An important lesson we learned years ago is that none of the world’s great Montessori schools try to go it alone. They depend on external mentors to help them stay on course. When facing challenging times, or when attempting to plan and implement something new, experience, expertise, and a fresh outside perspective can be absolutely invaluable.
As we have been since we began, The Montessori Foundation is here to help!

The Montessori Foundation Consulting Team offers onsite visits and online consultation and presentation, which can include: Skype conversations, phone conversations, and preparation of documents.As a result of working together, schools enjoy a renewed sense of security, confidence, and support from their families and staff. The schools with which we work discover new ways to increase income and contributions and decrease expenses without compromising the integrity of their Montessori programs.

We are backed by an extensive team of experts in every field of Montessori school leadership from the Montessori Foundation staff and beyond.

Here are just a few of the areas where we can help:

• Develop a strategic plan;
• Analyze budget and tuition structuring;
• Help in planning and organizing a new Montessori school

Daniel Robinson Howe, III, EdD

Dr. Daniel Robinson (Robin) Howe began his Montessori career at the age of two at the Barrie School in Silver Spring, MD, which he attended through the eighth grade. Graduating from Dickinson College with two majors (Spanish and Religion), he went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Bioethics from University of South Florida. After successfully pursuing a career in the restaurant industry, Robin decided to return to his Montessori roots. He earned his Primary certification from Palm Harbor Montessori School (AMS) then attended St. Catherine’s University to earn his Lower and Upper Elementary Certification (AMS). He also attended NAMTA’s Orientation to Adolescent Studies (AMI). Robin holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University and works with The Montessori Foundation’s management team at NewGate (the Foundation’s lab school), serving as Associate Head of School and as a Senior Montessori Foundation School Consultant. In his spare time, Robin lives with two Elf cats and has set a personal goal to run marathons in all fifty states.

Lorna McGrath

Lorna Mcgrath is a Senior Consultant and Director of Family Resources at the Montessori Foundation. She also served as Associate Head of NewGate School.

Lorna has 41 years of experience in the field of education, teaching children from 18 months through 6 years old and from 12 through 18 years old in both public schools and independent Montessori schools. She received her Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Family Counseling from the University of Georgia, and her Montessori certification from the American Montessori Society.

Lorna is a Montessori teacher educator, conference presenter, and school consultant. Lorna has used her many years of experience, working with families in the educational setting, to develop programs for parents as well as teachers and children. She has spent many years as a certified instructor for the International Network for Children & Families, teaching classes in Redirecting Children’s Behavior, Redirecting for a Cooperative Classroom, Common Ground for Parents and Teens, and Parenting Instructor Network Training.

Tim Seldin

Tim is the President of the Montessori Foundation and Chair of the International Montessori Council. He is a noted expert in Montessori education, specializing in school leadership. He is a senior school consultant, keynote speaker, workshop leader, and accreditation specialist. His more than forty years of experience in Montessori education includes twenty-two years as Headmaster of the Barrie School in Silver Spring, Maryland, which was his own alma mater from age two through high school graduation.

Tim was the co-founder and Director of the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies, the Center for Guided Montessori Studies, and currently also serves as the Head of the New Gate School in Sarasota, Florida. He earned a B.A. in History and Philosophy from Georgetown University, an M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Supervision from The American University, and his Montessori certification from the American Montessori Society.

Tim is the author of several books on Montessori Education, including his latest, How to Raise An Amazing Child, The Montessori Way with Dr. Paul Epstein, Building a World-class Montessori School, Master Teachers – Model Programs with Jonathan Wolff, Finding the Perfect Match – Recruit and Retain Your Ideal Enrollment, Starting a New Montessori School, Celebrations of Life, and The World in the Palm of Her Hand.

Kathy Leitch

Kathy has a twenty (20) year history of serving the IMC as a school member, board member, and accreditation commissioner. These experiences have given her perspective, insight, understanding, and appreciation of the organization. Kathy’s passion, experience, and diverse skills will support the board in setting the course for the future of the International Montessori Council.

Kathy Leitch has been a leader in Montessori education for over 30 years. She graduated from Barry University and earned her Montessori credentials from the American Montessori Society for 0 – 3 & 3-6. Kathy founded and continues to serve as head of Renaissance Montessori School in Fort Myers, Florida. She has over 15 years experience as a Montessori Teacher Trainer, School Consultant and Accreditation Commissioner.  Additionally, Kathy is a certified Parenting Instructor and Mindfulness Facilitator.

Tanya Ryskind 

Tanya L. Ryskind, J.D. has been a Montessori educator for over 20 years. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire, receiving her Bachelor’s degree, majoring in Social Work and Spanish, and later earning her law degree. She attended the CMTE(NY) as a member of the first standalone elementary II cohort and returned to CGMS to obtain her full elementary I-II Montessori credential. 

Michael Dorer, PhD

Michael is a Montessori teacher educator, consultant, speaker, author, and storyteller. Michael has nearly fifty years of Montessori experience with Primary (Children’s House), elementary and adult Montessori education.

Michael began his Montessori career in public Montessori aimed at children in poverty. He has gone on to work in a variety of settings, including both public and independent schools, as well as at the college and university level.