I was born in the majestic state of Colorado but moved away as a child. After more than 20 years away, I came back home to the mountains. For years, I have had vivid dreams about mountains paired with Montessori without any clear interpretations. Finally, a gift came from 2020 (and yes, I believe there were hidden treasures from that year): “I’m going to move a Montessori mountain!” But I had no idea what that meant nor how to make it happen. A year and some change later, I am living my mission that has evolved into educational equity. You never know where you’re going until you start on your path. This journey was not accompanied with GPS for me to follow. Instead, I have followed my inner compass of my past experiences and present desires to lead me, and I hope you will come along. I invite all who want to go on this adventure of bringing Montessori to YOU and Montessori to ALL. The late Dr. Feland Meadows, founder of the Pan American Montessori Society and my Montessori professor and mentor, tasked his students to never keep what we have learned to ourselves but to share with everyone!
My 14 years in Montessori education and research have allowed me to uncover some hidden gems to share with my past students, families, and staff members. As we continue to walk through a society of polarized, politicking people, it’s nearly impossible to navigate ourselves, our relationships and the world. Fortunately, Dr. Montessori’s system of education is a guiding light that can lead us from Peace to Equity. Through much of her inclusive work and wisdom that has been eliminated over the past decades from Montessori communities, I challenge adult learners to do what the naysayers fear: examine the past, evaluate the present, and construct a better future for ALL. If “[t]he whole of mankind is one and only one, one race, one class, and one society”–Dr. Montessori’s words, not mine. The adult must revisit a journey that starts within, connects with ALL and reaches the cosmos.
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