Creating the future of Montessori Education
The Prepared Montessorian team consists of a varied group of intellectuals, educators, school leaders and professionals, all contributing in unique value to the work of creating a Montessori future.
Creating the future of Montessori Education
The Prepared Montessorian team consists of a varied group of intellectuals, educators, school leaders and professionals, all contributing in unique value to the work of creating a Montessori future.
About Us
Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. Drop us a line at hello@preparedmontessorian.com
About Us
Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. Drop us a line at hello@preparedmontessorian.com
Our Purpose
The Prepared Montessorian is a professional development platform that provides the practicing adult Montessori educator with the “prepared environment” necessary to optimally guide the communities under her care. Maria Montessori studied how children learn to create her methodology, and we study how adults learn to mirror her approach with children.
Prepared Montessorian is designed to offer enough upfront to get someone started and then to couple the learning they do along the way with their practice in an actual environment (usually as an assistant guide but even sometimes when an adult learner is already a lead). The training is designed specifically to learn a new principle, concept, or approach and employ it into practice immediately before reconvening and discussing how that new practice worked or didn’t work. This is the equivalent of Montessori’s development of the “hand and of the mind” working in conjunction.
We aim to make learning more affordable and available, in order to make it easier for our students to begin teaching as soon as possible. As it is widely accepted that Montessori teachers shouldn’t be expected to be masters in their first years of teaching, Prepared Montessorian is trying to find ways to speed up the process of gaining wisdom previously only thought to be possible through trial and error in the classroom.
We are empowered by technology which allows us to do this. We were doing distance learning before it was popular! We offer guided video observations of current challenging circumstances, and we problem-solve as a community, observing with various classroom experiences, video-conferencing with Montessori experts around the world while practicing with materials, and video assessing one’s practice to enhance self-awareness of a guide’s initial strengths and weaknesses. It’s a misconception that distance learning requires compromising on quality. Prepared Montessorian is using technology to enhance programming, to translate it and offer it in multiple languages, and to engage with the world’s Montessori community.
Our Values.
Follow the adult. Always adapt the “environment” to the adult learner, never the other way. Our trainings are accessible along multiple dimensions. They are designed to adhere to the methods by which people deeply learn, at the times and places in which they need to learn and can best learn.
Knowledge through the mind and the hand. The only way to learn is by practice. One learns by doing, again and again.Likewise, there is no such thing as unapplied knowledge. Knowledge by its nature wants to be lived.
Democratize depth. Guiding others to learn requires the distillation of complex, powerful ideas into clear, memorable experiences, simple, pithy presentations, and fresh, grounded perspectives—that together convey substance and depth without convolution.
Technology aids pedagogy. Seek opportunities to use technology to amplify and even rethink how one observes, learns, self-reflects, and grows. Tried and true is a springboard, not a bedrock.
High-structure, high-agency learning. An adult, just like a child, thrives when agency is respected. And an adult, like a child, benefits tremendously from the right learning structure. Respect, draw upon, and inspire learner agency, and give structures, such as curricula and assessment mechanisms, that accelerate successful learning.
Our Team
Joel Mendes
Joel Mendes is our Executive Director. He has worked in the school setting since graduating from California State University with a BA in English Education and Literature and a California Teaching Credential, and over the years has taught and had leadership roles in schools serving both children and adults. It was when Joel became Head of a Montessori school that things really changed for him. Not only did he have the chance to work with remarkable Montessori children, he witnessed first-hand the benefits of Montessori as a father to three children attending the same school. Joel dove into Montessori completely, earning his Montessori Certification from Montessori Insitute of San Diego and mentoring his colleagues along the way. Today, Joel leads the Prepared Montessorian team, and uses his expertise to create and deliver high-fidelity training and resources to practicing Montessorians.
Joel Mendes
Joel Mendes is our Executive Director. He has worked in the school setting since graduating from California State University with a BA in English Education and Literature and a California Teaching Credential, and over the years has taught and had leadership roles in schools serving both children and adults. It was when Joel became Head of a Montessori school that things really changed for him. Not only did he have the chance to work with remarkable Montessori children, he witnessed first-hand the benefits of Montessori as a father to three children attending the same school. Joel dove into Montessori completely, earning his Montessori Certification from Montessori Insitute of San Diego and mentoring his colleagues along the way. Today, Joel leads the Prepared Montessorian team, and uses his expertise to create and deliver high-fidelity training and resources to practicing Montessorians.
Rebecca Girn
Rebecca Girn is our Executive Program Director. Rebecca is a lifelong Montessorian who also trained as an attorney. She earned her undergraduate degree in Classical Studies from the University of Chicago and her law degree from the UCLA School of Law. She also holds two AMI Montessori teaching diplomas at both the 0 to 3 and the 3 to 6 levels. She has studied various disciplinary methods, such as Positive Discipline and Parent Effectiveness Training (PET), and has observed in hundreds of classrooms, supporting hundreds of Montessori Guides. She believes deeply that the adult learner has the capacity to transform and transcend amid a process that requires trust, respect, and patience.
Rebecca Girn
Rebecca Girn is our Executive Program Director. Rebecca is a lifelong Montessorian who also trained as an attorney. She earned her undergraduate degree in Classical Studies from the University of Chicago and her law degree from the UCLA School of Law. She also holds two AMI Montessori teaching diplomas at both the 0 to 3 and the 3 to 6 levels. She has studied various disciplinary methods, such as Positive Discipline and Parent Effectiveness Training (PET), and has observed in hundreds of classrooms, supporting hundreds of Montessori Guides. She believes deeply that the adult learner has the capacity to transform and transcend amid a process that requires trust, respect, and patience.
Mariana Serralde
Mariana Serralde is our Senior Trainer. Mariana has been a Montessori educator for more than 20 years, working as a Children’s House Guide, Head of School, Montessori Mentor and currently as a Senior Montessori Trainer. She holds an AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego, a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Second Language Learning. Her passion for Montessori and diverse experience across the world brings about an empathetic approach to spreading Montessori pedagogy. Mariana has worked and supported several teachers and schools throughout her journey, including bilingual Montessori environments at all levels and collaborating in the development of a dual-language Montessori model for one of the first public dual-language Montessori schools.
Mariana Serralde
Mariana Serralde is our Senior Trainer. Mariana has been a Montessori educator for more than 20 years, working as a Children’s House Guide, Head of School, Montessori Mentor and currently as a Senior Montessori Trainer. She holds an AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego, a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Second Language Learning. Her passion for Montessori and diverse experience across the world brings about an empathetic approach to spreading Montessori pedagogy. Mariana has worked and supported several teachers and schools throughout her journey, including bilingual Montessori environments at all levels and collaborating in the development of a dual-language Montessori model for one of the first public dual-language Montessori schools.
Han Zhang
Han Zhang is the VP of Operations at Prepared Montessorian Institute. In her everyday role, she leads the Operations team to build and optimize our systems, processes, and data to provide the best experience to our learners.
Like many people, she discovered and fell in love with the Montessori pedagogy when she first became a parent. As she explored different parenting philosophies, she stumbled upon the Montessori method through a YouTube video by @hapafamilyvlog who shares her experience implementing Montessori at home with her own daughters.
This newfound interest made her decide to change her career completely from serving large financial and aerospace companies as a management consultant to joining the PMI team to help grow its training programs so that more people like her could discover Montessori and have access to high quality Montessori training from anywhere in the world.
Han is currently pursuing the Children’s House Montessori teacher certification program with PMI while being a full-time working parent. She is excited by the challenge to design a training program that can help other full-time working parents and educators like her pursue their Montessori certification.
Outside of work, she is also a practicing artist who has exhibited her work internationally (see examples of her artwork at han-studio.com).
Han Zhang
Han Zhang is the VP of Operations at Prepared Montessorian Institute. In her everyday role, she leads the Operations team to build and optimize our systems, processes, and data to provide the best experience to our learners.
Like many people, she discovered and fell in love with the Montessori pedagogy when she first became a parent. As she explored different parenting philosophies, she stumbled upon the Montessori method through a YouTube video by @hapafamilyvlog who shares her experience implementing Montessori at home with her own daughters.
This newfound interest made her decide to change her career completely from serving large financial and aerospace companies as a management consultant to joining the PMI team to help grow its training programs so that more people like her could discover Montessori and have access to high quality Montessori training from anywhere in the world.
Han is currently pursuing the Children’s House Montessori teacher certification program with PMI while being a full-time working parent. She is excited by the challenge to design a training program that can help other full-time working parents and educators like her pursue their Montessori certification.
Outside of work, she is also a practicing artist who has exhibited her work internationally (see examples of her artwork at han-studio.com).
Dr Matt Bateman
Matt Bateman is our Montessori Theory Trainer and Educational Historian. Matt earned his BA from Sarah Lawrence College. While there, he worked in their Child Development Center researching the nature of early personality development in children. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied the history of thought in philosophy and psychology. Matt brings to Prepared Montessorian his expertise in intellectual history and experience in teaching in higher education. He serves as a Montessori theory trainer for all levels and works with other trainers and trainers-in-training in keeping the organization’s depth of theoretical understanding fresh, consistent, and sharp. He is constantly pushing himself and others to better understand the pedagogy of teacher training.
Dr Matt Bateman
Matt Bateman is our Montessori Theory Trainer and Educational Historian. Matt earned his BA from Sarah Lawrence College. While there, he worked in their Child Development Center researching the nature of early personality development in children. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied the history of thought in philosophy and psychology. Matt brings to Prepared Montessorian his expertise in intellectual history and experience in teaching in higher education. He serves as a Montessori theory trainer for all levels and works with other trainers and trainers-in-training in keeping the organization’s depth of theoretical understanding fresh, consistent, and sharp. He is constantly pushing himself and others to better understand the pedagogy of teacher training.
Lindsay Journo
Lindsay Journo is our Executive Program Director. Over the past 25 years, Lindsay has worked in numerous educational roles, including Guide, Head of School, Curriculum Director, Professional Development Coach, and Trainer. Her career highlights include being a founding member of two national networks of Montessori schools and designing a comprehensive literature program for elementary students. Lindsay holds an AMI Primary diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego, a Bachelor of Education from York University, and an Honors Specialist Certification in the teaching of English from the University of Toronto. In her current role as an Elementary Trainer for Prepared Montessorian, Lindsay relishes introducing adult learners to the wonder and power of the Montessori method.
Lindsay Journo
Lindsay Journo is our Executive Program Director. Over the past 25 years, Lindsay has worked in numerous educational roles, including Guide, Head of School, Curriculum Director, Professional Development Coach, and Trainer. Her career highlights include being a founding member of two national networks of Montessori schools and designing a comprehensive literature program for elementary students. Lindsay holds an AMI Primary diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego, a Bachelor of Education from York University, and an Honors Specialist Certification in the teaching of English from the University of Toronto. In her current role as an Elementary Trainer for Prepared Montessorian, Lindsay relishes introducing adult learners to the wonder and power of the Montessori method.
Ana Amiguet
Ana Amiguet is our Senior Trainer. Ana was a Montessori child and credits her love of learning to her experiences in a Children's House classroom. This background spurred her to complete her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Brown University, a Masters in Montessori Education from Loyola College in Maryland, and then an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego. Ana has worked as a Lead Guide in Children's Houses and has also held various Montessori administrative roles. Her favorite role by far is her current one on the Prepared Montessorian team, helping to train and support Guides bring this amazing teaching methodology to children.
Ana Amiguet
Ana Amiguet is our Senior Trainer. Ana was a Montessori child and credits her love of learning to her experiences in a Children's House classroom. This background spurred her to complete her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Brown University, a Masters in Montessori Education from Loyola College in Maryland, and then an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego. Ana has worked as a Lead Guide in Children's Houses and has also held various Montessori administrative roles. Her favorite role by far is her current one on the Prepared Montessorian team, helping to train and support Guides bring this amazing teaching methodology to children.
Asiya Peerzade
Asiya Peerzade is a Programs Manager, Trainer, and Coach. After the birth of her daughter, she became fascinated with children and their development, which fueled her passion to pursue a career in early childhood education. She took the Montessori training from Indian Montessori Training Center in India and obtained a master's in early childhood education from Worcester State University. Over the past 20 years, Asiya has had the privilege of working in serval Montessori communities in India and the USA in various capacities, both in the classroom and administrative/leadership roles. She is also a certified Parenting Coach and Professional Development Coach. Hence, has gained extensive practical experience of working with children, guides/teachers, and parents. She is very passionate about the Montessori philosophy and loves sharing her passion.
Asiya Peerzade
Asiya Peerzade is a Programs Manager, Trainer, and Coach. After the birth of her daughter, she became fascinated with children and their development, which fueled her passion to pursue a career in early childhood education. She took the Montessori training from Indian Montessori Training Center in India and obtained a master's in early childhood education from Worcester State University. Over the past 20 years, Asiya has had the privilege of working in serval Montessori communities in India and the USA in various capacities, both in the classroom and administrative/leadership roles. She is also a certified Parenting Coach and Professional Development Coach. Hence, has gained extensive practical experience of working with children, guides/teachers, and parents. She is very passionate about the Montessori philosophy and loves sharing her passion.
Emily Daggett
As a child, Emily attended Montessori programs in Portland, OR through middle school. She credits her education with fostering a love of learning that continues to serve her today. After earning a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Occidental College, Emily traveled the world and found her way back to her roots. She received her Montessori 3-6 and 6-12 certification from the Association Montessori Internationale, as well as an M.Ed. from Loyola University. She is currently working on completing her 0-3 training. Emily has worked with children ages 18 months to 12 years in Montessori settings and most recently served as Communication Manager at Montessori Northwest training center. She hopes to use her background as a Montessori child turned educator to advocate for high quality education for all children.
Emily Daggett
As a child, Emily attended Montessori programs in Portland, OR through middle school. She credits her education with fostering a love of learning that continues to serve her today. After earning a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Occidental College, Emily traveled the world and found her way back to her roots. She received her Montessori 3-6 and 6-12 certification from the Association Montessori Internationale, as well as an M.Ed. from Loyola University. She is currently working on completing her 0-3 training. Emily has worked with children ages 18 months to 12 years in Montessori settings and most recently served as Communication Manager at Montessori Northwest training center. She hopes to use her background as a Montessori child turned educator to advocate for high quality education for all children.
James Lu
James Lu is one of our Montessori Mentors. James earned a Master degree in International Communication from University of Leeds and Television Art from Communication University of China. He also holds a Montessori Infant Toddler guide certification and Montessori Elementary guide certification from the Association Montessori Internationale. He received a Montessori Primary certification from Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington in 2012, and in the same year, he started his teaching career in Montessori Children's House of North Forsyth, Gainesville, Georgia. Since qualifying as an Elementary guide in 2018, he has been teaching both lower and upper elementary levels in Ivy League Montessori and Arbor Montessori.
James Lu
James Lu is one of our Montessori Mentors. James earned a Master degree in International Communication from University of Leeds and Television Art from Communication University of China. He also holds a Montessori Infant Toddler guide certification and Montessori Elementary guide certification from the Association Montessori Internationale. He received a Montessori Primary certification from Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington in 2012, and in the same year, he started his teaching career in Montessori Children's House of North Forsyth, Gainesville, Georgia. Since qualifying as an Elementary guide in 2018, he has been teaching both lower and upper elementary levels in Ivy League Montessori and Arbor Montessori.
Heidi Morrison
Heidi Morrison is our Director of Program Support for Early Childhood. She has spent the last 20 years in the Montessori world. She earned a master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Mercy College, New York, and a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She also holds a Montessori Children's House certification from AMI and is Colorado Director Qualified.
Heidi spent a decade teaching in Montessori schools in New York before transitioning into various administrative roles, including Director of Admissions, Director of Early Childhood and Head of School. She has been involved with startup Montessori schools, as well as very established ones in her career. She consulted with several Montessori schools to start 0-3 classes for parents and children and has led many parent-education events on topics ranging from toileting to literacy development. She is passionate about introducing families to a Montessori way of life and mentoring Guides, both new and experienced, in their Montessori practice.
Heidi Morrison
Heidi Morrison is our Director of Program Support for Early Childhood. She has spent the last 20 years in the Montessori world. She earned a master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Mercy College, New York, and a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She also holds a Montessori Children's House certification from AMI and is Colorado Director Qualified.
Heidi spent a decade teaching in Montessori schools in New York before transitioning into various administrative roles, including Director of Admissions, Director of Early Childhood and Head of School. She has been involved with startup Montessori schools, as well as very established ones in her career. She consulted with several Montessori schools to start 0-3 classes for parents and children and has led many parent-education events on topics ranging from toileting to literacy development. She is passionate about introducing families to a Montessori way of life and mentoring Guides, both new and experienced, in their Montessori practice.
Helen Greenwood
Helen Greenwood is our Elementary Trainer. Hailing from Australia and originally working as a high school music and English teacher, Helen has always been interested in the Montessori Method. When AMI offered their inaugural Elementary Diploma in Australia in 2003, Helen jumped at the chance to retrain and worked in Montessori schools in Sydney for over a decade. She has worked in the lower and upper elementary levels and also in the role of Additional Needs Coordinator, working with children with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and other learning difficulties within a Montessori setting. Since relocating to San Francisco in 2015, Helen has supported Montessori elementary teachers through developing training and professional development.
Helen Greenwood
Helen Greenwood is our Elementary Trainer. Hailing from Australia and originally working as a high school music and English teacher, Helen has always been interested in the Montessori Method. When AMI offered their inaugural Elementary Diploma in Australia in 2003, Helen jumped at the chance to retrain and worked in Montessori schools in Sydney for over a decade. She has worked in the lower and upper elementary levels and also in the role of Additional Needs Coordinator, working with children with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and other learning difficulties within a Montessori setting. Since relocating to San Francisco in 2015, Helen has supported Montessori elementary teachers through developing training and professional development.
Laura Kalama
Laura is our Nido and Toddler Trainer. Over the past 15 years, Laura has been actively involved in early childhood education. She studied education with an emphasis on music at Bridgewater College, Virginia, then moved to California to work with infant and toddler families. She received her Montessori training from the Prepared Montessorian and served as a Lead Nido Guide before joining our team.
Laura Kalama
Laura is our Nido and Toddler Trainer. Over the past 15 years, Laura has been actively involved in early childhood education. She studied education with an emphasis on music at Bridgewater College, Virginia, then moved to California to work with infant and toddler families. She received her Montessori training from the Prepared Montessorian and served as a Lead Nido Guide before joining our team.
Letty Rising
Letty Rising is our Elementary Trainer. During her last undergraduate year at UC Santa Barbara where she earned a BA in Sociology, she took a course that involved her spending a day at a Montessori school. She was deeply moved by her observation, and felt inspired to enroll in a Montessori teacher training program. She received her AMI 6-12 diploma from the Washington Montessori Institute and her Master's Degree in Education from Loyola University. In addition, she has her California State Teaching Credential and has worked in public, private, and charter school settings for 20 years. She has held positions as a Homeschool Education Specialist, Montessori Elementary Teacher, School Director, Principal, Montessori Coordinator, Teacher Trainer, and Consultant with several Montessori communities worldwide. In addition, she writes articles and blog posts for Montessori organizations and has developed online courses for Montessori teachers and homeschool parents.
Letty Rising
Letty Rising is our Elementary Trainer. During her last undergraduate year at UC Santa Barbara where she earned a BA in Sociology, she took a course that involved her spending a day at a Montessori school. She was deeply moved by her observation, and felt inspired to enroll in a Montessori teacher training program. She received her AMI 6-12 diploma from the Washington Montessori Institute and her Master's Degree in Education from Loyola University. In addition, she has her California State Teaching Credential and has worked in public, private, and charter school settings for 20 years. She has held positions as a Homeschool Education Specialist, Montessori Elementary Teacher, School Director, Principal, Montessori Coordinator, Teacher Trainer, and Consultant with several Montessori communities worldwide. In addition, she writes articles and blog posts for Montessori organizations and has developed online courses for Montessori teachers and homeschool parents.
Margaret Whitley
Margaret is our Elementary trainer. She attended Montessori as a child for four years. After an undergraduate degree in history, she pursued elementary teacher training in Bergamo, Italy. She spent more than 35 years in Montessori education, including establishing the first Canadian Montessori middle school. She embraced roles in Montessori leadership including head of school, teacher trainer and the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators Director of School Accreditation. She has two adult children who attribute their success, in part, to their Montessori experiences. In 2019, she completed an MFA in creative non-fiction writing to pen her memoir about Montessori's impact on her life. "A World of Difference" is in progress looking for a publishing home. She serves on two boards for food literacy with children. She also enjoys cooking, gardening, yoga, cycling, skiing, hiking and being with family and friends.
Margaret Whitley
Margaret is our Elementary trainer. She attended Montessori as a child for four years. After an undergraduate degree in history, she pursued elementary teacher training in Bergamo, Italy. She spent more than 35 years in Montessori education, including establishing the first Canadian Montessori middle school. She embraced roles in Montessori leadership including head of school, teacher trainer and the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators Director of School Accreditation. She has two adult children who attribute their success, in part, to their Montessori experiences. In 2019, she completed an MFA in creative non-fiction writing to pen her memoir about Montessori's impact on her life. "A World of Difference" is in progress looking for a publishing home. She serves on two boards for food literacy with children. She also enjoys cooking, gardening, yoga, cycling, skiing, hiking and being with family and friends.
Meggan Burak
Meggan Burak is our Montessori Mentor. After studying Journalism at the University of Wyoming, Meggan moved to Minnesota which is where she began her Montessori training. She received her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Primary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota. Over her twenty-plus years as a Montessori educator, Meggan has worn many hats. She has opened a Montessori school, worked in Nido and Toddler environments, and has been a Children’s House Guide, Head of School, and Administrator. Her passion has always been to help guide others along their Montessori paths. Meggan is delighted to be a Montessori Mentor with the Prepared Montessorian Institute supporting new guides and guides in training as they set off on their Montessori journeys.
Meggan Burak
Meggan Burak is our Montessori Mentor. After studying Journalism at the University of Wyoming, Meggan moved to Minnesota which is where she began her Montessori training. She received her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Primary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota. Over her twenty-plus years as a Montessori educator, Meggan has worn many hats. She has opened a Montessori school, worked in Nido and Toddler environments, and has been a Children’s House Guide, Head of School, and Administrator. Her passion has always been to help guide others along their Montessori paths. Meggan is delighted to be a Montessori Mentor with the Prepared Montessorian Institute supporting new guides and guides in training as they set off on their Montessori journeys.
Michelle Ahern
Michelle Ahern is a Montessori educator working with the Prepared Montessorian team. Michelle grew up in Ireland and earned her BSc from The University of Limerick in Digital Media Design. Soon after, she decided to swap computers for classrooms and began to explore a career in early childhood education in Asia. She found Montessori and moved to Portland, OR, to complete her Montessori AMI 3-6 certification at Montessori Northwest. She recently obtained her MEd in Early Childhood Education and Special Education and has spent the past few years working in classrooms in New York City. Michelle is excited to share her love for the Montessori approach with new guides and guides-in-training!
Michelle Ahern
Michelle Ahern is a Montessori educator working with the Prepared Montessorian team. Michelle grew up in Ireland and earned her BSc from The University of Limerick in Digital Media Design. Soon after, she decided to swap computers for classrooms and began to explore a career in early childhood education in Asia. She found Montessori and moved to Portland, OR, to complete her Montessori AMI 3-6 certification at Montessori Northwest. She recently obtained her MEd in Early Childhood Education and Special Education and has spent the past few years working in classrooms in New York City. Michelle is excited to share her love for the Montessori approach with new guides and guides-in-training!
Monique Shen
Monique Shen is our Nido and Toddler Trainer. After earning her BA in Psychology from Stony Brook University, Monique continued to pursue her interests in developmental psychology and found that her true passion was in early childhood education. She graduated with her AMI Montessori Diploma for the 0 to 3 age group from The Montessori Training Centre of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, and is currently pursuing a dual master's in Early Childhood and Special Education. Monique has opened and led toddler communities, and has also worked as part of the training team in international Montessori training courses in Mexico City for Nido and Toddler guides seeking Montessori certification.
Monique Shen
Monique Shen is our Nido and Toddler Trainer. After earning her BA in Psychology from Stony Brook University, Monique continued to pursue her interests in developmental psychology and found that her true passion was in early childhood education. She graduated with her AMI Montessori Diploma for the 0 to 3 age group from The Montessori Training Centre of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, and is currently pursuing a dual master's in Early Childhood and Special Education. Monique has opened and led toddler communities, and has also worked as part of the training team in international Montessori training courses in Mexico City for Nido and Toddler guides seeking Montessori certification.
Mosa Laren
Mosa Laren was born and raised in Southern California and moved to the Bay Area to complete her undergraduate work at San Francisco State University. It was during this time that she first fell in love with Montessori. After teaching both second and fourth grades in a traditional school setting, Mosa came back to Montessori when she realized that it was the best path for her own daughter. Mosa received her AMI Primary Certification from Montessori Northwest, and has been deeply engaged in Montessori since 2015. At every turn, Mosa continues to be amazed and gratified by what Montessori has to offer children and adults by way, not only of education, but spiritual growth and joy. Mosa is a lifelong learner, and she infuses her Montessori practice with yoga and mindfulness. Most recently, Mosa completed both the Child Study and Montessori Coaches' Training through the National Center for Montessori for the Public Sector.
Mosa Laren
Mosa Laren was born and raised in Southern California and moved to the Bay Area to complete her undergraduate work at San Francisco State University. It was during this time that she first fell in love with Montessori. After teaching both second and fourth grades in a traditional school setting, Mosa came back to Montessori when she realized that it was the best path for her own daughter. Mosa received her AMI Primary Certification from Montessori Northwest, and has been deeply engaged in Montessori since 2015. At every turn, Mosa continues to be amazed and gratified by what Montessori has to offer children and adults by way, not only of education, but spiritual growth and joy. Mosa is a lifelong learner, and she infuses her Montessori practice with yoga and mindfulness. Most recently, Mosa completed both the Child Study and Montessori Coaches' Training through the National Center for Montessori for the Public Sector.
Nicole Rehder
Nicole is an Elementary trainer. She has been a Montessori educator for more than 15 years and is an experienced elementary guide, presenter, and mentor. Nicole holds an AMI Elementary Diploma from the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee and a Bachelor's Degree from Columbia College Chicago. She has additional certifications in Positive Discipline and IMSE: Orton-Gillingham Comprehensive and Intermediate trainings. Her enthusiasm for Montessori pedagogy and her practical knowledge of classroom management are her greatest attributes. She enjoys working with adult learners and setting them up for success as they start their journey as Montessori guides.
Nicole Rehder
Nicole is an Elementary trainer. She has been a Montessori educator for more than 15 years and is an experienced elementary guide, presenter, and mentor. Nicole holds an AMI Elementary Diploma from the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee and a Bachelor's Degree from Columbia College Chicago. She has additional certifications in Positive Discipline and IMSE: Orton-Gillingham Comprehensive and Intermediate trainings. Her enthusiasm for Montessori pedagogy and her practical knowledge of classroom management are her greatest attributes. She enjoys working with adult learners and setting them up for success as they start their journey as Montessori guides.
Nikolle Marrero
Nikolle is our 0-3 programs manager. Nikolle grew up in a family of educators. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Over the years in the field of Education, she has worked as a guide, mentor, coach and administrator. Nikolle is also a mom of two wonderful and independent Montessorians. She found Montessori after completing her master's degree in Educational Neuroscience. As her passion for the Montessori curriculum evolved, she decided to complete her 0-3 Diploma with the Prepared Montessorian. She credits her love for education to the wonderful mentors and educators she has encountered over the years. She enjoys connecting with fellow Montessorians who are at different stages of their journey and finding opportunities to really set them up for success.
Nikolle Marrero
Nikolle is our 0-3 programs manager. Nikolle grew up in a family of educators. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Over the years in the field of Education, she has worked as a guide, mentor, coach and administrator. Nikolle is also a mom of two wonderful and independent Montessorians. She found Montessori after completing her master's degree in Educational Neuroscience. As her passion for the Montessori curriculum evolved, she decided to complete her 0-3 Diploma with the Prepared Montessorian. She credits her love for education to the wonderful mentors and educators she has encountered over the years. She enjoys connecting with fellow Montessorians who are at different stages of their journey and finding opportunities to really set them up for success.
Rivkah Schack
Rivkah Schack is an experienced Montessori educator with almost 20 years of experience in the field. She has founded two schools and acted as head of school for three. Throughout her career, she has served as a guide for children in all planes of development, but her true passion is adolescence. She holds a Montessori secondary I and II credential. Currently, Rivkah is the Senior Director of Adolescent Program Development at Higher Ground. Her interests include the development of mastery-based credit structures to provide Montessori high school graduates with an authentic portfolio-based transcript and the continuum of curriculum from upper elementary into middle school. Rivkah lives in NYC with her husband, also a long-time Montessorian, and her four children who grew up in her schools and have now taken their love of learning into the wide world.
Rivkah Schack
Rivkah Schack is an experienced Montessori educator with almost 20 years of experience in the field. She has founded two schools and acted as head of school for three. Throughout her career, she has served as a guide for children in all planes of development, but her true passion is adolescence. She holds a Montessori secondary I and II credential. Currently, Rivkah is the Senior Director of Adolescent Program Development at Higher Ground. Her interests include the development of mastery-based credit structures to provide Montessori high school graduates with an authentic portfolio-based transcript and the continuum of curriculum from upper elementary into middle school. Rivkah lives in NYC with her husband, also a long-time Montessorian, and her four children who grew up in her schools and have now taken their love of learning into the wide world.
Zahraa Alakabawy
Zahraa Alakabawy is a Montessori Mentor and, a member of our Programs Team. Zahraa grew up in Cairo, Egypt. Zahraa earned her bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Upon receiving her degree, she worked in the pharmaceutical field for 4 years. Zahraa began her teaching career in a traditional setting but felt unfulfilled by the lack of creative freedom given to teachers and the effect this had on the students. While seeking out other approaches to education, she discovered the Montessori philosophy. A few months later, she decided to move to California to complete her AMI Primary Diploma at the Montessori Institute of San Diego. In conjunction with her diploma, she earned a master's degree in Education through Loyola University Maryland. Zahraa was one of the first employees who started at the Foothill Ranch campus. She worked there for 4 years and while working as a Lead Guide, she was mentoring and coaching Peer Guides who needed help in their classrooms as well as supporting the Prepared Montessorian Institute with trainings.
Zahraa Alakabawy
Zahraa Alakabawy is a Montessori Mentor and, a member of our Programs Team. Zahraa grew up in Cairo, Egypt. Zahraa earned her bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Upon receiving her degree, she worked in the pharmaceutical field for 4 years. Zahraa began her teaching career in a traditional setting but felt unfulfilled by the lack of creative freedom given to teachers and the effect this had on the students. While seeking out other approaches to education, she discovered the Montessori philosophy. A few months later, she decided to move to California to complete her AMI Primary Diploma at the Montessori Institute of San Diego. In conjunction with her diploma, she earned a master's degree in Education through Loyola University Maryland. Zahraa was one of the first employees who started at the Foothill Ranch campus. She worked there for 4 years and while working as a Lead Guide, she was mentoring and coaching Peer Guides who needed help in their classrooms as well as supporting the Prepared Montessorian Institute with trainings.
Becca Collins
Becca Collins is an Operations Coordinator at PMI. She recently graduated from Connecticut College where she studied human development, theater, and dance. Some of her favorite moments of college occurred when she combined her majors to see how performing arts can aid in child development, and more specifically, in children with individual differences. During the summer of 2020, Becca had the privilege of interning with Higher Ground Education. She instantly fell in love with the company's mission as well as the Montessori method. The method seemed to align perfectly with her own teaching/learning philosophy, and she was thrilled to come back to the Higher Ground family, and more specifically, The Prepared Montessorian Institute after graduation.
Becca Collins
Becca Collins is an Operations Coordinator at PMI. She recently graduated from Connecticut College where she studied human development, theater, and dance. Some of her favorite moments of college occurred when she combined her majors to see how performing arts can aid in child development, and more specifically, in children with individual differences. During the summer of 2020, Becca had the privilege of interning with Higher Ground Education. She instantly fell in love with the company's mission as well as the Montessori method. The method seemed to align perfectly with her own teaching/learning philosophy, and she was thrilled to come back to the Higher Ground family, and more specifically, The Prepared Montessorian Institute after graduation.
Diana Le-Cabrera
Diana Le-Cabrera is an Operations Manager at PMI. She’s worn a few hats in her professional career from account management at an online restaurant ordering company to being a board-certified music therapist. She earned her Masters of Science in Health Sciences at Cleveland State University. She found Montessori when geeking out as a mom learning about child development. It truly hit home and she feels grateful to be a part of PMI where she combines her Montessori passion with her skills in process and people management. She gets the chance to learn in her job daily and takes some of those Montessori learnings into the home. It is wonderful to support future Montessorians!
Diana Le-Cabrera
Diana Le-Cabrera is an Operations Manager at PMI. She’s worn a few hats in her professional career from account management at an online restaurant ordering company to being a board-certified music therapist. She earned her Masters of Science in Health Sciences at Cleveland State University. She found Montessori when geeking out as a mom learning about child development. It truly hit home and she feels grateful to be a part of PMI where she combines her Montessori passion with her skills in process and people management. She gets the chance to learn in her job daily and takes some of those Montessori learnings into the home. It is wonderful to support future Montessorians!
Yufei Li
Yufei Li is an Operations Coordinator at PMI. She has been admiring the role of a lead teacher in the classroom since her elementary years. However, instead of studying education in college, she chose Finance and Chinese-English Translation as her majors, but she decided to work for a career consulting firm to help young professionals find out their career path. This experience made her realize that early childhood education plays a crucial part and has a profound influence in an individual’s life. She discovered Montessori education when a friend applied for a job at Higher Ground Education and was attracted by changes her friend had after joining the company. The more she knew about Montessori teacher training, the more amazed she was by the teaching method and its practicality. She feels so lucky and motivated to work with the professional training team and operations team and enjoys helping all adult learners in the diploma training!
Yufei Li
Yufei Li is an Operations Coordinator at PMI. She has been admiring the role of a lead teacher in the classroom since her elementary years. However, instead of studying education in college, she chose Finance and Chinese-English Translation as her majors, but she decided to work for a career consulting firm to help young professionals find out their career path. This experience made her realize that early childhood education plays a crucial part and has a profound influence in an individual’s life. She discovered Montessori education when a friend applied for a job at Higher Ground Education and was attracted by changes her friend had after joining the company. The more she knew about Montessori teacher training, the more amazed she was by the teaching method and its practicality. She feels so lucky and motivated to work with the professional training team and operations team and enjoys helping all adult learners in the diploma training!
EXPLORE A REWARDING, IMPACTFUL CAREER IN EDUCATION
EXPLORE A REWARDING, IMPACTFUL CAREER IN EDUCATION
Take the first step to open up future possibilities, and become a fully certified Montessori teacher in under 15 months.
To help bring forth a Montessori future, we have combined unprecedented accessibility with deep rigor and high standards. Our programs provide a variety of flexible options that accommodate your goals and schedule, while ensuring you receive a quality educational experience.
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- Join a community of adult learners passionate about delivering Montessori education