I truly value and resonate with Maria’s work. Her passion and knowledge about welcoming and supporting neurodiverse students in our classrooms provides such crucial information for schools and teachers.

Her message emphasizes integrating best practices, implementing accommodations, modifications, and extensions, and truly following the child in a way that remains aligned with Montessori principles. Sometimes, schools and teachers can find it difficult to look beyond their Montessori training, but there is so much valuable information available about how we can better understand and support each child’s individual needs.

Her message is about normalizing giving children the tools they need to be successful, meeting them where they are developmentally, and partnering with families to support them along the way. Not all children experience the world in the same way and we need to see and go beyond our classic Montessori shelves. We need to take our responsibility as educators and guide children and their families to their fullest potential.

I especially loved her focus on connection. Connection is the foundation of how we support, guide, and teach children. Maria’s passion is contagious, and her message encourages teachers to see each child with curiosity, compassion, and a deeper understanding of their unique development and needs