Virginia Potts (She/Her)

I am Virginia from Virginia (Richmond to be specific) and have been in Austin for four wonderful years. Some of my favorite activities include: two stepping at the honky tonks, repairing my clothes, spending time at the pool, reading (audiobooks count too!), spending time on the porch with the cats, Kiwi and Ducky, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

 

Working with children has been part of my life since I was 13. Every summer for nine years was spent teaching children how to rock climb at Passages Adventure Camp in my hometown. Eventually, I became the camp director for the youngest group! I completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University and originally moved to Austin to pursue my Master in Sociology with the goal of becoming a marriage and family therapist- specifically focusing on helping parents learn new parenting styles and creating alignment between the parents around their chosen parenting styles. I ended up touring a Montessori school first and fell in love with the philosophy. I actually went to a Montessori preschool and one of my first memories was using a geoboard! It was a full circle moment for sure.

 

I spent a short time as a Toddler Support Guide at Mariposa Montessori School before being entrusted to a Toddler Lead Guide position there while I began my certification training. It was an honor to be given that position so early in my Montessori journey. After three years as a Lead Guide and completing my Infant/Toddler Lead Guide certification, I decided it was time for a change of pace. I knew Athena was the place for me and I am over the moon to have joined such a dedicated and supportive community of Montessorians. I am looking forward to this next step in my career and making memories with a new group of children, families, and coworkers!

 

I will leave you with my favorite quote from Dr. Montessori... “When the children show her their real natures, she understands perhaps for the first time, what love really is … Once these facts have been seen, one cannot cease from writing and talking about them.”

 

Best,

Virginia