Hi, My name is Ciera Quarterman. I am 28 years old and a boy mom 2x! I am a black woman raised as a christian. I am quiet but blunt and speak my mind. I tend to stay to myself often and starting to love to do things alone. My professional goal or dream is to work in a majority staffed and students school of color. I want to work around and with people that can understand me, I can relate more to, and be comfortable around. I also want to be that person that the children can relate to. It is so hard to go to a school and you look around and it is not nobody in site you can mirror. Some years ago parents and future parents were observing the school I work at and one of them said in the q&a after how come all the colored staff were the one taking the children to the bathroom. Thats when it really stuck out to me that there was no guide that was colored there was no guide that was not white. I knew right there I had to be apart of that change. Long term goals and dreams is to hopefully open up a children's house with someone or become a director of a children house.

I am a Montessori Teacher Leader, and I want to introduce Montessori Education to the broader immigrant population in Minnesota. I want a better quality of education for our youth and provide a safe and reliable Montessori Environment. I opened a Wildflower Montessori school together with my wife and her friend. We are all three trained Teacher Leaders, and I plan to have an elementary classroom added to our beautiful Acacia Montessori school. We hope that Montessori Education will equip our children for everyday life, giving them practical skills which give them purpose and enables them to be contributing members of their family, classroom, and community.

Michelle has been an educator for over 20 years. She has worked as an elementary school, middle school teacher in public schools, and with private schools, She also has over 8 years of experience as a Montessori educator. at the primary and upper elementary level She has also taught as an Associate Professor of Developmental Reading, for technical colleges. in South Carolina and New Mexico. ​ She received her Montessori Diploma for Primary Ages 3-6 in 2010. She received an AMI Administrators Certificate in 2022, and an AMI Certificate for Montessori Elder Care Practitioner in 2020. In 2000, Mrs. Goodwin completed her Master of Science in Elementary Education and Reading from Brooklyn College (CUNY). She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Print Journalism from Northeastern University in June 1995. Her minor was Afro-American Studies. She is thrilled to be a founding partner for Jawanza Zinnia Montessori Development center where she can fulfill her lifelong dream of creating an environment of community for primary and senior attendees. The goal of this center is to meet the needs of the community by providing exposure to a prepared environment and high quality curriculum as we care for multi-generations. "I am a lifelong learner," says Michelle. " I desire to help spark the love of learning and self-growth in every person who's life I touch." "As a former Montessori parent, I have seen the benefits of allowing the child to be in a nurtured environment where their individuality is celebrated. The seeds "planted" in my children within those environments are still germinating today. Many of the strengths and skills they demonstrate now are a direct result of having the opportunity to grow and experience at their own pace. And I have had the pleasure of utilizing the Montessori method to support my father in his last days as he struggled with Alzheimer's due to dementia. It is my passion to create the same environments for the children and seniors of my local community." Michelle is a mother, and a grandmother. She also serves on the ministry team of Bethel Revival Church, Emporia, VA. Michelle was born and raised in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn, NY.

My name is Jessica Chalmers and I am originally from Port-au-Prince Ayiti. I pursued my undergraduate and graduate studies in psychology, early childhood education, childhood education and curriculum writing. I am a multilingual educator with over a decade of teaching experience, curriculum development and leadership. I have a passion for social justice and an interest in sustainability studies. Overall, I have a deep passion and commitment to healing on a large scale. I fundamentally believe in the holistic, nurturing and universal Montessori methods. After training with the Montessori Institute of San Diego, I plan on bringing these teachings to a broader population of children. In my home country, where children don’t have access to quality education because of political and systemic oppressions, I see using the Montessori philosophy as a form of social justice. Learning how to implement the Montessori methodology will give me the tools to better support my students' overall growth. I truly feel that the Montessori method is a revolution that contributes to a movement of universal liberation by showing the way to defend and raise humanity. I believe that all students, despite their background and abilities, should have access to a holistic way of learning, one that encompasses social- emotional as well as academic growth.

My name is Michaela Johnson! I am currently in my fifth year of teaching Montessori, but my second year of teaching Upper Elementary(which I am LOVING!!). The past three years, I taught Lower Elementary. I have a BS in Psychology from Tuskegee University, MS in Child and Adolescent Psychology from SNHU and a M.A.T. in Elementary Education from Relay Graduate School of Education. I always maintain a calm and positive outlook on life while keeping a smile on my face. I love being a Montessori guide, teaching, learning, inspiring and interacting with students and their families. I enjoy being in the classroom, so my plan (as of now) is to retire as an educator.

Brandy O’Neal has fifteen years of experience teaching in Chicago Public Schools. During her tenure, she has been a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, and mentor teacher. She took a hiatus from education to become an urban farm apprentice and eventually became a farm manager at the YWCA’s first urban farm in Chicago. She enjoyed working outdoors, learning from nature, and growing some of the best vegetables she’d ever eaten in her life! However, when the pandemic hit and the school where her farm was located closed, she used the time to reassess and plan her next steps. Always the educator at heart, she yearned to work with children. So, she returned to the classroom with a renewed sense of hope and a fresh outlook. Brimming with ideas, she researched all kinds of interests, from food literacy and nature-based education to student agency and self-directed learning, and each time one name kept making an appearance—Montessori. Taking this as a sign, she enrolled in an EL I-II Montessori certification program at the Prepared Montessorian Institute, and hasn’t looked back. Her time studying the Montessori Method has strengthened her resolve to not only teach her students the fundamentals of academic subjects but also strategies to lead happier, healthier lives.

My name is Diamond Williams, a little bit about me… I am 23 years old and a little new to the Montessori community, I can across it and fell in love and now I just see myself doing this for the rest of my life. I would like to go back for the primary training once I graduate college and just keep climbing the ladder that is my dream, and I hope I’m able to fulfill it one day. My personality is very driven I would say, when I make my mind up I feel like I lock into that place and I can’t unlock until I complete my goal. That’s why I feel as though I’ll be able to keep climbing the ladder as I want too. I absolutely can’t wait to be a lead in my own classroom and see what things I can accomplish, I fully believe in myself and can’t wait for the new year to start!

I am a born and raised in Boston who is an enthusiastic teacher with passion for children’s education and hands-on experience in imparting knowledge to young learners. I would like to express my strong interest. This scholarship would help me tremendously in continuing my new career and journey as a Montessori teacher. I have started working at my new position at Roxbury Roots Montessori starting in February. Not only that, but I was working at a children's center at Northeastern University which was financially great, but it was long overdue for me to move on to something with more potential for growth. This upcoming fall school I will be doing my internship at RRM. My professional goals is to get my Montessori certification by spring 2024 and a top priority of mine while I am at Roxbury Roots is to use this opportunity to help further the Montessori pedagogy and instill a sense of pride and empowerment in all students. This is a focus on what drive me, my career as a black woman in early childhood education. I believe my purpose in life is to help my community, especially people of color in a teaching environment.

I am excited and very thankful for this opportunity. A little bit about me. My name is Marie St.Jean. I was born and raised in Florida. Haitian decent fluent in Haitian Creole. I’ve been in Montessori education for seven years now . As lead teacher and as an assistant teacher for pre primary and also primary. My goal is to become a certified Montessori Teacher for the primary age classroom at international Montessori school .My personality is very outgoing land ready to explore curiosities into the world . During my spare time I spend most of it with my 10 year old son Zakhari. Riding our bikes and hanging out at the beach.

Keosha Gant is an innovative educator and mother from Chicago, Illinois. She has more than a decade of experience working with children, with her most recent role being an assistant at the Montessori primary level. She is currently finishing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Fashion Design from Columbia College. With a passion in the arts Keosha makes use of her interest in an impactful way within the classroom. Looking to not only further her knowledge on the Montessori pedagogies but also take the necessary steps to further her career as black leadership, Keosha is currently enrolled in Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies to obtain a Montessori credential at the primary level to further make a difference in children’s lives.

My name is Hannah Boxley. I attended Montessori school at the age 2 1/2 years old up until I was in 3rd grade. I attended Marotta, Hicks and Dike Montessori. I have a bachelors degree in Business Administration from Central State University. However, I have always had the passion for education. I love working with children. I am natural at making connections with people. I enjoy helping others and work well with assisting people through challenges. I am an experienced problem solver and like to be optimistic with results. I have worked in early childhood since 2009, began teaching as a substitute teacher for Cleveland Metropolitan School District in 2014. I began my journey as a Montessori mother in 2017 and allowed both of my children to attend public Montessori. I began my Montessori training while working in my first year as a Montessori teacher at Stonebrook Montessori. While conducting my training I experienced hardships and was unable to complete my training in the time span of the program. Therefor, receiving this grant is most appreciated and much needed. I am currently working at Tremont Montessori as an assistant teacher (paraprofessional) as an opportunity to focus on completing my training. My goal is to complete my training by the fall. Gain knowledge as an assistant and prepare to teach my own class for the following school year. I also will have to obtain my Resident Educator License after obtaining my Montessori credential in order to start the 2024-2025 school year as a credentialed Montessori teacher. I plan to teach as a Montessori teacher until retirement. I also would love to support and see Cleveland have their own Montessori training center so that we can grow our Montessori educator population.

My name is Jennifer Irving, and I live in South Florida. I have a bachelor's and a master's degree in Criminology. After I finished, I realized that the type of change I wanted to make I couldn't achieve in this current environment. After having my first child and many hours of research, I jumped into the world of Montessori and have been in love ever since. I am a super curious person and love learning about any and everything that I encounter. My hobbies include drawing, painting, learning the guitar, and entertaining my two children and Goldendoodle. I've found my passion in teaching the Montessori method to eager elementary children. Professional, I want to teach lower elementary for the rest of my working years with the hopes of opening a school apart of the Wildflower Network.

Hello all, my name is Elizabeth Woods. Beginning in 2018, I worked in Montessori schools supporting Children’s House, Lower Elementary, and Adolescence programs both in the private and public sector. In the schools I have supported, I have had many great opportunities to share my interests for photography, dance, ABAR, Social Justice and JEDI work. This year, I have been focused on ABAR and Social Justice work within Montessori schools overall, and more directly, within classrooms at each level. This work led me to the Montessori for Social Justice Conference in which I had the pleasure of meeting Maia Blankenship. In that brief but impactful encounter, I was informed of The Black Wildflower Fund and the amazing work they do. I am deeply appreciative to have connected with Maia and become a part of a growing network of Montessorians of color, who share similar interests in providing an authentic Montessori experience in the most inclusive way. In July, I began my AMI Primary training at Montessori Northwest in Portland, Oregon. This was only possible due to the scholarship I received by Black Wildflower Fund. With their support, I will be fully equipped and able to continue to deliver my skills, passion, and knowledge to communities who wouldn’t traditionally have access to Montessori’s work.

Adreanna Carter Jennings is a fourth-generation educator dedicated to rebuilding educational systems disrupted during the MAAFA. She believes in the Montessori method, when grounded in Pan-African values, as an empowering and transformative educational tool for children of the Diaspora. As a wife, mother, and educator, her mission is to create authentic, science-based learning environments that liberate and empower communities. Jennings has chosen Richmond, VA, to raise her family and build her school. Her ancestors and her husband’s ancestors were among those captured, enslaved, and brought to Richmond through Shockoe Valley—a history that fuels her purpose. Inspired by Richmond’s Maggie Lena Walker, Jennings is committed to transforming historical trauma into educational liberation by founding the first campus of a global system of Pan-African Montessori Schools.

Brittaney Parks is a passionate educator, homeschooling mother, and the founder and guide of Roots & Wings Montessori. With a background in traditional teaching and tutoring, she discovered Montessori while homeschooling her children and found it aligned deeply with her values of independence, respect, and whole-child development. In 2025, she launched Roots & Wings, a homeschool pod rooted in Montessori philosophy and cultural celebration. Parks is preparing to complete her Montessori teacher training for the 6–12 age group and is working to grow Roots & Wings into a micro-school and sustainable, replicable model. She also aspires to develop a teacher training program to support future Montessori educators and advocates for greater accessibility in education, particularly for Black families.

Carla Vanzant is an educator and community advocate passionate about creating transformative learning environments. She is the founder of Morning Glory Academy, a learner-driven middle and high school that blends Montessori principles, STEAM education, and creative arts. A first-generation college graduate and parent, Vanzant was inspired to create a school that unites academic excellence, cultural identity, and real-world learning. With more than 15 years of experience in education and community development, she has led programs preparing students for college and careers, served as Director of the Educational Opportunity Fund at Brookdale Community College, and taught learners of all ages. Currently completing AMI Montessori training, Vanzant is committed to expanding equitable, community-rooted Montessori education and cultivating changemakers who transform their communities.

Genevieve Hinnant is a wife, mother, and educator living in Murfreesboro, TN. Originally from Philadelphia, she has served as a high school educator and principal for over 18 years, most recently in Nashville. Inspired by the growth of her own children in Montessori programs, she founded Arbor Learning Lab, an innovative microschool for secondary students in Rutherford County, TN. Hinnant is pursuing Montessori certification to expand access to secondary programs centered on children of color in her region. She enjoys gardening, family time on her farm, and building a sustainable lifestyle. Believing Montessori education is essential to equity and inclusion, she is dedicated to transforming lives and communities through her work.

Isaiah Walker is a visionary education leader, school founder, and systems strategist with over 15 years of experience designing and leading schools and programs rooted in equity, whole-child development, and community partnership. He has served as a charter school CEO, turnaround principal, and national program director, scaling initiatives across multiple cities and supporting school start-ups. As co-founder and co-CEO of Our Suns Montessori School in Philadelphia, Walker is building one of the first Black-led Montessori schools in the city, integrating African culture, trauma-informed care, and wraparound family support. His approach blends Montessori practice with restorative justice and collaborative problem-solving frameworks. A proud neurodiverse learner, Walker ensures educational spaces are inclusive, culturally responsive, and transformative for all children.

Kyma Fulgence is an early childhood educator with more than 20 years of experience in center- and home-based care. She previously owned and operated a family child care facility in Wilmington and led the city’s Family Child Care Support Group. Inspired by her own healing journey through mindfulness and meditation, Fulgence integrates wellness, trauma-informed care, and emotional healing into her work. In 2023, she founded Teach Zen Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing the emotional resilience of children and educators. Her next step is to open a Montessori preschool in Wilmington, Delaware, designed as an outdoor-based, mindfulness-centered, and culturally enriched learning environment. Fulgence is known for creating safe, loving spaces and inspiring others to lead with love.

Lindsey Barnes is an educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for equitable education. With an MBA and deep commitment to Montessori pedagogy, she has founded and led schools such as The Dahlia School of San Francisco Elementary, which emphasizes language immersion, creativity, and child-led learning. She is currently developing Wise Earth School, a public charter school in San Francisco that integrates Montessori philosophy with environmental stewardship, rigorous academics, and multilingualism. Barnes is also engaged in fundraising, policy advocacy, and community building to expand access to transformative education. Known for her collaborative spirit and vision, she works to ensure that schools serve as hubs of opportunity, particularly for underserved communities.

Lisbeth González Rodríguez is the founder and Montessori Guide Leader of Flor de Loto Montessori in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She has two daughters and enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time at the beach. Known for her empathy, optimism, and leadership, González has pursued extensive education, including a master’s degree in Montessori Education from the University of Girona and doctoral studies in curriculum and instruction. She holds multiple certifications, including Montessori elementary (6–12), Montessori children’s home assistant (3–6), and school director credentials from the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Her professional goals include earning Montessori certification for adolescents (12–18) and creating a consulting company to support families of children with disabilities. Personally, she is committed to nurturing her own well-being and cultivating her spirit.

Mariah Gandy is an educator, advocate, and Montessori enthusiast with a background in sport administration, business, psychology, and higher education leadership. Since 2024, she has dedicated herself to making child-centered Montessori education more accessible. Gandy is known for her energy, encouragement, and commitment to continuous personal and professional growth. She is passionate about creating inclusive environments where students thrive and is devoted to making a lasting impact through her work.

Matisyn Darby is an instrumentalist and Montessori teacher-in-training at Chestnut Hill College. With a background in music and philosophy from Furman University, Darby has facilitated workshops, engaged in community outreach, and taught in untraditional education settings rooted in social justice. After teaching through a fellowship at Eagle Rock School and relocating to Philadelphia, Darby coordinated diversity and inclusion initiatives and worked at Clementine Montessori School. Currently, Darby is a support teacher at Clover Montessori School while completing a master’s degree in education with Montessori early childhood certification. She plans to lead her own classroom following certification and enjoys sewing, caring for her cats, and exploring art and nature in Philadelphia.

Shane Stephen is a Montessori guide with experience across multiple school settings. His work has allowed him to observe best practices in classrooms and administration while identifying what he hopes to improve in education. The eldest of five children, Stephen has long embraced the role of guide and nurturer. He began his Montessori journey as an infant/toddler guide and is completing his training for the 3–6 age group. He is committed to creating learning environments where both children and teachers are respected, supported, and valued.

Dr. Savannah Thomas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Education and Liberal Arts at the University of Arizona Global Campus, where she teaches courses on curriculum, culture, policy, leadership, and diversity. With 15 years of experience in the U.S. and abroad, she has worked with learners from early childhood to adulthood across Mississippi, the DMV, California, the UAE, Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Dedicated to equity and social justice, Thomas creates identity-affirming spaces and dismantles systems of oppression in education. She is also a homeschool mother, content creator, consultant, and member of the 2025 Wildflower Blooms cohort. She is preparing to launch a language-immersive Montessori school in Washington, D.C., in 2026. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, exploring nature, traveling, and spending time with her young daughter.

Stannish’a Payne is a mother of three, wife, and educator with a master’s degree in education. She is currently pursuing a second master’s in Montessori Education at the University of Maryland. Payne is passionate about Montessori teaching, which allows her to follow each child’s unique learning process without rushing, while fostering independence and trust. She is dedicated to preparing environments where children’s inner guides can thrive and is guided by Maria Montessori’s principle that true success is seen when “the children are now working as if [the teacher] did not exist.”

Tabitha Ngwashi is a first-generation Zambian/Congolese American educator raised in Syracuse, NY, and experienced in both the U.S. and Zambia. She began her career with the Syracuse City School District and was introduced to Montessori while teaching there. With nearly three decades in education, Ngwashi is now pursuing Montessori certification for upper elementary while preparing for future leadership roles as an administrator. A lifelong learner, she is committed to bringing Montessori education to more communities and enriching her own practice as a guide.

Tameshia M. Lee is an educator with more than 20 years of experience in science instruction, curriculum development, and community engagement. With a background in biology and environmental education, she currently teaches middle school science at Cross Country Elementary Middle School. Lee has secured grants, led professional development, and spearheaded sustainability initiatives such as outdoor learning centers and school gardens. She is co-founding Charm City Garden Montessori, a Wildflower school opening in 2026, where she will integrate child-centered learning with sustainability and creativity. Known for her approachable personality and innovative teaching style, Lee is committed to building inclusive, hands-on learning environments.

Thomas Johnson is an educator, musician, and curriculum developer with expertise in early childhood education, social-emotional learning, and music production. Certified in both infant-toddler and preschool teaching, and trained as a Registered Behavior Technician, he has worked with autistic children, served as a youth minister, and taught courses at the SAE Institute of Technology. As a composer and producer, Johnson has credits in gospel and R&B. He is developing a Montessori music curriculum to combine his passions for music and education, with the goal of earning all four Montessori teaching certifications.

Unetta Hedge is the founder and director of The Zion School, an educational initiative in Atlanta rooted in faith, community, and holistic development. Established in 2022, the school was inspired by her desire to create a Christ-centered environment for her son and other children. Hedge brings experience as a business consultant and foster parent to her leadership role, blending strategic insight with compassion. She envisions expanding the school through scholarships for Black students and building access to high-quality Montessori education. A devoted wife and mother of four, Hedge is also passionate about travel, culinary exploration, and the arts. She is committed to servant leadership and transformational education, empowering families and communities through her work.

Erica Poole is a certified ELA teacher with a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s in Public Administration. Her professional journey spans education, accounting, and court services, reflecting versatility and a strong commitment to service. As a mother, wife, and lifelong learner, Poole is pursuing Montessori certification with the goal of teaching upper elementary and adolescent students and eventually taking on leadership roles in Montessori schools. Known for diligence, creativity, and adaptability, she finds joy in inspiring young minds, organizing engaging events, and embracing new challenges. Outside of education, she is a passionate foodie who enjoys discovering and sharing great meals.

Ona Anosike is the founder of Inkwell Montessori, a tech-integrated microschool for children ages 3–6, opening in Cambridge...

Mi nombre es Karla Jessica Rodríguez Ore soy de nacionalidad Peruana, pero, vivo en Puerto Rico hace 17 años, me identifico como Black latín American. Mi bachillerato es en Administración Hotelera la cual ejercí por 5 años en mi país, al mudarme a Estados Unidos comencé con unos créditos en Inglés elemental, pero, encontré mi horizonte en Trabajo Social. Me gradué el 2019 con una Maestría en Trabajo Social Clínico y comencé a ejercer en ese mismo año en la escuela Montessori en el pueblo de Guayama. Es ahí donde me enamora la metodología y decido tomar un curso de Asistente Montessori AMI de 3 a 6, al ver la maravilla de como los niños se desarrollan, sentí que tenía que hacer un cambio social desde el nacimiento de un ser humano, así que decidí prepararme como guía de Asistente de la Infancia 0-3. Actualmente unos de mis metas es dar inicio a mi escuela Cantuta Montessori, ofreciendo un ambiente paz, armonía basado en el respeto y equidad, que los niños desde una temprana edad crezcan con una diversidad.

Keyla M. Guelén León was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico on March 16, 1976. Is a dedicated public servant from Ponce, Puerto Rico, with over 25 years of experience in education, public health, and community development. Passionate, dedicated, organized, native leader and a big dreamer for a better world. I led innovative projects focused on inclusion, accessibility, and literacy, especially for vulnerable populations. I the creator and leader of an ambitious project to transform and abandoned school in Ponce into a Special Education School, complimented by another facility to train adults with disabilities to obtain a job or create their own business. I am the creator of a respite program for families of individuals with functional diversity and has developed an adult education initiative in my city. I recently completed my training as a Montessori Assistant. With a background in elementary education and a Master’s in Public Health, I’m known for my leadership, organizational skills, and strong commitment to social equity. My professional goal is to open the first Montessori secondary school (12-18) in Ponce, Puerto Rico, creating a transformative space for adolescent development rooted in the Montessori philosophy. In recognition of my distinguished career and contributions to education, I was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Honorable World Academy of Education during their Summit in Bolivia in 2024. Married with my life love, dream partner and support José Santiago during 24 years. Proudly mother of Adrian a 19 years younger graduated chef from The Culinary Institute of America and Alexander, a functional diversity special 20 years boy who makes me look life with other eyes and new motivations every day, specially to love, serve and create new opportunities for others. My dream is to build innovative life changing projects for my city with the hope that this projects will be replicated all around my country.