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 ADVANCEMENT

Teresa has spent her career being an educator in Montessori classrooms in the public sector. As a young child who attended Montessori school herself, she has experienced firsthand the positive impact of this philosophy and is passionate about providing access to high quality Montessori programming for all children. Teresa trained with the Association Montessori Internationale at the primary and elementary levels, and holds an M.Ed in Montessori Education from Loyola College of Maryland.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY INITIATIVES AND CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

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.

NAUTILUS TRAINER

Markisha, a Missouri native, has spent her career working with children ages 0-18 years old in both traditional and Montessori settings. She was the first Nautilus Lead to pilot the approach at Moore Montessori in Southern Pines, NC. Markisha has recently been promoted to Assistant Head of School at Moore Montessori, and she will be leading the team in supporting children’s social emotional needs, equity training, and working with families. She was a participant in the MACTE accredited LUMIR Primary training in Memphis.

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.

MONTESSORI NETWORK COORDINATOR SUPPORT

Shawn Edwards has been working in Montessori Schools for 35 years. She remembers seeing an elementary classroom at the Post Oak School in Houston, Texas and falling in love with the philosophy and methodology. She began working as an assistant teacher, received her training at the Washington Montessori Institute and began teaching soon after. The Montessori approach to education was the perfect next step for Shawn, who received her Bachelor's Degree in psychology and human services. After teaching for a number of years, she moved into administration and eventually began leading schools. She has 15 years of school leadership experience. After eight years of teaching, Shawn became involved with the Positive Discipline organization and is now a Positive Discipline Parenting Coach and Trainer. Most recently, Shawn received her master's degree in Transformational Leadership and Coaching from the Wright Graduate University for the Realization of the Human Potential. Shawn launched her business, ToolHows, "How To Tools for Parents and Schools" in 2019 and now trains, mentors and coaches parents, educators, and individuals receiving educational training. Shawn has been married for 33 years. She has three grown children who were raised in Montessori schools and two grandchildren. When she is not working, Shawn enjoys spending time with family, running, kayaking, paddleboarding and hiking.

INNOVATION SUPPORT

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.