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Erica’s journey into Montessori education began as a parent searching for the right preschool for her eldest child. The moment she stepped into a Montessori classroom, she was captivated—the quiet focus of the children, the warmth of their interactions, and the thoughtfully designed materials all left a lasting impression. She quickly realized she had found something special and enrolled her son, followed by her two younger children. What began as a search for the right school soon became a lifelong passion, leading to an unexpected yet fulfilling career shift.
For over 20 years, Erica served as the Executive Director of the Ocean State Montessori School in Rhode Island. During her tenure, she earned her AMS teaching credential, balancing both classroom instruction and the complexities of school administration. We brough her depth of experience and passion to StoryHeights Montessori in 2015 at our genesis, and she has contributed to building a school that is not only dedicated to excellence in education but also driven by a mission to make the world a better place.
Beyond her work in Montessori education, Erica enjoys teaching and practicing yoga, traveling with her husband, and cherishing time with her children and family.
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Tyler and Crystal Tullos are visionary leaders with a deep passion for faith, education, and community impact. Their journey into early childhood education began out of their own frustration with the lack of quality childcare options for their own children. As busy real estate agents, pastors and parents, Tyler and Crystal struggled to find a center that met their high standards for care, education, and values. That all changed when they stumbled upon a former childcare center in Norfolk while scouting properties. Seeing its potential, they felt a deep conviction to bring something better to the market—revitalizing the space and transforming it into a vibrant, high-quality Montessori school that would serve families like theirs.
Crystal brings a wealth of leadership experience, entrepreneurship, and creative vision to StoryHeights Montessori. Her passion for excellence and innovation is evident in every aspect of the school’s development. Tyler, with his strong background in leadership and community-building, ensures that the heart of StoryHeights Montessori remains focused on instilling strong values, fostering meaningful connections, and creating a school culture where every child is seen and celebrated.
Together, Tyler and Crystal are committed to making high-quality, values-driven Montessori education accessible to families. Their dedication extends beyond the classroom, as they continuously seek ways to uplift their community, whether through their church, their businesses, or their philanthropic efforts. You'll find them present on campus many days giving tours, leading staff meetings, fixing things around the campus, and greeting families as they arrive.
When they’re not leading StoryHeights Montessori, Tyler and Crystal love spending time with their four children, watching their kids play sports, spending a quiet night at home, and helping others step into their purpose and potential.