Peninsula Montessori Academy at Fraser
Montessori & Mandarin Language Immersion. Serving children 3 - 6 years old.
To learn more and schedule a tour please click the link below.
Karuna Mangat, RN, AMI - Head of School
Karuna is a devoted Montessori educator with over 18 years of experience guiding children through their most formative years. Certified with an AMI Diploma, Karuna wholeheartedly embraces the Montessori philosophy, nurturing independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
With a background as a Registered Nurse and in Early Childhood Education, Karuna brings a unique blend of care and educational insight to the classroom. She creates a warm, child-centered environment where each student is respected as an individual and encouraged to learn at their own pace. Her approach to education is joyful, purposeful, and grounded in real-world experiences.
Outside the classroom, Karuna enjoys reading, nature walks, crafting, and gardening—interests that often inspire hands-on learning activities for her students. She considers it a privilege to support children as they grow into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals.
"I am dedicated to creating a thriving, child-centered community where students, educators, and families, feel supported, seen, and inspired!"
Susan Nguyen, Head of School
Meet Our Teachers
Karuna Mangat, RN, AMI -Lead Primary Teacher (3-6)
Karuna Mangat, RN, AMI -Lead Primary Teacher (3-6)
Karuna Mangat, RN, AMI -Lead Primary Teacher (3-6)
Karuna is a devoted Montessori educator with over 18 years of experience guiding children through their most formative years. Certified with an AMI Diploma, Karuna wholeheartedly embraces the Montessori philosophy, nurturing independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
With a background as a Registered Nurse and in Early Chil
Karuna is a devoted Montessori educator with over 18 years of experience guiding children through their most formative years. Certified with an AMI Diploma, Karuna wholeheartedly embraces the Montessori philosophy, nurturing independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
With a background as a Registered Nurse and in Early Childhood Education, Karuna brings a unique blend of care and educational insight to the classroom. She creates a warm, child-centered environment where each student is respected as an individual and encouraged to learn at their own pace. Her approach to education is joyful, purposeful, and grounded in real-world experiences.
Outside the classroom, Karuna enjoys reading, nature walks, crafting, and gardening—interests that often inspire hands-on learning activities for her students. She considers it a privilege to support children as they grow into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals.
Tatia Vega -Assistant Primary Teacher (3-6)
Karuna Mangat, RN, AMI -Lead Primary Teacher (3-6)
Karuna Mangat, RN, AMI -Lead Primary Teacher (3-6)
Tatia is a caring and attentive Montessori Teacher Assistant with a strong commitment to supporting children's growth and development in a nurturing, child-centered environment. With experience in early childhood education and a deep appreciation for the Montessori philosophy, Tatia works closely with lead teachers to create a peaceful,
Tatia is a caring and attentive Montessori Teacher Assistant with a strong commitment to supporting children's growth and development in a nurturing, child-centered environment. With experience in early childhood education and a deep appreciation for the Montessori philosophy, Tatia works closely with lead teachers to create a peaceful, respectful classroom where children are encouraged to explore and learn independently.
She brings patience, organization, and a gentle presence to the classroom, helping to maintain a calm, prepared environment that fosters focus and confidence. Tatia values the uniqueness of every child and supports their individual learning journeys with kindness and encouragement.
When not in the classroom, She enjoys spending time outdoors, creative arts, and reading, which often inspire meaningful connections with the children. She feels honored to be part of a community that helps children grow into thoughtful, capable, and curious individuals.From 2011 to 2016, Yanan taught English at the middle school level at Sanxin Bilingual School in Guangdong Province, China. She has since taught Chinese language courses at Virginia Tech and currently serves as both a volunteer teacher and vice-principal at Blacksburg Chinese School. Her experience spans traditional classrooms, digital learning platforms, and community-based educational environments. Deeply committed to fostering independence, curiosity, and cultural understanding, Yanan’s values and teaching style align closely with the Montessori philosophy.