The Nest at Anderson Mill
About Us
About the Founders
The Nest was co-founded by Erica Harris and Shavonda Lawson, two mission-driven leaders with a shared vision: to build schools where children are not just educated, but deeply understood. With backgrounds spanning military leadership, early childhood education, counseling, and global community-building, Erica and Shavonda bring a rare blend of heart and strategy to their work.
Their model is rooted in Montessori philosophy and backed by more than 65 years of research into child development. It supports the whole child, socially, emotionally, and academically, through intentional environments, trusted relationships, and purposeful work. Together, they have created learning communities where children are free to explore, belong, and become the thinkers, leaders, and creators they are meant to be.
At the heart of their leadership is a belief in equity, authenticity, and the power of education to transform lives, not just for children, but for families and educators as well.
Erica Harris and Shavonda Lawson (Co-Founder)
Discover the Nest Difference
With over 50 years of combined Montessori experience, we craft individualized learning journeys that honor each child’s temperament, multiple intelligences, and boundless curiosity. In our warm, authentic classrooms, children build confidence, form lasting friendships, and ignite a lifelong love of learning.
See it in action:
Schedule your personalized tour today and watch your child flourish in a community that truly cares.
Candidate for accreditation with NCA CASI, NWAC & SACS CAS
Our Mission
Our philosophy of education focuses on the whole child and their individual learning styles, temperament, and multiple intelligences. Our vision incorporates creating a supportive and authentic classroom environment that structures for the success of each child individually, as well as the community as a whole.
Our Vision
To build a vibrant community of children, parents, and teachers who collaborate in respect and joy. Together, we create a supportive classroom where each child feels valued and empowered to reach their highest potential—both as an individual and as part of our Nest family.
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How We Empower Your Child at
The Nest at Anderson Mill
Independence with responsibility
Children thrive when they take pride in choosing and caring for their work—learning to set up, use, and put away materials thoughtfully.
Concentration
As they master tasks, your child’s ability to focus and stick with challenges builds strong habits for lifelong learning.
Coordination
Engaging, hands-on exercises refine both fine-motor skills (think pencil grip) and visual discrimination (the building blocks of reading).
Order
A thoughtfully arranged environment teaches logical thinking and lays the groundwork for math, problem-solving, and sound decision-making.
Socialization
Guided interactions in mixed-age groups foster empathy, cooperation, and the joy of meaningful friendships.
Academic Growth
From phonics to numeracy, we gently introduce reading, writing, and math in ways that feel like discovery—not drill.
Emotional maturation
Through respectful classrooms and peer collaboration, children develop self-confidence, resilience, and a genuine love of learning.
Self-Control
Inner discipline and personal accountability emerge naturally as children choose their own steps and learn from real-world consequences.
Our Staff
At The Nest, our educators are the heart of everything we do. More than teachers, they’re creative mentors, empathetic listeners, and passionate partners in your child’s journey. Every day, they collaborate with families to craft individualized learning paths, celebrate each milestone, and spark boundless curiosity, making The Nest’s team truly the most dedicated group of educators you’ll ever meet.
