Our Director

Our team of educators is thrilled to be a part of this exciting first chapter in your child’s education! We believe in a bright future for every student at Spring Valley Montessori, and we work tirelessly to create a positive environment that nurtures creativity and inspires learning. We encourage you to get to know our educators and help us keep the door of communication wide open. This is a precious time. Together we are building a solid foundation for our children’s futures.

Meet Our Director

Staff posing together with the director

Christine Lonergan is the mother of four children, an award winning DC public school teacher, a graduate of United Montessori Association, and the creator/director of Spring Valley Montessori Academy.

In response to increased demand for more preschool options, Christine opened Spring Valley in 2005. Since that time, her innovative and award-winning program, specifically designed to meet the educational needs of early childhood learners, has been named “Best of Bethesda” three times!

Educational Background
Christine is a model of life-long learning. From her advanced degrees to multiple certifications, she is well-qualified to prepare the youngest of learners for success in the classroom and beyond. She currently holds the following academic certificates, awards, and degrees:

Awards and Honors

  • Selected for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, a publication honoring the top 5% of America’s teachers, 2004
  • Public Educator of Excellence award from the Masonic Scottish Rite of Washington D.C., 2002
  • Excellence in Education award from the Washington D.C. Jaycees, 1994
  • Teacher-to-Teacher award for “Developing Exemplary Classroom Programs,” D.C. Public Schools, 1993
  • Developer Grant award for “Innovative Instructional Programs,” D.C. Public Schools, 1989