Webinar: Grounded in Grace: Nurturing Respect & Belonging with Shelby Hiken!
2025-09-17 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Description:
As the school year unfolds, building a strong, connected classroom community becomes essential. Join us for Grounded in Grace, a virtual discussion focused on the practical use of Grace & Courtesy lessons in Montessori environments. Together, we’ll explore how these foundational lessons support social-emotional development, foster belonging, and create a peaceful tone for the year. Come ready to share what’s working in your classroom and gather fresh ideas from fellow Montessori guides around the world.
How to Register For This Event:
Please note: You may register at any time before the live event on September 17th, 2025.
Registration for the event will close at 6:45 PM, 15 minutes before the start time. Be sure to secure your spot early!

Individual Registration:

Click For General Registration: $45 per person
Click For Alumni & Faculty Registration: $35 per person

About Shelby Hiken

As the CGMS Early Childhood Associate Director, I am dedicated to sharing Dr. Montessori’s philosophy and curriculum to inspire educators and empower children in the pursuit of a more peaceful world.”
Shelby’s Montessori journey began at the age of three—and she’s been hooked ever since. With a BA from the University of Arizona, an M.Ed. from Loyola University Maryland, and an AMI Primary Certification from the WashingtonMontessori Institute, Shelby has spent over 25 years guiding children in both private and public Montessori classrooms. Today, Shelby continues her work in education as the Assistant Director of the At Play Learning Institute at Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore. In this role, she partners with community organizations to champion the power of play and support children, educators, caregivers, and families in creating joyful, meaningful learningexperiences.

(Cancelled) Webinar: Visual Ways to Expand Vocabulary (and Reading Background) with Freida Hammett!
2025-09-24 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Description:
This interactive workshop will present several different ways to expand vocabulary while building background knowledge, as well as touching on other language skills, without risks of being wrong (there are only right ways) while enjoying the process. It is appropriate for primary and elementary ages.

About Freida Hammet

Freida has over 40 years experience in Montessori and received her Early Childhood and Elementary (6-9) certifications from AMS. She is the co-founder of Waseca Learning Environment Montessori School and is the author of many of the materials for Waseca Biomes. With both public and private experience, Freida has presented at national conferences for AMS, the Montessori Foundation, and numerous training centers. She works as an Instructional Guide, Practicum Advisor, and Field Consultant at CGMS. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her grandkids, gardening, knitting and crocheting, reading, and crafting.

For Freida, CGMS is a vibrant learning environment. The leadership continually seeks ways to be relevant to the concerns of the community and society. There are exceptional and unique aspects to the materials and information presented. More than anything, though, is the strong community of learners that is developed, highlighted by commitment to be the best versions of leaders and supporters of the youth who will be influencing our future lives.

Free Webinar: Top 5 Skills Every Montessori Teacher Needs—And How to Learn Them with Catherine Ching!
2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:30 (Asia/Singapore)
Top 5 Skills Every Montessori Teacher Needs—And How to Learn Them with Catherine Ching!
Have you ever wondered what truly sets Montessori teachers apart? Or how some manage to foster independence, curiosity, and joy in every child they guide? In this webinar, you’ll discover the five essential skills that every successful Montessori teacher must master—and the best ways to develop them.
From practical classroom management strategies to the art of observation, from creating a prepared environment to cultivating patience and respect, Catherine Ching will share insights that empower both new and experienced educators. You’ll also learn where to find the right resources, training, and mentorship to bring these skills to life.
By the end, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the top skills that define great Montessori teachers—and how you can start strengthening them today to inspire meaningful growth in the children you serve.
💻Click here to register for this event.

(Cancelled) Webinar: Independent Explorers: Embracing the Second Period and the Cosmic Curriculum with Jorge Haro!
2025-10-01 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Description:
Get ready for an inspiring and energizing discussion! In this talk, we’ll dive into how the Three Period Lessons evolve in the Elementary years, with a special spotlight on the Second Period and the powerful role of independent work. We’ll explore how to spark curiosity with exciting and meaningful extension activities, and how to guide students as they embark on an incredible journey of discovery through the Universe.

About Jorge Haro:

I was born in Zaragoza, Spain and graduated with Bachelor’s of Arts in Economy (1998) and Sociology (2000). I worked in market research for 10 years directing my own company and participating as a guest teacher in several colleges in Madrid, Spain.
In 2008, I moved to Lakeland, Florida and decided to pursue my career as an educator and received my Florida Teaching Certificate for K-6 and Spanish (k-12) in 2010.
I have been a Montessori Educator since 2010 first as an assistant and later co-teaching in the lower elementary classroom always in charter public schools. Since 2013 I am working at Magnolia Montessori Academy as a lead teacher in Lower Elementary. I received my CGMS Montessori Elementary Certification (6-12) in 2014. I have been able to present at the IMC Conference (2016) and MEPI (2017 and 2020). I also work for CGMS as an instructional guide since 2017.

Free Webinar: Havening and Montessori: A Self-Soothing and Calming Approach for Teachers, Students and Families with Marilyn Pearlman and Erika Neil!
2025-10-14 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Description:
Free Online Workshop

HAVENING AND MONTESSORI: A Self-Soothing and Calming Approach for Teachers, Students and Families
Presented by Marilyn Pearlman, LCSW and Erika Neil, LCSW with an Introduction from Kitty Bravo, CGMS Director of Education.
WHAT IS HAVENING?
Havening is a relatively recent psychosensory approach designed to reduce emotional distress while simultaneously enhancing psychological well-being. Havening utilizes the kinesthetic sense perception of soothing touch to the hands, arms and face. It is simple and effective such that even very young children can learn to use the technique independently. This gentle touch, when combined with pleasant distractions (humming/counting), sends an influx of neurochemical transmitters, which calms the brain, reduces stress, improves mood, facilitates receptivity for learning and facilitates connection to self and others. It can be taught safely and simply and can be exponentially passed on to others from school leaders and teachers to the students and families. The versatility, applicability, and creativity of the Havening technique is so dynamic and fluid that it is easily used in both large and small groups, individually, or with a partner, as well as for families and teacher self-care.
Please join us and become a Havening Ambassador to learn and share this amazing approach both for your school, your classroom, yourself and families. It is uplifting, fun and profound at the same time.
HAVENING means…”to put into a safe place”.
One of the Havening mantras designed by Dr. Rudan( a founding partner in this work)
applicable for our training is as follows:
“I open my mind to learning,
I open my heart to friendship,
I choose to feel safe, calm and peaceful.”

How to Register For This Event:
Please note: You may register at any time before the live event on October 14th, 2025.
Registration for the event will close at 6:45 PM, 15 minutes before the start time. Be sure to secure your spot early!

This webinar is free. Simply fill out the registration form below to receive event details:
Click here to register

About Marilyn Pearlman, LCSW
Marilyn Pearlman brings her diverse background and training, blending her skills from Occupational Therapy(OTR) and Clinical Social work(LCSW), receiving her BS from Boston University and MSW from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She has resided in Sarasota, Florida, for more than 30 years, during which she developed and operated a dually licensed (OTR/L and LCSW) private practice specialized for toddlers through teens and their families having sensory integration, behavioral and educational challenges. During this period she consulted for many of the public and private schools throughout Sarasota, including the New Gate Montessori School. For these last 15 years she has maintained a private psychotherapy practice, continuing to bring new, cutting-edge concepts and techniques into her work and relationships.

Marilyn’s scope of experience goes across all ages and populations. Her specialized trainings are in sensory integration, couples and family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma resolution therapy, clinical and past-life hypnosis and EFT. She has been a Certified Brain Coach with The Amen Clinic for more than 10 years. And most recently has added Certified Havening Practitioner and a Humanitarian Havener with The Havening organization.

About Erika Neil, LCSW

Erika Neil is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area, focusing on trauma treatment and strengthening resilience. She is a Havening trainer and is also trained in EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), Reiki, Quantum Touch, Emotional Freedom Technique, Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, the Flash Technique, Brainspotting, and Trauma Tapping. She attended Harvard University, Columbia University Law School, and Catholic University School of Social Service.
Erika has delivered psychological first aid on several continents with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charities and Humanitarian Havening. Prior to becoming a social worker, Erika was a lawyer for abused and neglected children in Washington, DC. She was also a school social worker for fifteen years in Northern Virginia before becoming a full-time therapist. Havening techniques have brought about dramatic change and growth in her clients. Erika’s style is collaborative, warm, and solution-focused. She was trained by Havening’s founder, Dr. Ron Ruden and was the first certified Havening practitioner in the Washington, DC area. Erika is passionate about spreading awareness of Havening worldwide, and particularly among young people and families.

Webinar: Could It Be CVI?: A Montessori Approach to Supporting Early Literacy Struggles with Pamela Shanks!
2025-11-20 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Did you know that cortical visual impairment (CVI) affects approximately 1/30 children in industrialized countries? This hidden epidemic likely impacts at least one learner in your classroom. CVI is a processing disorder that affects how the brain locates, attends to, processes, and responds to visual images, including letters and numerals. CVI is being explored as a potential underlying cause for the cluster of symptoms that inform learning disorder diagnoses, such as dyslexia. Fortunately, teachers can support visual processing with simple, easy interventions. This session will provide you with the information necessary to begin making your struggling learner’s lessons and practice time more efficient and effective.
How to Register For This Event:
Please note: You may register at any time before the live event on November 20th, 2025.
Registration for the event will close at 6:45 PM, 15 minutes before the start time. Be sure to secure your spot early!

Individual Registration:

Click For General Registration:$45 per person
Click For Alumni & Faculty Registration: $35 per person

About Pamela Shanks

Pam Shanks, M.S. Ed. (she/her) specializes in inclusive Montessori education. She provides professional development and student consultative services for Montessori schools and teachers serving children whose learning or development differs from peers. Facilitating the match between Montessori and every child is the focus of her work. During her 30+ years in Montessori education, Pam worked as a teacher, administrator, coordinator of a schoolwide program of inclusion, and mentor for Montessori and special education teachers/interns. Her experiences culminated in a deep understanding of the Montessori method, inclusive schools, and inclusive education. She is the author of book, The Montessori Approach to Classroom-Based Interventions: A Handbook for Educators, Administrators, Service Providers and Families of Children Whose Development is Impacted by Delay and Disability

Webinar: Multilingualism in the First & Second Planes of Development with Gabrielle Kotkov!
2025-12-02 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Description:
So many of our students come from diverse linguistic backgrounds, adding a rich tapestry of languages to our classroom environments. In this workshop, we’ll delve into the science of multiple language acquisition and explore how learning multiple languages differs in the first and second planes of development. Participants will also learn strategies to empower multilingual children within their Montessori Early Childhood and Elementary environments, and ways to support families in maintaining their home languages with their children.
About Gabrielle Kotkov
Gabrielle Kotkov is an educational consultant, teacher trainer, and the creator of Multilingual Montessori. She holds a Master of Science in Child Studies and an AMI 3-6 Montessori Diploma. She is a Fulbright Grant Alumna and is on the teaching faculty of WSMS-TEP in NYC and the content development team at Trillium Montessori. She co-created AMS’s first self-paced course, Demystifying Multilingualism in Early Childhood and co-authored Chapter 7 in AMS’s “Montessori in Contemporary Culture” journal. She was a recipient of the AMS Impact Award in 2025.

Journey to Montessori Mastery: One Educator’s Path Through Diverse Training Experiences with Uren Sangiang Siallagan & Catherine Ching!
2025-12-10 19:00 - 20:30 (Asia/Singapore)
From accountant to educator, Uren Sangiang Siallagan has walked a remarkable 23-year journey in early childhood education. A graduate of the CGMS Early Childhood 3–6 program, Uren will share how her professional path unfolded through diverse training experiences – from in-house learning, to non-MACTE credentialed courses, and ultimately to achieving a MACTE-recognized Montessori certification.
In this inspiring session, Uren will reflect on:

The motivations that led her to Montessori teacher training
How different training styles shaped her growth and practice
Practical strategies for adapting to varied approaches while staying true to Montessori principles
How her training informs her leadership as Academic Coordinator, guiding teachers and classrooms with consistency and alignment

This webinar is designed for:

Early childhood educators (no prior Montessori experience required)
Parents curious about embarking on Montessori learning
School leaders and owners evaluating the best investment in staff training in professional growth

Following Uren’s 45-minute sharing, Catherine Ching, Asia Representative of CGMS, will introduce the range of training courses offered by CGMS, helping participants understand pathways to professional development and certification.
How to Register for this Event
Click Here To Register for Free
Professional Development Certificate: Participants will receive CPD hours upon submission of a reflection survey.

Webinar: The Ripple Effect of Wonder: Creating Communities That Thrive with Tammy Oesting!
2026-01-28 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Description:
In the heart of every Montessori environment lies an invitation to transformation—not just for the children we serve, but for every adult who walks alongside them in this sacred work. This profound session unveils The Wonder Cycle, a natural, deeply philosophical framework that illuminates how authentic growth unfolds when we align ourselves with the universal patterns that govern all development. Whether you’re a classroom guide discovering the magic of your prepared environment, a school leader nurturing your community’s evolution, or a parent seeking to understand your child’s unfolding journey, this exploration reveals how creating conditions for genuine transformation becomes not only possible, but inevitable when we honor nature’s own design.
Drawing from the rich wellspring of Montessori’s cosmic vision and contemporary insights into human development, we’ll journey together through both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of this transformative cycle. You’ll discover how wonder serves as the catalyst for deep learning, how to recognize and nurture the natural rhythms of growth in both children and adults, and why understanding these universal patterns can revolutionize your approach to education and community building. This is both a philosophical deep dive into the essence of human potential and a treasure trove of immediately applicable strategies that will breathe new life into your daily practice—whether you’re guiding a toddler’s first explorations or stewarding an entire school’s vision for the future.
How to Register For This Event:
Please note: You may register at any time before the live event on January 28th, 2025.
Registration for the event will close at 6:45 PM, 15 minutes before the start time. Be sure to secure your spot early!

Individual Registration:

Click For General Registration: $45 per person
Click For Alumni & Faculty Registration: $35 per person

About Tammy Oesting:
Tammy Oesting MEd (she, her) is an internationally known Montessori speaker and teacher educator and self-identifies as a practitioner of awe and wonder. With 30 years in Montessori education, she now serves educators globally through her company ClassrooMechanics as a coach and speaker. She is an adjunct faculty member of The Institute for Educational Studies graduate program and she cultivates content creators for Trillium Montessori. Tammy is widely published and is a founding member of Montessori Everywhere receiving the 2021 AMS Community Service Award. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Tammy has had a lifetime of travel and adventure including 9 years traveling the world as a nomad and supporting Montessori communities before settling in New Mexico, where she serves Montessori as a board member of the Montessori Network of NM. Her professional passions include issues of social justice, educating support staff, neuroscience as applied to educational practices, and exploring the magnificence of the universe. AMS-credentialed (Early Childhood, Elementary)
