AMS is pleased to recognize the newest graduates from the AMS Instructor Academy, a rigorous program designed for current and aspiring teacher education program instructors.
About the AMS Instructor Academy
The AMS Instructor Academy provides advanced training led by field experts, equipping teacher education program instructors with the skills needed to prepare the next generation of Montessori educators. This transformative professional development experience deepens participants’ understanding of the Montessori philosophy while empowering them to become guardians and ambassadors of this educational approach.
Our Distinguished Graduates
Teacher Education Program (TEP) Cohort: Our experienced Montessori teacher educators exemplify the principle that learning never ends. Through intensive study and reflection, they’ve enhanced their practice and refined their approach to adult education.
Specialized Program Graduates: We also celebrate graduates from our Infant Toddler, Early Childhood, and Elementary cohorts. These dedicated professionals are committed to nurturing both children and the educators who will shape tomorrow’s learning environments.
Join Our Mission
If you feel called to participate in the meaningful work of educational transformation, we invite you to apply for our next Instructor Academy session beginning Fall 2025.
Introducing the graduates from our IA TEP program:
Michele Maria Camargo
Founder, MMISA
Beijing, China
Sheba Kapur
Elementary Level Coordinator, West Side Montessori School – Teacher Education Program
New York, NY
Catherine Mason
Infant Toddler Guide & Education Consultant
Atlanta, GA
Christine Phillips
Instructor, Montana Montessori Teacher Education Institute
Bozeman, MT
Chelle Downey-Magee
Co-Director and Early Childhood Program Coordinator
Sammamish, WA
Nanci Guartofierro
Instructor, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI
Lead Guide, Stepping Stones Montessori School, Grand Rapids, MI
Kaiyun Yang
Instructor
Beijing, China
Kelly Easter
Lead Primary Guide / Director
Hermitage, TN
Miao Miao Li
Montessori teacher and Instructor
Beijing, China
Mary Broeckling
Lead Toddler Guide, Montessori School of Denver
Denver, CO
Aparna Nisankararao
Secondary Guide and TEP instructor
Frisco, TX
Valene Rodriguez
Toddler Teacher and TEP Instructor
Denver, CO
Rachel Buechler
Owner, Queen City Montessori
Charlotte, NC
Normi Son
IT/EC Instructor
Vietnam and the Philippines
Rodrigo (Robin) Salinas
Montessori Lead Teacher
Beijing, China
Heidy Lilchin
Program Director and Instructor
Miami, FL
Cheryll Ruszat
Executive Director, Montessori Schools of Irvine
Director, University Montessori Teacher Education Program at UC Irvine
Irvine, CA
Angela Romano Papillo
Lead Montessori Teacher
Frederick, MD
Sarah Streyle
Assistant Professor, St. Catherine University Early Childhood and Montessori Programs
Minneapolis, MN
Gwendolyn Horton
Head of School
Washington, DC
Ashley Madden Szatmary
Monocacy Valley Montessori Public School
Frederick, Maryland
Kaitlyn McElrath
Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest
Woodinville, WA
Katherine Barber
Level Coordinator
Irvine, CA
Maria Ines Goyen
Elementary Guide and Instructor
Miami, FL
Introducing our graduates from the Infant Toddler program:
Cristina Valente
Head of School, Covered Bridge Montessori School
Weare, NH
Karen Goodyke Barney
Director of Montessori Education
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Introducing our graduates from the Early Childhood program:
Sabina Nguyen
Head of School
Columbus, OH
Christie Fakrogha
Founder and Creative Director Early Intervention Support Program, Montessori Lead Guide, Teacher Education Program Coordinator
Saskatchewan Canada, and Lagos, Nigeria
Introducing our graduate from the Elementary program:
Hugo Jr. Hormazabal, MBA
Doctoral Candidate, University of Florida
Orlando, FL