April 7, 2025 — At The Montessori Event 2025 in Denver, CO, the American Montessori Society proudly presented its annual Recognition Awards to honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to our organization and the global Montessori movement.
Last month, we gathered as a community to celebrate the dedication, innovation, and service of these extraordinary honorees. Their work has helped shape the future of Montessori education and continues to inspire generations of educators and learners.
We are honored to celebrate the following individuals.
2025 AMS Living Legacy
Charles Terranova
Learn more about his tremendous impact.
Nancy McCormick Rambusch Award
Eileen M. Wilms Buermann
For more than 50 years, Eileen has championed Montessori education through her visionary leadership, unwavering service, and commitment to AMS. Her roles have spanned from Treasurer of the Teachers’ Section in the 1970s to key committee leadership, accreditation work, and international evaluation visits. Eileen’s contributions have helped shape the field of teacher education and accreditation, nationally and globally.
Dr. Maria Montessori Ambassador Award
Alexis Nikole Nelson
Known online as @BlackForager (Instagram) and @Alexisnikole (TikTok), Alexis Nikole Nelson captivates millions with her passion for nature and foraging, rooted in her Montessori upbringing at The New School Montessori in Cincinnati, OH. Alexis exemplifies a deep alignment with the Montessori spirit, clearly demonstrating curiosity, freedom, and respect for the connectedness of life.
Douglas M. Gravel Benefactor Award
Margaret (Marge) Ellison
With over 50 years of service, Marge co-founded Montessori Country Day School in Houston, TX, and played a vital role in its success as a model intern site and early childhood program. Her global impact, from Russia to Kenya, and her long-standing leadership roles—such as Chair of Heads of Schools on the AMS Board—demonstrate her profound influence on the Montessori movement.
Montessori Innovator Award
Samantha Gleisten
As the Innovation and Technology Lead at Rogers Park Montessori School, Sam brings cutting-edge approaches to Montessori education, including AI integration and digital citizenship for ages 5–14. A co-founder of AI Educators and a two-time AMS Think Tank member, she embodies the future of Montessori learning through technology and creative pedagogy.
AMS Service Awards
In recognition of decades of commitment, leadership, and mentorship, we honor:
Hilary Green
Director of the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies and early childhood leader at the Barrie School, Hilary has served on TEAC, led the AMS Director Academy, and has held multiple board positions—always with a focus on educator empowerment.
Amy Henderson
Head of School at Montessori School of Fort Worth, Amy has been a driving force in AMS for 35 years. Her leadership includes serving as AMS Board President, conference chair, and mentor to adult learners.
Joan Rodriguez & Michael Yordan
Joan, founder of Village Montessori in Miami, FL, and her son Michael, Assistant Operations Manager, co-chaired the 2024 Springtime Fancy. Together, they embody intergenerational dedication to Montessori and AMS community building.
Kathryn Miller
A Montessori educator since 1978, Kathryn is an instructor, mentor, consultant, and administrator at Sherwood Forest Montessori. Her decades of contributions to AMS—from hosting symposiums to volunteering at the gala—reflect tireless devotion.
Eric Dustman
Former AMS School Accreditation Commission Chair and co-facilitator of the AMS Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program, Eric’s legacy lies in developing and mentoring future Montessori leaders.
Special Dedication
New Name Announcement
The Douglas M. Gravel Benefactor Award will now be known as the Maria and Douglas M. Gravel Benefactor Award.
This renaming honors not only Doug’s extraordinary generosity and leadership but also Maria Gravel’s decades of service to AMS. Together, their vision and partnership have shaped the very core of our organization.
Going forward, the AMS Service Award will carry the byline: “Recognizing the Lifelong Commitment of Marie M. Dugan.” Marie’s leadership and mentorship have left an indelible mark on AMS. Her life’s work is a living embodiment of humility, grace, and dedication to the Montessori mission.
As we celebrate the incredible contributions of these individuals, we are reminded that the heart of AMS lies in its people—those who lead with love, innovate with purpose, and serve with vision.
Thank you for joining us in honoring these leaders and for continuing to support a global Montessori movement that transforms lives and communities around the world.