The Montessori Studios

I have been a Montessori teacher for more than 25 years, beginning in 1997. Beginning with the Lower Elementary (1st - 3rd) classroom, moving up to the Upper Elementary (4th - 6th) classroom, and then finding my home in the Primary (3 years - 6 years) has given me an understanding, not only of the foundation that children need, but also of the joy for learning that is possible at all of these levels. I love making materials that inspire all students' love of learning. There is nothing more exciting than to see a child give a lesson to another student using the new vocabulary and new concepts that they have learned. My hope is that each and every one of the materials listed in my store provides that same joy for discovery for your students as they have done for mine.

I am a Montessori teacher, which, simply put, means that I will always defer to hands-on materials to teach a lesson, if at all possible. The Montessori Method invites the child to explore the learning environment through materials that show the concepts on concrete ways, but also provides a "control" so that the child is able to self-check. In a nutshell, the Montessori methodology is meant to be a jumping off point for a child's growing independence. This doesn't just mean with self-care: tying their own shoes, pouring their own cereal, cleaning up after themselves, dressing themselves, etc. Independence also means, what kind of learner am I? What do I need to do to be successful in this endeavor? When faced with this challenge, what are the different ways that I can handle it? With that in mind, I have developed these materials to provide the best chance possible for the students to achieve their goals with minimal assistance by the teacher.

I am a certified AMS (American Montessori Society) teacher through the Upper Elementary (9-12) class. I have been developing materials, curriculum, evaluation, and rubrics since I began teaching and continue to strive to improve these every single year in the classroom.

I received my BA from Florida State University, my MA from the American University, and my AMS Montessori Certification from The Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies (IAMS) in Rockville, Maryland. I have owned my own Montessori school in Florida since 2005 and have yet to find a year where I feel like I'm done. I continue to learn and am inspired by the mentors that I have found in all aspects of my life and am grateful to all the work they have done in helping me make a positive contribution to my community.