Meet the hardworking people behind AMS.

AMS staff is composed of individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, united by a shared passion for Montessori education and a commitment to the AMS mission of advancing high-quality Montessori education and expanding access to life-changing learning experiences for children. Fifteen members of the AMS staff are Montessori credential holders, representing every level of Montessori education. Their collective experience helps ensure that the work of AMS remains grounded in Montessori philosophy and practice.

Office of Accreditation

The Office of Accreditation upholds the highest standards of Montessori education through nationally and internationally recognized systems for school accreditation, teacher education program affiliation, educator credentialing, and quality assurance. Led by Senior Director Scott Davidson, the office provides strategic oversight of accreditation and affiliation while promoting continuous improvement across the Montessori profession. The team collaborates closely with the Montessori Learning, Research & Innovation Office to maintain rigorous standards, partners with Marketing & Communications to highlight accredited institutions and programs, and works with Membership & Community to support and engage affiliated schools and teacher education programs.

Scott Davidson, Senior Director of Accreditation

Scott Davidson provides strategic leadership for AMS accreditation, affiliation, and quality assurance, partnering with schools and teacher education programs to strengthen excellence across the Montessori profession.

A career educator with more than 20 years of experience, Scott has served as a classroom teacher, school leader, accreditation executive, and educational improvement strategist. Before joining AMS, he was Vice President of Improvement Services at Cognia, where he led initiatives in school improvement, STEM certification, teacher development, and continuous quality improvement. Earlier in his career, he taught in K–12 classrooms, served as a school administrator, and led school turnaround efforts in some of the nation’s most underperforming schools.

At AMS, Scott works with Montessori schools, teacher education programs, AMS Commissions, and educational leaders to ensure accreditation and affiliation processes remain rigorous, meaningful, and responsive to the evolving needs of the Montessori community. His leadership is grounded in continuous improvement, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing high-quality Montessori education.

Department Staff

• Ayana Crawford, Director of School Accreditation
• Bay Warren, Educator Pathways Lead
• Cynthia Barraza Monroy, School Quality Manager
• Hannah Martin, Program Lead
• Katherine Nguyen, School Accreditation Coordinator
• Melina Papadimitriou, Director of Teacher Education
• Rachel Davis, Manager of Credentialing Services
• Stephanie Cavinder, Teacher Education Lead

Office of Marketing & Communications

The Office of Marketing & Communications is responsible for amplifying the voice of AMS. The team leads the organization’s brand strategy, content strategy, and external communications across digital and print marketing, web, email, social media, advertising, press relations, publications, and multimedia. Working collaboratively across every AMS office, the team promotes programs, services, events, and initiatives to increase engagement, strengthen brand visibility, and advance AMS’s strategic goals.

Ally Hammond, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications

Ally Hammond leads AMS’s marketing, communications, brand strategy, publications, and digital engagement. She oversees integrated campaigns that elevate the voice of Montessori education, strengthen engagement with the global Montessori community, and support the Society’s strategic priorities.

Ally brings more than a decade of leadership experience in strategic marketing, communications, branding, and creative direction. Before joining AMS, she spent more than 12 years at the American Council on Education (ACE), where she served as Senior Director of Marketing & Communications. During her tenure, she led enterprise-wide marketing and brand strategy, directed multidisciplinary creative teams and oversaw thousands of marketing, design, and publication projects annually. She also led a comprehensive organizational rebrand and nationally recognized campaigns that strengthened ACE’s visibility and impact.

At AMS, Ally partners across the organization to develop communications that connect educators, schools, families, teacher education programs, and partners with the Society’s mission. Through strategic storytelling and audience-centered communications, she helps expand the reach of Montessori education and position AMS as the leading voice for Montessori education in the United States and around the world.

Department Staff

• Allie Lopez-Cuadra, Digital Marketing and Web Manager
• Nakilia Thompson, Communications Manager
• Connie Duvall, Marketing Manager 

Consultants

• Brenda Modliszewski, Montessori Life Editorial Consultant & Copy Editor
• Carey Jones, Editor, Montessori Life Magazine
• Danielle Christopher, Advertising Sales, YGS Association Solutions
• Nicole Coman, Educating the Human Potential Podcast, Co-host 
• Niels Bolle, Design Consultant, AMS and Montessori Life Magazine
• Trevor Bowman, Educating the Human Potential Podcast/Vlog Producer
• William “Biff” Maier, Educating the Human Potential Podcast, Co-host 

Office of Events

The Office of Events creates meaningful experiences that bring the Montessori community together to learn, connect, and collaborate. The team leads the strategy, planning, and execution of AMS conferences, regional symposiums, leadership convenings, and other community events that advance professional learning and strengthen engagement across the Montessori community. Working collaboratively across the organization, the office partners with Montessori Learning, Research & Innovation to develop educational programming, Marketing & Communications to promote events, Membership & Community to enhance attendee engagement, and Finance & Operations to ensure sound financial stewardship and operational excellence.

Elaine Richardson, Senior Director of Community & Events

Elaine Richardson leads AMS’s strategy for conferences, events, and community experiences that connect, inspire, and strengthen the global Montessori community. She oversees the planning and execution of The Montessori Event, regional symposiums, leadership convenings, international gatherings, and other initiatives that advance professional learning and support the AMS mission.

Elaine brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience designing and delivering large-scale conferences and strategic events for nonprofit and association organizations. Before joining AMS, she served as Vice President of Conference, Events, and Membership for the National Black MBA Association, where she led enterprise-wide event strategy for one of the nation’s largest professional associations. Throughout her career, she has directed conferences serving up to 9,000 attendees, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, negotiated complex venue and vendor agreements, developed sponsorship and exhibitor programs, and led cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional event experiences.

A Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Elaine is known for aligning events with organizational strategy while creating experiences that strengthen communities and deliver measurable impact. At AMS, she partners across the organization to create innovative, mission-driven events that bring Montessori educators and leaders together from around the world.

Department Staff

• Katanni Grey, Events Manager

Consultants

• Open, The Montessori Event Manager
• George Markham, The Montessori Event Exhibits Manager
• James Timmerman, Video Editor and Videographer 
• Danielle Christopher, Sponsorship Sales, YGS Association Solutions

Office of Finance & Operations

The Office of Finance & Operations provides the organizational foundation that enables AMS to fulfill its mission. The team oversees financial management, budgeting, accounting, human resources, technology, and organizational operations, ensuring strong financial stewardship and efficient internal systems. Working collaboratively across every office, the department aligns financial and operational practices to support organizational effectiveness and advance the Society’s strategic goals.

Deb Hoffman, Chief Financial Officer & People Operations

Deb Hoffman provides strategic leadership for AMS’s finance, human resources, and operations, ensuring AMS has the strong infrastructure needed to support its mission and long-term sustainability.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Deb brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in not-for-profit finance, accounting, and organizational operations. Before joining AMS, she held  leadership positions at Math for America and The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Earlier in her career, she worked as an audit manager at EY, serving clients in the not-for-profit sector, where she developed expertise in financial reporting, governance, compliance, and internal controls.

Throughout her career, Deb has led complex financial operations, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, guided organizations through strategic planning and audits, and implemented systems that improve efficiency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. At AMS, she partners across the organization to ensure responsible stewardship of the AMS’s resources and operational excellence.

Department Staff

• Andrew Hofland, Director of Information Technology
• Nikki Dipaola, Senior Accountant
• Xiaoping Mei, Accounting Manager

Office of Membership & Community

The Office of Membership & Community strengthens and grows the AMS community by delivering meaningful member experiences, valuable benefits, professional learning opportunities, and exceptional service. The team supports educators, schools, and teacher education programs throughout their professional journey while fostering connection, engagement, and belonging across the Montessori community. Working collaboratively across the organization, the office partners with Montessori Learning, Research & Innovation to align professional learning, collaborates with Marketing & Communications to expand membership growth and engagement, and monitors membership trends to support the AMS’s strategic goals.

Melanie Thiesse, Senior Director of Membership & Community

Melanie Thiesse leads AMS’s strategy for member engagement, growth, retention, and community development. She oversees initiatives that support schools, educators, teacher education programs, and professional networks, ensuring members receive meaningful benefits, high-quality learning opportunities, and lasting connections to the Montessori community.

With more than 30 years of experience in Montessori education, Melanie has served as a Montessori educator, school administrator, teacher educator, accreditation leader, and national presenter. Her career spans both public and independent Montessori schools, giving her a broad perspective on the diverse environments in which Montessori education thrives.

Since joining AMS in 2018, Melanie has held leadership roles overseeing school accreditation, membership, and professional development. She has led initiatives to strengthen member services, expand professional learning, enhance school quality, and foster a more connected Montessori community, helping advance the AMS’s strategic priorities.

Department Staff

• Cynthia Brunold-Conesa, Member Services Specialist
• Diana Le Sieur, Member Retention Lead
• Rachel Cole, Community Engagement Lead

Consultants

• Jesmine Lok, AMS Asia Operations Consultant
• Michelle Battistone, Member Services 

Montessori Learning, Research & Innovation

The Montessori Learning, Research & Innovation (MLRI) Office serves as the educational and intellectual foundation of AMS. The office advances high-fidelity Montessori education through research, standards alignment, curriculum development, professional learning, publications, and innovation. By integrating Montessori philosophy with contemporary research and emerging best practices, MLRI ensures that AMS remains a trusted leader in advancing Montessori education.

Working collaboratively across the organization, MLRI provides the Montessori expertise that informs the AMS’s programs, publications, professional development, and strategic initiatives. The office partners with Accreditation & Affiliation to uphold educational standards, Membership & Community to develop meaningful learning opportunities, Events to design high-quality Montessori programming, and Marketing & Communications to translate research and thought leadership into accessible resources for the broader community.

Through research, innovation, and knowledge sharing, the Montessori Learning, Research & Innovation Office strengthens Montessori practice, supports educators throughout their professional journey, and advances the quality and impact of Montessori education worldwide.

In addition to serving as Executive Director, Munir provides executive leadership for the Office of Montessori Learning, Research & Innovation (MLRI), advancing AMS’s vision for educator learning, research, innovation, and the future of Montessori education.

Department Staff

• Munir Shivji, Executive Director
• Hannah Baynham, Director of Montessori Learning & Content Development
• Dr. Vanessa Rigaud, Director of Research & Innovation
• Dr. Katie Sharpe, Lead Instructional Designer for Learning Innovation

Consultants

• Andee Blackwell, Research Consultant
• Charles Terranova, Montessori Philosophy & Practice Advisor 
• Dr. Gay Ward, Montessori Action Research Studio (MARS)
• Eric Dustman, AMS Emerging Global Leadership Fellowship Mentor
• Mandi Franz, AMS Curriculum Coaching Academy Facilitator
• Mary Schneider, AMS Director Academy Facilitator
• Michelle Morrison, AMS Emerging Global Leadership Fellowship Mentor
• Natasha McKenzie, AMS Instructor Academy Facilitator (Early Childhood)
• Rosemary Quaranta, AMS Instructor Academy Facilitator (Elementary)
• Uniit Carruyo, AMS Instructor Academy Facilitator (Infant & Toddler)