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
February 4th through February 25th, 2026
- Eastern: 8:00 PM
- Central: 7:00 PM
- Mountain: 6:00 PM
- Pacific: 5:00 PM
February 4th, 2026
Raising Confident Kids
Reena Vohra Morgan
Learn how to prepare your home (and yourself!) with concrete ideas, tips, and developmentally appropriate expectations to build your child’s confidence. Guide your child’s inner compass and foster their sense of responsibility, resiliency, and self-worth!
Reena Vohra Morgan is an Educational Consultant & Coach, and founder of HiveEducational Consulting, LLC. She has over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and has served as an Early Childhood Teacher, School Administrator, Instructional Coach & Parent Coach. Reena holds a Master’s Degree in Childhood Development from the Erikson Institute, Chicago. She holds AMI and AMS Montessori Certifications and is a Certified Parenting Coach! During the summers, Reena is an instructor for teacher preparation courses through the Montessori Residency of Chicago. During the academic year, Reena serves as the EC Developmental Specialist at a Reggio Emilia program. Reena helps adults put on their “oxygen masks,” so they can better support the children in their care! Reena resides in the city of Chicago with her husband, 3 uniquely wonderful daughters, 2 cats, & 1 dog!
Find out more here.
February 11th, 2026
Freedom Within Limits: How Boundaries Build Independence and Autonomy in Children
Magela Maltarollo
Many parents today believe that independence comes from allowing children to do whatever they want. In reality, true independence is not born from unlimited freedom, but from clear, loving boundaries. In this presentation, Magela Maltarollo explores one of the most misunderstood aspects of child development: the essential role of limits in supporting autonomy, emotional security, and self-discipline.
Grounded in Montessori philosophy and real-life family experiences, this talk will help parents understand why saying “no” when necessary is an act of care, not control. Families will learn how consistent boundaries create safety, reduce power struggles, and give children the confidence to act independently within a structured and respectful environment. When children know the limits, they are free to grow, explore, and become capable individuals—calm, confident, and truly independent.
Magela Maltarollo is a Montessori-credentialed educator with over 15 years of experience supporting young children and their families. She completed her Montessori training through an accredited program with the American Montessori Society after studying at the Maria Montessori School in San Diego. In 2020, she founded Aquarela Montessori Preschool, which later evolved into a deeper calling: guiding families in creating Montessori-aligned homes.
As the founder of Inspirare Montessori Consulting, Magela works with families of children ages 0–6 through personalized in-home and online consultations, parent workshops, and school collaborations. Her work focuses on helping parents build calm, structured, and nurturing environments where children can develop independence, emotional regulation, and confidence.
Magela believes that children thrive when love, routine, and clear boundaries come together. As both an educator and a mother, she brings a practical, compassionate, and realistic approach to Montessori—showing families that independence grows not from unlimited freedom, but from freedom within limits.
February 18th, 2026
Parenting with Emotional Intelligence and Love
Shawn Edwards
Parenting with Emotional Intelligence and Love is an inviting, practical presentation for Montessori parents who want to support their child’s emotional development with confidence and care. Together, we’ll explore how emotional intelligence—understanding feelings, building empathy, and responding with intention—lays the foundation for independence, resilience, and strong relationships. Rooted in Montessori principles, this talk connects what children experience in the classroom with what they need most at home.
Parents will leave with concrete strategies for navigating big feelings, setting loving and consistent boundaries, and strengthening connection without power struggles. Whether you’re facing daily challenges or simply hoping to deepen your relationship with your child, this presentation offers reassurance, insight, and tools to help you parent with both clarity and love.
Shawn Edwards spent more than 31 years working in Montessori schools. Her journey began after stepping into an Elementary classroom at The Post Oak School in Houston, Texas—an experience that sparked a deep and lasting commitment to Montessori philosophy and practice. She began her career as an assistant teacher and, just five months later, enrolled in Elementary training and certification through the Washington Montessori Institute. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong vocation.
After more than a decade in the classroom, Shawn transitioned into administration and school leadership. She brings 14 years of experience leading Montessori schools, supporting teachers, guiding leadership teams, and building strong, values-driven school communities.
Eight years into her teaching career, Shawn became involved with the Positive Discipline organization and is now a certified Positive Discipline Parenting Coach and Trainer. She holds a master’s degree in Transformational Leadership and Coaching from the Wright Graduate University for the Realization of the Human Potential, where her work focused on leadership, self-awareness, and human development.
In 2019, Shawn launched ToolHows, “How-To Tools for Parents and Schools,” through which she provides coaching, consulting, and professional development. She also serves as an Instructional Guide and Practicum Advisor for leadership cohorts with the Center for Guided Montessori Studies.
Shawn has been married for 35 years and is the mother of three grown children who were raised in Montessori schools. She is also a proud grandmother of two and spends as much time as possible with her grandchildren. She lives on a small farm in Central Texas, sharing her days with dogs, ducks, donkeys, and goats.
When she’s not working or tending to farm life, Shawn enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, and spending time with friends.
February 25th, 2026
Communication for Connection and Cooperation
Kristen Ancker
In this engaging session, you’ll learn practical communication tools and strategies that foster greater cooperation with your children—without power struggles or frustration. Kristen will introduce research-based Positive Discipline strategies that help create more peace and joy at home while strengthening connection and trust within your family.
Children aren’t born knowing how to name their feelings or regulate their emotions—and many of us were never taught these essential skills either. In this workshop, parents will learn how to decode their child’s emotions, respond with clarity and empathy, and use simple, specific language that builds understanding and cooperation.
You’ll leave with tools you can use right away to feel more confident as a parent, create more ease in daily interactions, and bring greater calm and happiness into your home.
Kristen Ancker MS. Ed. AMS is a Parent Empowerment Coach, Teacher Mentor and school consultant who supports overwhelmed parents and educators in raising responsible, respectful and resilient children.
With over 25 years of experience working with children and families, Kristen holds a Master’s degree in Education and is a certified Montessori educator, Positive Discipline Facilitator and Transformational Mindset Coach. After serving as a teacher, school leader, and accreditation consultant, she founded Kristen Ancker Consulting in 2010 and now works privately with families and schools as a coach, speaker and facilitator.
Kristen guides parents and educators through one-on-one coaching and workshops to build emotional intelligence, strengthen relationships, and “crack the code” of challenging behavior—helping families find more connection, confidence and calm.
Kristen lives in Weston, CT with her husband and three children ages 17, 14 and 11.