KEYNOTE

Dr. Laura Flores Shaw

Paradigms, Neurology, and Cognition

Our perceptions of human behavior are shaped by unconscious paradigms, even in Montessori education. This keynote explores how psychology and cognitive neuroscience influence our understanding of neurodiversity, focusing on four key frameworks: the pathology paradigm, neurodiversity paradigm, information processing model, and radical embodied cognition model. By comparing these perspectives, educators will gain insight into how paradigms shape their assessments, support strategies, and approach to inclusion. This session encourages reflection on implicit biases and offers a deeper understanding of how to better support learners who seemingly diverge from dominant cultural norms.

Madeline Walk

I.D.E.A. Foundations for Montessori Educators: Ensuring Success for Every Child

This session unpacks key IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) principles, while guiding educators through observation and data collection to identify students who may need special education services. Learn how to collaborate with families, navigate referrals, and confidently participate in IEP meetings. Walk away with actionable strategies to seamlessly integrate IDEA requirements, advocate for diverse learners, and create an inclusive, legally compliant Montessori classroom.

Dr. Luz Casquejo Johnston

Early Signs and Strengths of Dyslexia in the Montessori Learning Environment

Dyslexia, a specific learning disability, affects a child’s ability to decode words, spell, and read fluently despite having average to above-average intelligence. In a Montessori setting, where individualized learning is emphasized, recognizing and supporting children with dyslexia is vital. This session will explore how dyslexia presents in young children, specifically within the context of Montessori classrooms, and will provide actionable interventions for educators.

Caroline Robbins

Supporting Emotional and Behavioral Regulation in the Montessori Children’s House

Helping young children navigate big emotions is a crucial part of a thriving Montessori classroom. This presentation explores practical strategies for fostering emotional and behavioral regulation through mindfulness, self-compassion, and proactive classroom practices. You’ll gain effective tools you can implement immediately, including visual schedules, classroom jobs, de-escalation techniques, and mindfulness exercises.

Laura Connor

Building Trust When Everything is Chaos

Trust is the foundation of a thriving Montessori classroom, yet in the midst of aggression, dependency, and constant disruptions, creating a calm and connected environment can feel impossible. Learn practical strategies to transform chaos into cooperation by fostering independence, self-confidence, and trust among students. Through real-world examples and actionable tools—ranging from quick fixes to long-term solutions—educators will leave equipped to reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and build a more peaceful, empowering classroom.

Dr. Natalie Danner

You Are Not Alone: Processes, Partnerships, and Teaming to Support High-Quality Inclusion in Your Montessori School

Montessori schools and Montessori educators do not have to be everything for everyone, nor should they be. The key is knowing the boundaries of your role, forming partnerships with outside organizations and therapists, and teaming with these specialists for the benefit of the child. This presentation will provide Montessori educators and school leaders with research-based inclusion strategies that they can immediately implement in their school.

Amy Williams

Embracing Calm: Strategies for Managing Anxiety in the Classroom

Anxiety can manifest in many ways in young children, often affecting their ability to engage and thrive in the classroom. In this session, learn how anxiety impacts the brain and body, how to recognize its signs, and when to guide families toward additional mental health support. Emphasizing the importance of connecting with children during neutral moments, this session provides Montessori educators with tools to create a calm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, confident, and supported.

Hillary Drinkell

The Practical Life Skills of Wellbeing: A Holistic Approach

In this session, explore Montessori-aligned well-being practices that support self-regulation, focused attention, stress reduction, and resilience—benefiting both students and educators. Understanding when and how to implement these strategies makes them as essential as any lesson on the Montessori shelves. Educators will leave with practical, classroom-ready techniques that not only promote calm and engagement but also contribute to a more normalized, harmonious learning environment.

Amorette French

Understanding Autism and Montessori as a Prepared Adult

Learn practical strategies for supporting autistic children with respect, flexibility, and understanding in a Montessori environment. Gain insights into attention and movement needs, explore how stories aid emotional regulation, and how recognizing equalizing behaviors can improve guidance. With a focus on neurodiversity, autonomy, and inclusive Montessori practices, this session provides immediate, effective tools for creating a supportive, responsive classroom.

Emily Joy Connery

The Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia Toolkit

This session equips educators with practical, research-backed strategies to support students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. Explore Montessori-aligned tools, including multi-sensory materials, adaptive technologies, and incremental learning strategies, to make reading, math, and writing accessible for every child. Learn how to assess effectiveness, adapt approaches, and communicate progress with parents, fostering an inclusive environment where all learners feel capable, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Dominique Mouthon

Learning Differences: A Montessori Parent Journey

Strong parent-educator partnerships are essential for supporting children with learning differences. This session focuses on the parent journey, highlighting the emotional struggles families face and offering strategies for building trust, empathy, and collaboration. Through Montessori-based classroom adaptations, educators will learn how to create supportive environments that nurture every child’s strengths while guiding parents in advocating for their children within the educational system.

Zil Jaeger

Overcoming Literacy Hurdles: Practical Strategies from Montessori Community Voices

Learn to identify early signs of dyslexia, the importance of systematic, explicit instruction, and how to screen and assess students to identify literacy challenges early. Insights from Montessori educators and parents highlight effective strategies for supporting struggling readers, including tailored Montessori lessons that emphasize repetition and multi-sensory engagement. Educators will leave with practical, research-backed techniques to refine their literacy instruction and create a dyslexia-friendly Montessori environment.

Aysia Platte

Scaffolding Toilet Learning Skills for All Learners

Toilet learning is not a one-size-fits-all process, and Montessori educators can support each child’s unique journey through an observation-based, non-coercive approach. This session provides practical strategies for guiding toileting in a way that respects natural development while ensuring inclusivity for neurodivergent and disabled children. Educators will leave with the confidence to partner with families, create individualized toileting plans, and foster an environment where every child can succeed.

Dr. Ann Epstein

Trauma Informed Practices for the Montessori Children's House

Trauma affects many young children, influencing their cognitive, emotional, and social development. This session examines how trauma manifests in behavior, including fight, flight, freeze, and cling responses, and explores ways educators can create a supportive, responsive classroom environment. Recognizing the emotional demands of working with traumatized children, this session also emphasizes the importance of educator self-care, ensuring that Montessori guides can support their students while maintaining their own well-being.