Head of School

Directress of Children’s House South

Natia Meehan serves as Principal of Siena Academy, the parish school of Saint Catherine of Siena and the only diocesan Montessori school in the Arlington Diocese. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Loyola University and a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Christendom College.

An AMI-certified Montessori educator for ages 0–3 and 3–6, Natia has over 35 years of experience in Montessori classrooms and atria. She is also a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd catechist for all three levels and a Formation Leader. Since joining Siena Academy in 2007, she has served in multiple roles, including Primary Guide, catechist, and parent educator. In addition to her role as Principal, Natia continues to work directly with children in the classroom, reflecting her deep commitment to Montessori education and formation.

Director of Admissions and Administration

 Kim Livaudais serves as the Director of Admissions and Administration at Siena Academy. She holds a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia and has experience teaching, homeschooling, and parish leadership. Kim has been part of the Siena community since 2010 and is dedicated to supporting families and the school’s mission. She enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, as well as cooking, reading, and traveling.

Elementary Guide

Felicity Lang is a homeschool alumna who discovered her passion for Montessori education while working as an assistant at Siena Academy. She completed her Elementary Montessori training through the Montessori Institute of North Texas (MINT) in 2025 and continues to grow in her work with children. Felicity hopes to pursue further formation in both Primary Montessori education and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She enjoys baking, music, and spending time with her husband.

Academic Support, Elementary

Christine Chambers serves as the Elementary Academic Support Specialist at Siena Academy. She holds a degree in English Literature and is a certified Dyslexia Academic Therapist. Christine is also trained in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I and has completed AMI 6–12 Orientation training. As a longtime Montessori parent, she brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her work supporting students.

Assistant, Elementary

Frances was born and raised in Virginia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, with a minor in Theology, from Ave Maria University. She was first introduced to the Montessori method through her Level 1 training in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She has also completed Part I of the Level 2 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training and will finish the second portion this summer. Within the environment, Frances seeks to cultivate a space where children can wonder at creation and grow in understanding of who they are as made in God’s image and likeness.

Assistant, Elementary

Amelia holds a bachelor’s degree in history with a concentration in fine arts from Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts, along with a Catechetical Diploma. She is currently completing Level I training in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Amelia enjoys working with children and spends her free time writing icons, gardening, drawing, and hiking.

Catechist, Elementary

 Jennifer Gregory Miller has a long-standing love for both Montessori education and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She is certified in all CGS levels and has over 15 years of experience working with children, especially at the Elementary level. She recently completed her AMI Primary Diploma through the Washington Montessori Institute. Jennifer holds a B.A. in History with a minor in Sacred Music from Franciscan University of Steubenville and is the creator of the Liturgical Year section on CatholicCulture.org. She lives in Manassas with her husband and two sons and enjoys reading and working with her hands through various crafts.

Directress of Toddler Program

Trish Hogan has been a part of Siena Academy since its founding in 2004. She began as the primary directress of Children’s House South before establishing and leading the Toddler Program in 2007, where she continues to serve. Trish also leads Child-Parent classes and, most recently, completed additional training through Montessori Medical Partnership for Inclusion. She now also serves as the directress of Siena’s Children’s Cottage Program, supporting children with diverse needs.

Toddler Assistant & Administrative Assistant

Rachel Nava serves as both a Toddler Assistant and an Administrative Assistant at Siena Academy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Writing from Franciscan University of Steubenville and has completed the AMI Toddler Introduction Course. As an alumna of Siena, Rachel is dedicated to supporting the school’s mission and fostering a peaceful, engaging environment for children and families.

Directress of Children’s House North

Daniela Talamante brings a joyful and nurturing presence to Siena Academy, shaped by her multicultural background and extensive experience in Montessori education. She holds AMI Primary certification, a Master’s in Montessori Education, and a Master’s in Psychology. Daniela is also trained in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and has experience in a variety of educational and faith-based settings. She is passionate about supporting each child as a unique gift and enjoys spending time with family, singing, and working with languages.

Assistant, Children's House North

Mariah Martin earned her degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Art from Benedictine College. She is currently pursuing her AMI Primary training at the Washington Montessori Institute. Mariah enjoys working with children and expresses her creativity through art, as well as spending time outdoors and running.

Catechist, Children’s House North

Maria Sanchez O’Brien is a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd catechist trained in Levels I, II, and III, with over nine years of classroom experience. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Organizational Management and a Bachelor’s in Political Science. Maria is passionate about working with children in both Montessori and parish settings and enjoys nature, gardening, baking, and spending time with her family.

Catechist, Children’s House South

 Stefanie Austin has served as a catechist in Children’s House South since 2022. She earned her degree from Ave Maria University, where she also received her Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training. Stefanie brings a joyful love for working with young children and is currently continuing her formation through AMI Primary training at the Washington Montessori Institute.

Assistant, Children’s House South

 Tian Rulona is a graduate of George Mason University, where she studied neuroscience and music. Before joining Siena Academy in 2023, she worked in Catholic education and spent time in religious formation. Tian brings a peaceful and joyful presence to the classroom and values the opportunity to work closely with both children and colleagues. She enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and being with loved ones.

Administrative Assistant/Substitute

Clare Burke graduated from Ave Maria University with a degree in Theology and received her Level I Catechesis of the Good Shepherd certification during her studies. She is grateful to serve at Siena Academy and to work with young children in a faith-filled environment. Clare lives in Great Falls with her husband and their growing family.

Assistant, Outdoor Environment

Jackie has a background in public education and has worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and anthropology and enjoys bringing history to life through hands-on experiences. Since her teenage years, she has volunteered and worked with children through activities such as horseback riding programs, farm-based learning, and children’s choirs. Jackie brings a love of gardening, outdoor learning, and experiential education to Siena Academy, along with Level I training in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Administrative Assistant/Substitute

Joan serves as both an administrative assistant and substitute at Siena Academy. She has had an appreciation for Montessori education since childhood, when she participated in an atrium during her First Communion preparation. She is currently completing Level I training in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Joan enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and being outdoors.