About

With nearly four decades of dedicated experience in Montessori education, I am a passionate advocate for child-centered learning and development. My journey began in 1984 when I received my AMI Diploma, and since then, I've worn many hats in the field of early childhood education – from lead teacher to school founder, consultant, and mentor.

As the founder and Head of School at Lawrence Montessori School (2010-2021) and Montessori Discovery Place (1997-2010), I had the privilege of creating a comprehensive educational environment serving infants through preschoolers. This venture allowed me to put into practice my deep understanding of Montessori principles while building a vibrant learning community. Under my leadership, I developed robust programs, trained over 25 staff members, and created numerous parent education initiatives that strengthened the school-family partnership.

My commitment to Montessori education extends beyond the classroom. As an early childhood consultant and the former owner of Early Childhood Teacher Training International (ECTTI), I've had the opportunity to share my expertise internationally, providing professional development training to educators in the United States and the Caribbean. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the universal applicability of Montessori principles across different cultural contexts.

I take particular pride in my ability to mentor both new and experienced educators. Through one-on-one coaching sessions, I’ve helped teachers understand the delicate balance between classroom management and honoring each child's individual developmental journey. My approach combines practical strategies with theoretical understanding, ensuring that educators can create calm, productive learning environments that truly serve their students.

The foundation of my educational philosophy lies in understanding the natural developmental periods of young children and the immense value of experiential, hands-on learning. I authored over many parent education articles and regularly conducted workshops to bridge the gap between Montessori pedagogy and practical implementation, both at home and in the classroom.

My multilingual abilities in English, Gujarati, and Urdu have allowed me to connect with diverse communities and advocate for quality early childhood education across cultural boundaries. Whether designing outdoor playscapes, creating didactic materials, or developing curriculum, my focus remains on fostering environments that support the whole child.

Throughout my career, I've maintained a strong commitment to professional growth, earning additional credentials including the NAC Director's Credential as well as Montessori Infant Toddler certification. I've served on an educational board in my community and worked extensively with both typically and atypically developing children, always advocating for individualized approaches to learning by modifying environments suited to learning.

Currently, as an early childhood consultant, I continue to share my expertise with educators in both home-based and center-based settings. My mission remains unchanged: to positively impact the lives of young children and their families by promoting the timeless principles of Montessori education while adapting them to meet contemporary needs.

I invite you to explore my blog posts for more insights into Montessori education, and please don't hesitate to reach out for consultation on implementing these transformative practices in your home or child care environments.