Meet Our Educational Team
Our educators ignite curiosity, spark big ideas, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning in every child.​ With a deep commitment to Montessori principles and child development, our teachers create a supportive environment where students are empowered to explore, discover, and grow. They form meaningful connections, honoring each child’s individuality and fostering independence with care and respect.
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Our Leadership Team
Parkside’s strength is also a reflection of our leadership.
Our administrative team has been working together for over ten years, creating a foundation of stability, trust, and shared vision for our school community. This long-standing collaboration means we know each other’s strengths, communicate seamlessly, and approach challenges with a unified perspective. For families, this continuity translates into consistent leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and a deep commitment to supporting both children and parents. Most importantly, our experience working side by side allows us to remain focused on what matters most, nurturing a thriving environment where children can grow and succeed.
Mike Brown
Founder / Principal
Mr. Mike Brown's journey in early childhood education spans nearly three decades. He was recently named a finalist for the Virginia Child Care Aware "Heart of Service Lifetime Achievement Award", a recognition that celebrates decades of meaningful service to children, families, and the field of early childhood education. Currently, in addition to building the Parkside community, he serves as a Montessori advocate with VQB5 and on the Foundation First CE Action Team.
Heidi Lara
Administrative Dean /
Spanish Language Program Coordinator
Heidi brings over fifteen years of dedicated Montessori experience to the Parkside community, holding credentials for the entire First Plane of Development (birth through age six). she utilizes her training in language development to oversee the pedagogical integrity of our classrooms and the development of our Spanish Language Program. Additionally, Heidi’ has specialized training in school safety reinforcing our commitment to a secure, nurturing environment.
