Esmeralda is a Montessori educator based in Brooklyn, NY where she facilitates Montessori playgroups. She is AMI trained for ages 0-6 and is passionate about providing a space for children to learn skills to lead a productive, happy, and fulfilling life.

Mandie has worked in Montessori schools since 1997. She has been an assistant, Primary teacher, Executive Director, and currently serves as the Assistant Head of School at Montessori in Redlands in Redlands, CA. Mandie earned her AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota and her Master of Education from Loyola University in Maryland. She facilitates Positive Discipline courses for parents and loves working with all the people that together form a school community.

Patricia resides in the beautiful city of Marrakech in Morocco. Her Montessori journey started two decades ago as an assistant in her home country, the Philippines, until she received her 6-12 AMI diploma. Patricia has worked in toddlers, Casa, and primary school in different capacities, with primary focus on reading instruction, inclusive and special education. Currently, she serves as the Casa and Elementary coordinator, and would like to introduce the science of reading in her school.

Steph has spent her career working as a Montessori educator and school leader, focused on community-based, high-quality Montessori programming in rural and remote areas. She is particularly interested in resources that support Montessori educators in developing culturally-sustaining practices. This year, Steph aims to contribute to the work being done at PMAI to “Collectively Renew” Montessori curriculum through an ABAR lens.

Tara Valentine was born and raised in the northeast but lives and works in northern California. She holds a master's degree in early childhood education from Rutgers University as well as a Primary Montessori Teaching certificate from the American Montessori Society. Tara has more than 20 years of experience in both private and public Montessori schools.

Tom is a Montessori adolescent and elementary guide who has recently relocated to the UK. After a decade teaching in public and private Montessori environments in the US, he is now working outside of the classroom supporting the growth of 6-12 and 12-18 environments through consultancy, writing, and teacher training. Tom cares deeply about creating equitable, inclusive, and sustainable models of Montessori education, particularly for at-risk youth and boys.