By LAURA COX TODDSVILLE

When Gina Reeves was 7, her teacher took her pupils outside and taught them arithmetic by counting acorns.
“I learned that different kids learn in different ways and when you teach in only one way you can’t catch everyone.”
It was her “ah, ha” moment, one that eventually led her to the Montessori Method and its “follow the child” philosphy.
Raised in Delaware, Reeves received her bachelor’s and master’s in education at the University of Delaware.
She spent years as a public school teacher, director of curriculum and teacher trainer in traditional schools.
Then, parents from the struggling Hockessin (Del.) Montessori School approached her and she agreed to try to help, accepting the head of school position there.
In 12 years, she took the Hockessin school from a basement classroom with 24 students and two teachers to a 210-student school with its own large building.
At first, being an administrator had its difficulties Reeves admits.
“I thought I had to fix everything,” she said, “but I learned the importance of collaboration. It is huge in every layer of school and life. No one is the end all be all.”
She learned to lead her staff the way she wanted them to teach, by playing to their strengths.
Challenges met, she accepted the head position at Welsh Hills Montessori, Granville, Ohio, when she spent seven years before Brookwood’s year-long search brought her here.
“I have tried to observe what is going on in the classrooms,” she said, describing her approach to her new duties. “I can’t value or help teachers without observing.”
She added, “We have a passionate staff that cares about education.”
That, the new facility, the grounds and rural setting, and the possibilities for growth attracted her to Brookwood.
“I find it is extremely important to work for a mission-driven organization, and I am excited about working with the board,” she said.
She is already opening up the facility for community events, expanding the programming to facilitate classes for children through middle school, adding adult-education opportunities, and providing more art and music opportunities for the students.
“I have to see what I’ve got to bring to the party,” Reeves said, “Doing something with a purpose is important to me and hopefully I can add what I have learned through experience and trial and error over the years.”
The move came at a good time personally, as well.
Daughter Adele, 21, had been attending college near her mother in Ohio, but is studying Japanese and is soon moving to Japan.
Son William, 24, lives in Delaware, so this career move bring her nearer to him.
Reeves and her husband have taken up residence on the East side of the lake up near Glimmerglass State Park.