Wendy Meadows
Head of School and Primary Guide
Hello. I have been blessed to work at Montessori West for about 30 years. I am Montessori certified, having taken courses at Clemson University and finishing up my certification through NAMC (North American Montessori Center). As a Montessori educator I find fulfillment in guiding children to become confident, capable individuals who love learning and approach the world with curiosity and joy. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, bike riding, praying, and reading my Bible.
Heather Forrester
Assistant Director
I began a career in Law Enforcement in 1999 where I devoted my time to investigating crimes against children. In 2015, I left the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office to have another child. I have two sons, two daughters and four grandchildren.
I began my journey with Montessori West Christian School in 2021 as the Administrative Assistant before being promoted to Assistant Director in 2025. I also authored a children’s book.
I am a believer in the Montessori method after witnessing my youngest son, at age 2, become a critical thinker, a more independent child, and develop and employ practical life skills of those who were much older than him. This program nurtured his creative abilities as well. He now flourishes in his elementary school classes.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, riding ATV’s, writing, studying scriptures and the Hebrew language.
Chloe Horton
Preprimary Guide
I was born and raised in Spartanburg, SC. I joined Montessori West nearly five years ago as an assistant in the preprimary classroom before transitioning to the role of lead guide and obtaining my Montessori certification. My favorite thing about Montessori education is that we, as guides, get to help grow your child’s natural interests through hands on experiences. When I am not in the classroom I enjoy spending time with my family, taking care of my plant collection, and reading.
Haissen Barrios
Preprimary Guide
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism specializing in Social Communication, and my native language is Spanish. I joined Montessori West Christian School in September 2022. In 2024 I became the lead guide in the preprimary classroom, offering Spanish immersion to our students. I am currently studying for my certification as a Montessori guide for infants from 0 to 3 years old. I enjoy teaching children with the Montessori method because it gives them tools that are truly useful in daily life. It gives them the freedom to explore, feel, and enjoy the learning process at their own pace. Guiding students according to the Montessori approach in my native Spanish languge is a joy. The Montessori philosophy has become a way of life for me that I can apply to my lifestyle and that of my family.
When I’m not teaching, I like to spend as much time as possible with my husband and children outdoors. I love living in South Carolina because it has countless beautiful outdoor places to relax, play, and breathe fresh air. My happy place is the beach, so every little vacation we can we escape to the beach… vitamin SEA is essential for me! In my free time I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, bike riding, praying, and reading my Bible.