Montessori Parenting Series
We’re excited to offer a series of Parent Education online events, featuring guest speakers who are experts in applying Montessori principles to parenting. We know that children thrive when home and school work in partnership. We hope you will join us, ask questions, learn, and gain support for your journey as a Montessori parent. It is free for all parents to join, we hope to see you there!
Offered every Wednesday Evening on Zoom
October 1st through October 22nd 2025
- Eastern: 8:00 PM
- Central: 7:00 PM
- Mountain: 6:00 PM
- Pacific: 5:00 PM
October 1, 2025
Grounded in Science: The Human Development Roots of Montessori
Donna D'Hoostelaere
Dr. Maria Montessori was a physician and scientist, not a traditional teacher, and her groundbreaking approach to education is rooted in decades of careful observation and research on child development. In this session, we will explore the scientific principles that inform every aspect of Montessori education—from the design of the materials to the structure of lessons, the flow of the classroom, and the philosophy behind the pedagogy.
Parents will gain a deeper understanding of how Montessori supports the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically—and why it is so effective in fostering independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. We’ll explain the how and the why behind Montessori practices, helping you see the intentionality behind every lesson, every material, and every interaction in the classroom. This session is perfect for parents who want to understand the research-based foundation of Montessori education and learn how it can support their child’s growth both at school and at home.
Donna D’Hoostelaere is a life-long learner and AMI-trained Montessori guide who founded Aldea Montessori in 2001. For 30 years, Donna has worked with Montessori schools, first as a parent volunteer, then as a classroom guide, administrator, and school owner. She has experience on both sides of the table--having questions as a parent and having answers as a trained guide--and has made it her mission to share everything she has learned with parents and other schools' staff. Donna has been a public speaker about Montessori and general parenting for 15+ years. She has created videos that are being used world-wide for parenting education.
Donna has a Masters degree in Education from St. Catherine University, as well as certifications in the Nurtured Heart Approach (Certified Trainer in 2014 and a Certified Advanced Trainer in 2018). She is a Leadership Parenting Coach with The John Rosemond Leadership Parenting Institute and a certified Facilitator with NuParent, a unique parenting education program created by Children’s Bureau.
October 8, 2025
Montessori at Home: Parenting with Insight and Presence
Vandana Caruso
In this engaging presentation, parents will explore Montessori philosophy through the interconnected lenses of the child, the environment, and the aware adult. With guided reflection questions, participants learn how to bring Montessori principles into their homes in ways that fit their unique family. The session also introduces the practical tool of Active and Reflective Listening, drawn from nonviolent communication, giving parents with children of all ages, hands-on practice in strengthening family communication while deepening presence and connection.
Vandana Caruso is a Montessori Educator with over twenty years of experience and a certified Parenting Coach through the Jai Institute for Parenting. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Montessori Teaching Certificate. Mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga have been part of her life since 1996, grounding her work with parents in presence and compassion. Vandana is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space where parents can explore their unique challenges and move toward more joyful, connected parenting. Her mission is to help families nurture children with greater understanding, contributing to a vision of a more peaceful world—one child at a time.
Discover more about her self-created parent coaching practice >>
October 15, 2025
The Power of Play
Michelle Tovar
Many parents today are juggling endless to-do lists, responsibilities, and obligations, leaving little time for play and joy at home. Yet research and Montessori philosophy remind us that play is not just fun—it is essential for a child’s development. In this session, you’ll discover how adopting a playful parenting approach can transform your household, fostering deeper connection, greater cooperation, and stronger emotional regulation for both you and your child. By incorporating Montessori-inspired strategies that honor a child’s natural curiosity, independence, and love of exploration, you can create a home environment where learning, growth, and joy go hand in hand.
Michelle Tovar is a longtime Montessori educator and certified parent coach who supports parents in breaking cycles of yelling, frustration, and guilt to build calm, confident, and unshakable bonds with their children. She helps parenting partners develop effective communication skills and respectful discipline strategies, fostering households with less chaos and more cooperation.
Michelle works with families globally and brings expertise in Montessori education, child development, emotional intelligence, positive discipline, self-regulation, sibling dynamics, working while parenting, school and learning support, boundary-setting, and reparenting the inner child.
A proud mother of three—middle school, high school, and college-aged sons—Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and following her family’s passion for soccer, often found cheering on the sidelines during weekend games.
October 22, 2025
Tantrums and Power Struggles Through the Montessori Eyes
Magela Maltarollo
Parenting young children can be joyful—but also challenging. Tantrums, power struggles, and daily frustrations often leave parents feeling overwhelmed.
In this session, I will guide parents through practical strategies rooted in Montessori principles and my P.E.A.C.E. framework—Prepared Environment, Emotional Connection, Autonomy & Independence, Consistency & Routine, and Empowered Boundaries. Parents will learn how to prevent tantrums, navigate power struggles, and create a home environment that nurtures independence and emotional security. Attendees will leave with concrete tools to handle challenging moments with confidence, foster stronger connections with their children, and cultivate a calm, structured, and empowering home. Drawing on 15 years as a Montessori educator, leading schools, and guiding families through Inspirare Montessori Consulting, I bring real-world experience and actionable insights that parents can apply immediately.
Join this session to transform struggles into opportunities for growth and bring Montessori principles to life at home.
Magela Maltarollo is a Montessori-credentialed educator and parent consultant with over 15 years of experience working with young children and their families. After training at the Maria Montessori School in San Diego and completing certification through the American Montessori Society, she founded Inspirare Montessori Consulting to guide parents in bringing Montessori principles into their homes. Magela specializes in helping families nurture independence, connection, and calm, and she is passionate about empowering parents with practical tools to understand and respond to children’s behavior—including tantrums—with empathy and confidence.