EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Elizabeth has been a Montessori educator for 35 years. She has worked to build public Montessori programs, implementing Child Study systems and developing the art of Montessori Coaching. She is passionate about leading school start-ups, designing trainings and bringing the Montessori coaching method to hundreds of schools across the country.

Elizabeth is a frequent presenter at Montessori conferences. Her book Montessori in Action: Building Resilient Montessori Schools was released in July 2021.

Elizabeth earned her AMI Elementary Diploma from the Washington Montessori Institute, and her AMS Administrative Credential at the Center for Contemporary Montessori Studies. In addition, she has a Master of Fine Arts in writing from Spalding University.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCE

Krishna Feeney has been working in public education for the better part of 2 decades and as a school administrator and operational leader for much of that time. Her commitment to bringing Montessori pedagogy into the public sector led her to co-create the Public Montessori Institute in 2022, a Montessori training program designed to support public educators working in diverse communities. Her passion for expanding access to public Montessori teaching and learning drives all of her work as a leader and learner.

DIRECTOR OF IMPLEMENTATION

Catherine has over 25 years of diverse experience in Montessori education, spanning various environments from public to independent and startup schools, educating children from 18 months to eighth grade. Born and raised in France, she initially obtained a J.D. in International Business Law at the University of Rennes I, before shifting to education with a MEd. in Montessori Elementary Education from the University of Loyola, Baltimore, MD.

She is dual-certified with an AMS credential (0-3) from CMTE/NY and an AMI credential (6-12) from the Washington Montessori Institute. Additionally, Catherine is a trained Montessori Coach (NCMPS), she holds an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and is certified as a Positive Discipline Adult Educator. Committed to lifelong learning, she has undertaken numerous courses to enhance her capacity to advocate for and meet the diverse needs of students in Montessori settings.

Catherine believes in resilient, collaborative, and transformational Montessori education. Her unique strength is her ability to empathize with all school stakeholders, making her a versatile and effective educator and leader.

MONTESSORI NETWORK COORDINATOR

Ashley Bird is a coach at Public Montessori in Action International and is certified and experienced in both lower and upper elementary grades.

In addition to her work as an educator, Bird is the founder of Blooming with Birdie, an educational company that creates engaging learning experiences both online and in-person.

As a Fellow at Notley and member of the San Antonio Climate Ready Technical Committee, she is also committed to making a positive impact on the environment and the community. With a passion for education, sustainability, and social impact, Bird is dedicated to creating a better future for all.

INNOVATION ADVISOR

Allison has been implementing Montessori in the US and Senegal for the past 15 years. In addition to founding PMAI, Allison is the Director of Student Support for Breakthrough Montessori in Washington, D.C. She previously worked for the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector supporting the Child Study process through refinement and training as well as the development of their Montessori Teacher Residency program. Allison received an AMI Primary Diploma from Institut Superieur Maria Montessori in Paris and a AMI Elementary Diploma from Washington Montessori Institute, with an M.Ed in Montessori Education from Loyola College of Maryland.

RESEARCH ADVISOR

Genevieve was a Montessori student herself during her primary years. She has come full circle, completing her primary training with the Association Montessori Internationale in Atlanta, GA. Genevieve has been both an educator and school leader in DC Montessori public charter schools, and centers her work around equity in the public Montessori classroom and community. She has an M.Ed in Montessori Education from Loyola College of Maryland, as well as a Ph.D in Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership specializing in Urban Education from the University of Maryland, College Park.