Susan Mayclin Stephenson

AMI
California, USA

Target Audience: General Audience
Style of Presentation: ORAL
Time: 90 min
Room: South Hall I

Title of presentation

Montessori and mindfulness

Short description

Research on the benefits of mindfulness—the ability to be in the present moment temporarily setting aside distractions—is being shown to have many health benefits. Meditation is just one method of mastering this skill. Susan began meditating in London during her first AMI course in 1971, inspired by the director of training Hilla Patell. Susan will share examples of what she has learned since then, that mindfulness can be—should be—part of Montessori practice at any age, and can help children and adults fulfill their potential.

Author's biography

Susan is an AMI course examiner, speaker, school consultant, author, artist, and Montessori mother and grandmother. She became interested in human development in 1963-1964 while studying in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia on the first university Semester at Sea. With degrees in philosophy, comparative religions, and education from San Francisco State University and Loyola University Maryland, and AMI diplomas for 0-3, 3-6, and 6-12, she has worked with parents of infants and in Montessori environments with children from 2-17 in the USA, Europe, and South America, with teenage girls in prisons, and as a school administrator. Her Montessori books are being translated into many languages. www.susanart.net

Christine Harrison

Newcastle University
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom

Target Audience: General Audience
Style of Presentation: SUPER BREAKOUT
Time: 60 min
Room: Meeting Hall IV

Title of presentation

Strategies for trauma awareness and resilience

Short description

Pain that is not transformed is transferred” (Fr Richard Rohr – Centre for Action and Contemplation). This breakout session will focus on my personal transformative experience of Level 1 STAR training which I undertook 2 years ago. STAR is a research-supported approach to addressing trauma and building resilience for individuals and organisations working with trauma-impacted populations. The STAR themes of personal responsibility, building resilience, unity of mind, body and spirit and peace building clearly align with Montessori philosophy for the full development of the human being.

Author's biography

Christine Harrison is a Montessori parent and grandparent and was a Montessori administrator for over 20 years. After retiring from Canberra Montessori School, she became the founding President of Montessori Australia Foundation (MAF) and now heads up MAF’s Education Division. Christine is on the board of AMI and the Montessori Children’s Foundation (MCF) a charitable organisation that aims to make the benefits of Montessori education available to children and communities that would otherwise be unable to access it due to remoteness, poverty or disadvantage. Christine holds a Diploma in Applied Aspects of Loss and Grief, is a trained mediator and presents workshops on conflict management, mentoring and people skills to Montessori administrators. She has assisted in the design and presentation of administrator training in Thailand and China.

Michael Dorer

The Montessori Foundation
St. Paul, USA

Target Audience: Teachers - Elementary (6-12)
Style of Presentation: WORKSHOP
Time: 90 min
Room: Room 2.4

Title of presentation

The cosmic plan in story and song

Short description

It’s Cosmic! Discover the Cosmic Plan in Story and Song. We will present six elements of the Cosmic Plan, an essential part of Cosmic Education, in original stories and songs. See how every child can be a participant and creator of peace and harmony. Join us for a cosmically good time.

Author's biography

Michael Dorer, Montessori teacher educator, consultant, speaker, author, storyteller, 45 years Montessori experience. Doctorate in Education. AMS credentials for 3-9; AMI 6-12. His consulting and presenting focuses on Montessori theory and leadership, Great Lessons, and storytelling. Author of "The Deep Well of Time: The Transformative Power of Classroom Storytelling," on Montessori storytelling. Co-presenter Andrew Kutt, Montessori teacher, administrator, trainer, consultant, author, songwriter, and recording artist. 30 years Montessori experience. AMS credentials for 6-12. Founded Oneness-Family School in Maryland. Author of the book “Living in Harmony.” Andrew has produced 5 albums and hundreds of songs. His latest children’s CD is “Earth Songs.” Andrew Kutt is Founder & Head of School at Oneness-Family Montessori School in Chevy Chase MD. Andrew has over 30 years of experience as a Montessori teacher, administrator, teacher trainer, leadership consultant and speaker and performer. Andrew is the author of numerous articles on education, child development, neuroscience, 21st centuery skills and modern society. He has created curriculum materials for personal reflectoin, positive discipline, conflict resolution, diversity, world religions and other extensions to the Montessori classroom. Andrew is an accomplished poet and songwriter, with 5 albums and hundreds of songs to his credit. His latest children’s CD is entitled Earth Songs and his new song Montessori Child is dedicated to the mission of Maria Montessori.

Vibhuti Jain

Harmony Montessori
Mumbai, India

Target Audience: Teachers - Infant & Toddler (0-3)
Style of Presentation: WORKSHOP
Time: 90 min
Room: Room 220

Title of presentation

Formation of will and inner discipline in the first three years of life for a better society

Short description

The world we live in today is full of chaos and confusion. Isn't the only way to bring about harmony and peace in the world through our children; our agents of change. When they are empowered to act freely within limits and develop inner discipline, they can construct a world where we all can coexist harmoniously and peacefully respecting each other’s boundaries.

Author's biography

Vibhuti Jain, 45 years, lives with her husband and two teenage sons in Mumbai, India. She holds an AMI diploma at the 0-3 level under Dr. Judith Orion in the year 2008 post which she has been working in an Infant Community in a Montessori school in Mumbai since December 2009. She regularly conducts parenting workshops on a variety of topics concerning the development of the child under 3 years of age. She has recently been accepted for the trainer of training program at the 0-3 level and looks forward to an exciting learning experience.

Video Invitation

Jacqueline Hendriksen

AVE.IK
Enschede, Netherlands

Target Audience: General Audience
Style of Presentation: WORKSHOP
Time: 90 min
Room: Room 223

Title of presentation

From their homeland to the Netherlands: Montessori with refugee children

Short description

The world is facing a huge challenge: millions of children worldwide grow up as refugees. They have had to flee their homeland and face an uncertain future. Inspired by the story of San Lorenzo, we have worked for 18 months with refugee children in the Netherlands. In our workshop we will share with you the individual stories of two children from Syria. We have tried to give them the tools to bring new order to their world—to reconstruct themselves, a story of finding themselves and creating their own story.

Author's biography

Jacqueline Hendriksen is a master educationalist from the Netherlands who has become one with the Montessori anthropology: as a trainer, teacher, mother, grandmother and as a person. She is director of AVE.IK. AVE.IK strives to create a professional Montessori culture all over the world. Jacqueline has written the works: The story of the child and The story of the misunderstood child. The book And now: Montessori! is the key to the new montessori style and is read by students and teachers all over the world. In 2017 AVE.IK produced Exploring English, material to give children the key to learn English.

Video Invitation

J. McKeever

Montessori Institute of Atlanta
Atlanta, USA

Target Audience: General Audience
Style of Presentation: SUPER BREAKOUT
Time: 90 min
Room: Chamber Hall

Title of presentation

Working together to support child

Short description

There is an African proverb: IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD. Montessori parents, teachers, and schools can create their own ‘village’ as they support the child and each other. We will examine the responsibilities of each of these components of the village and how they can build a unified field of support through communication, commitment, and community. 

Author's biography

Ms. McKeever holds diplomas from the Association Montessori Internationale for Children’s House and Elementary levels, and has 20 years’ experience working with elementary children. Ms. McKeever is a past board member of the Elementary Alumni Association (AMI-EAA), and is an AMI examiner and school consultant at the Elementary level. She has presented workshops to teachers, parents, and administrators in the United States and internationally on a variety of Montessori topics. Ms. McKeever holds a B.A. in English, M.A. in Educational Processes. She is an adjunct faculty member of Loyola University Maryland.

Mario Valle

Swiss National Supercomputing Centre
Pregassona, Switzerland

Target Audience: General Audience
Style of Presentation: WORKSHOP
Time: 90 min
Room: Room 221

Title of presentation

Scientist and father: My journey from ignorance to Montessori enthusiasm

Short description

I sent my son to a Montessori school on an act of faith. My knowledge of the method was a solid zero. What was the “quid” that make me decide? Then through my son’s stories I found a reality I was not expecting and as a scientist I decided to investigate. The result? Now I’m a Montessori enthusiast helping parents to discover why it works so beautifully and to understand the solid scientific foundations it has. Come to the workshop and we will share ideas, questions and possible solutions to spread this enthusiasm for Montessori.

Author's biography

Since more than thirty years I’m in the midst of computers in various fields of science and from 2003 I work at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre collaborating closely with scientists and researchers, using supercomputer and other cutting-edge technologies daily. But first and foremost I’m the father of a boy who attended a Montessori school. Through his stories and what I saw him doing, I approached this world, where the ideas of Maria Montessori captured me, pushing me to study them in their scientific concretness and share the results of these reflections with parents, teachers and inquiring people.

Video Invitation

Michelle Lane-Barmapov

Sheridan College
Toronto, Canada

Target Audience: General Audience
Style of Presentation: ORAL
Time: 90 min
Room: Meeting Hall I.B

Title of presentation

Empowering Montessori teachers to create inclusive environments - part 3

Short description

Montessori and autism. This workshop will review the blended Montessori ABA model (Applied Behaviour Analysis) that was created by Michelle Lane-Barmapov in 2003, as well as highlight some of the results from her 2016 thesis titled “Montessori and Autism: An Interpretive Description Study”. The goal of this presentation is to provide practical applications for Montessori teachers who are working with a variety of severity levels of children on the autism spectrum.

Author's biography

Professor Michelle Lane-Barmapov is the founder of the Montessori ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) program for children with autism. The Lane Montessori School for Autism in Toronto, Ontario was founded by Michelle and operated from 2003 to 2010. It was the first school in the world to combine the Montessori curriculum with ABA (a technique frequently used in autism therapy). Michelle received the Premier's Award from the government of Ontario in 2005 for her program blend. She currently works as a professor for the Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies at Sheridan College. Michelle also has her AMS Early Childhood credential, as well as a Master of Health Studies.

Benedict Moudry

The Grove School
Redlands, USA

Target Audience: Teachers - Adolescent (12-18)
Style of Presentation: WORKSHOP
Time: 90 min
Room: Room 3.2

Title of presentation

Self-expression is central to the adolescent work

Short description

The development of identity is a central aspect of adolescence and occurs through meaningful experiences where a person expresses themselves and their ideas to others. This one of the reasons why Dr. Montessori lists “self-expression” first in her study and work plans for adolescents. The development of the personality is the foundation on which all other study and work rest. Come to this session to learn more about how to create opportunities for adolescents to express themselves in order to develop their identity as they become adults.

Author's biography

Benedict Moudry is a creative, focused, and determined educator with a touch of entrepreneurial spirit and an easygoing attitude. For over 20 years, he has maintained an interest and affinity for supporting adolescents and adults who work with them. Benedict holds an M.Ed from the University of Minnesota, AMI Primary Diploma, and NAMTA Adolescent Studies. He was central in the creation and development of Great River School and currently is the Head of School of The Grove School in Redlands, CA. He is a strong advocate for the development and spread of high quality Montessori education for all families.

Adolescents from the Prague Adolescent Summit  

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Target Audience: General Audience
Style of Presentation: SUPER BREAKOUT
Time: 90 min
Room: Meeting Hall V

Title of presentation

Adolescent entrepreneurship for social and environmental change: Presentations from the Prague Adolescent Summit (PAS)

Short description

As the culmination of the Seven Adolescent Summits held around the world, the Prague Adolescent Summit is an immersive experience where students from all over the world aged 13-18 years work together to develop action plans to construct a more sustainable world. Over the course of five days, Montessori and NGO experts will guide and mentor the participants. Participants will learn everything they need to know to implement a social action project of their own design in their home communities. The social action projects they design will be linked to the concept of Environmental Sustainability as found in the Earth Charter. During these sessions, participating adolescents will present their projects.

Author's biography

Michael Bagiackas

Montessori Opportunities
Hull, USA

Target Audience: Teachers - Elementary (6-12)
Style of Presentation: WORKSHOP
Time: 90 min
Room: Room 224

Title of presentation

Nature-based rites of passage for the Montessori adolescent

Short description

This workshop will explore the value and purpose of marking the onset of adolescence in a Montessori developmental community. It will review experiences gathered from more than 20 years of field practice and share insights that have arisen from these practices. The workshop will provide an experiential "presentation" of a useable rite of passage form. It will set out logistics to be considered in arranging this kind of experience for Montessori children as they complete the second plane of their development.

Author's biography

Michael Bagiackas, AMI trained (India’78, Bergamo’83) for ages 3-12, has been leading nature-based rite of passage experiences for Montessori children for more than twenty years. He trained for this work at School of Lost Borders in 1994. Bagiackas has guided Montessori classes at both primary and elementary levels. He has served as teaching principal and head of school at Hershey Montessori School, executive/program director at Maplehill School and Farm and education director at Thacher Montessori School. He co-founded the Montessori School of Central Vermont where he, at different times, served both as a trustee and school head.

Patricia Pantano

Camino de Paz Montsssori Secondary Schol
Santa Cruz, USA

Target Audience: Teachers - Adolescent (12-18)
Style of Presentation: WORKSHOP
Time: 90 min
Room: Room 344

Title of presentation

Peace is the road: A 16 year journey of adolescents and adults on a New Mexico erdkinder

Short description

What if peace was not a goal "out there" in the future? What if we could practice qualities of peace in our daily lives? Camino de Paz Montessori Secondary School presents one adolescent community's journey of academic, economic and social growth cultivating relationships to the self, society and nature.

Author's biography

Patricia Pantano holds AMI diplomas at the Primary and Elementary levels. She worked in the Casa for five years and another eleven in Elementary classrooms in both public and private schools. In 1992 she became Middle School coordinator at the St. Alcuin Montessori School in Dallas, Texas. In 2000, she founded the Camino de Paz School. She received the certificate of Orientation to Adolescent studies in 2009. She has served as lecturer and advisor at the NAMTA Orientation courses given in Satila, Sweden and Chihuahua, Mexico in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

David Kahn

North American Montessori Teachers' Association
Cleveland, USA

Target Audience: Teachers - Adolescent (12-18)
Style of Presentation: ORAL
Time: 90 min
Room: South Hall II

Title of presentation

From sustainability to peace: Essential unifying knowledge from childhood to adolescence

Short description

Jenny Hoglund and David Kahn will show the natural progression from Elementary Cosmic Education to Montessori Adolescent ecology. Practical activities with plant and animal habitats, meadows, ponds, and forests expand the student’s understanding of bio-diversity. Biology, geography and earth science include the study of interactions between organisms where the habitat becomes the material. The Farm brings contact with plant and animal life, water and land, and energy - a prepared environment for developmental living ecology.

Author's biography

David Kahn has been the executive director of the North American Montessori Teachers’ Association for more than 40 years. David was founding program director of the Hershey Montessori School’s Adolescent Community (Huntsburg, OH) and is founding executive director emeritus of the Montessori High School at University Circle (Cleveland, OH). He has played a key role in starting a public-private partnership for Stonebrook Montessori school, serving ages eighteen months through eighteen years in Cleveland. Mr. Kahn holds a BA in fine arts and classics from the University of Notre Dame (IN) as well as the AMI elementary diploma from Bergamo. Jenny Höglund is an AMI elementary trainer. She holds AMI primary and elementary diplomas. Jenny co-founded the Montessoriskolan Lära för livet in Sweden in 1995 and has taught elementary and adolescent students for over 24 years as well as serving as head of school since 2006. She has also lectured at the Bergamo Center in Italy since 2006.

Geoffrey Bishop

Nature's Classroom Institute
Mukwonago, USA

Target Audience: General Audience
Style of Presentation: WORKSHOP
Time: 90 min
Room: Meeting Hall I.A

Title of presentation

Nature the first and essential environment

Short description

This is a session you will not want to miss, Geoffrey has presented all over the US and the world and through his own experience growing up in the bush in Australia, at his school on 200 acres and his residential Environmental Education programs across the US he will, through stories, antidotes and experiences, help you gaining insights into development of a child’s basic needs and the profound effect that, time in nature will bring to the whole child. Geoffrey will also give you examples and ideas on how to integrate nature into your classrooms, schools and campuses.

Author's biography

Geoffrey Bishop grew up on an Australia sheep station, high school at an agricultural boarding school, University in both Sydney and Melbourne in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture. For 8 years he traveled the world, visiting many countries, spending time in rural areas learning cultures and understanding his place in the world.1996, started Nature’s Classroom Institute, residential environmental education program serving Montessori schools throughout the US. After developing an academic and environmental outdoor based curriculum, he formed Nature’s Classroom Montessori that models the core philosophy of Montessori Education with his environmental principles. He is currently Executive Director, Head of School.

Catherine Holmes

Canberra Montessori School
Canberra, Australia

Target Audience: Researchers
Style of Presentation: WORKSHOP
Time: 90 min
Room: Room 3.1

Title of presentation

Introducing Montessori in a remote Indigenous school

Short description

Catherine Holmes invites you to visit The Ngaanyatjarra Lands – home to the most remote community in Australia Experience its culture, Meet its people, Fall in love with its children!

Author's biography

Catherine began teaching at the Ngaanyatjarra Lands School Network in the Central Western Desert, Australia. With the support of the Montessori Children’s Foundation (MCF), she transitioned the Kiwirrkurra and Papulankutja (Blackstone) Remote Community Early Childhood classrooms from traditional teaching and learning practices to the Montessori approach. Catherine completed her Montessori Diploma (2.5 to 6+ years) at the AMI Montessori Training Centre in Perugia, Italy. Catherine also holds a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), Masters of Education (by Research) and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Catherine is currently working as a 3 to 6 Classroom Director at Canberra Montessori School.

Video Invitation

Gail Cresswell

Mowanjum Early Learning Centre
Derby, Australia

Target Audience: General Audience
Style of Presentation: WORKSHOP
Time: 45 min
Room: Room 222

Title of presentation

Mowanjum Aboriginal culture supported in early learning context

Short description

Mowanjum Aboriginal Community is comprised of three language groups, the Worrora, Ngarinyin and Wanambal people who have been dislocated from their homelands. An 18 minute film presentation will give the history of the community. This will be followed by a powerpoint presentation describing Gail’s work in the Mowanjum Early Learning Centre.

Author's biography

Gail Cresswell is a Montessori parent and grandparent. She was the Principal at Margaret River Montessori School, Western Australia and currently teaches in the Mowanjum Early Learning Centre. Mowanjum Aboriginal Community is in the Kimberley Region in the north west of Western Australia. In response to a request from the Mowanjum elders Gail founded a 0-3 programme at Mowanjum in 2014. Gail also works as a Chaplain at the West Kimberley Regional Prison and actively supports the Mowanjum women and children.

Video Invitation

Judi Orion

The Montessori Institute
Denver, USA

Target Audience: General Audience
Style of Presentation: WORKSHOP
Time: 90 min
Room: Room 343

Title of presentation

Become a change agent by training Montessori teachers

Short description

This presentation will explain in detail the training of trainers programme of the ami – at all levels of training. The workshop will be led by judi orion, chair of the ami training group, and aisling o’connell, ami secretariat in charge of the tot programme. Current participants and recent “graduates” of the programme will be on hand to give their stories, their challenges, their successes during and after the programme.

Author's biography

Judi Orion is an AMI trainer, consultant and examiner at both the 0-3 and the 3-6 levels. Currently she is co-director of training at The Montessori Institute, Denver, Colorado. When not training in Denver Judi is either working at the AMI Headquarters in Amsterdam atsthe interim Pedagogical Director and well as being Chair of the Training Group or is elsewhere in the world consulting with and supporting new trainers. Judi has helped to implement various Seminar Format Training Programmes and is currently involved with the Training Group in planning regional Training of Trainers Programmes worldwide.