of being seen and supported. child feels known, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Ms. Deidre
Office Manager
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Ms. Deidre is the Office Manager and has been working at The Woods for six years. Before joining the administrative team, Ms. Deidre was an assistant in both Classroom A and Classroom B. She has worked with children for over 8 years and has taught children ranging from 6 weeks to 12 years old. Ms. Deidre enjoys working with children because she enjoys seeing so many smiles, she loves watching each of them grow in their ability to learn, and she loves being able to learn from them as well. Being a part of our administrative team also allows Ms. Deidre the opportunity to have wonderful interactions with the parents, which she truly enjoys as well! In addition to her own schooling, Ms. Deidre has taken several Montessori Training courses. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her incredible six-year-old son named Brian, who is also a student here at The Woods. She also enjoys makeup, shopping, singing, traveling, changing up her hair, going to the beach, and she is a huge Marvel superfan!
Ms. Deidre
Office ManagerMs. Deidre is the Office Manager and has been working at The Woods for six years. Before joining the administrative team, Ms. Deidre was an assistant in both Classroom A and Classroom B. She has worked with children for over 8 years and has taught children ranging from 6 weeks to 12 years old. Ms. Deidre enjoys working with children because she enjoys seeing so many smiles, she loves watching each of them grow in their ability to learn, and she loves being able to learn from them as well. Being a part of our administrative team also allows Ms. Deidre the opportunity to have wonderful interactions with the parents, which she truly enjoys as well! In addition to her own schooling, Ms. Deidre has taken several Montessori Training courses. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her incredible six-year-old son named Brian, who is also a student here at The Woods. She also enjoys makeup, shopping, singing, traveling, changing up her hair, going to the beach, and she is a huge Marvel superfan!
Laura Chonko
Director of Enrollment and Parent Engagement
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Ms. Laura brings a diverse professional background in education, project management, communications, and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has enjoyed working with families, community organizations, and government agencies, building relationships, coordinating events, and creating opportunities for people to connect. Most recently, Laura spent several years as a contractor supporting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where she worked in strategic communications for the Homeless Programs Office and served as a project manager for healthcare initiatives across VA Medical Centers in the Mid-Atlantic region. She has also led volunteer programs, community outreach efforts, and service projects focused on building connections and strengthening community.
As a parent of three boys, Laura is passionate about fostering strong school communities and creating welcoming experiences for current and prospective families. She is excited to support The Springs and The Woods through enrollment, communications, and community events while helping share the Montessori experience with others.
When she's not working or volunteering, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, playing softball and volleyball, and traveling. Banff, Canada, is at the top of her travel bucket list!
Laura Chonko
Director of Enrollment and Parent EngagementMs. Laura brings a diverse professional background in education, project management, communications, and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has enjoyed working with families, community organizations, and government agencies, building relationships, coordinating events, and creating opportunities for people to connect. Most recently, Laura spent several years as a contractor supporting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where she worked in strategic communications for the Homeless Programs Office and served as a project manager for healthcare initiatives across VA Medical Centers in the Mid-Atlantic region. She has also led volunteer programs, community outreach efforts, and service projects focused on building connections and strengthening community.
As a parent of three boys, Laura is passionate about fostering strong school communities and creating welcoming experiences for current and prospective families. She is excited to support The Springs and The Woods through enrollment, communications, and community events while helping share the Montessori experience with others.
When she's not working or volunteering, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, playing softball and volleyball, and traveling. Banff, Canada, is at the top of her travel bucket list!
Daniel Clifford
Executive Director and Director of Finance
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Mr. Dan brings over 15 years of experience in Montessori education and holds certifications in both Early Childhood and Lower Elementary. With a unique background that blends technical expertise and educational insight, he holds a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from George Washington University and another in Education from Xavier University—an intersection that allows
a deep understanding of child development. Outside the school, Mr. Dan is a devoted husband and proud father of three, all graduates of The Springs or The Woods. He enjoys reading fantasy novels and cheering on his children at their lacrosse games.
Daniel Clifford
Executive Director and Director of FinanceMr. Dan brings over 15 years of experience in Montessori education and holds certifications in both Early Childhood and Lower Elementary. With a unique background that blends technical expertise and educational insight, he holds a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from George Washington University and another in Education from Xavier University—an intersection that allows
a deep understanding of child development. Outside the school, Mr. Dan is a devoted husband and proud father of three, all graduates of The Springs or The Woods. He enjoys reading fantasy novels and cheering on his children at their lacrosse games.