The Montessori Mindset, a podcast by Waterfront Academy

Melissa Rohan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education for Kids

Welcome to The Montessori Mindset, a podcast by Waterfront Academy, where education meets inspiration. Hosted by Melissa Rohan — educator, founder, and Montessori school leader — this show explores the transformative power of Montessori philosophy and child-centered education in today’s world. Each episode features insightful conversations with educators, child development experts, and visionary school founders who are shaping the future of learning. Together, we dive deep into topics like language acquisition, executive function, faith and character formation, independence, and preparing children for lifelong success. But this podcast isn’t just theory — it’s practical, too. You’ll also find recordings of parent workshops packed with actionable tips and strategies to help you support your child’s development at home, from nurturing focus and curiosity to creating purposeful environments and fostering bilingual learning. In This Podcast, You’ll Discover: Expert advice on Montessori education, early childhood development, and parenting.Inspiring stories from school founders and educators leading innovative programs.Step-by-step guidance from real parent workshops to bring Montessori principles into your daily life.Honest conversations about challenges, growth, and the joy of raising confident, capable children. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, homeschooler, or simply passionate about how children learn best, The Montessori Mindset offers wisdom, inspiration, and practical tools to support the journey — from the classroom to the home, and everywhere in between.

  1. 4d ago

    Parent Workshop: Growing Together. Gardening with Children in Every Space

    Send us Fan Mail Can you garden with children if you live in an apartment or a small city home? Absolutely. In this Montessori parent workshop, we'll explore how gardening can become one of the most meaningful activities you share with your child—whether you have a backyard, a balcony, a windowsill, or just a sunny corner inside your home. Gardening is about so much more than growing plants. It teaches patience, responsibility, observation, and respect for life. Children experience the wonder of watching a tiny seed transform into something beautiful and useful while developing independence, confidence, and a lifelong connection to nature. Whether you're growing flowers, herbs, vegetables, or fruit, you'll discover practical ideas that work especially well for urban families and learn how gardening supports every stage of child development through a Montessori lens. In this workshop, you'll learn: 🌱 Why gardening is one of the most valuable Montessori activities 🌱 How gardening teaches the cycle of life 🌱 The benefits of connecting children with nature in an increasingly digital world 🌱 Simple gardening ideas for apartments, balconies, patios, and small yards 🌱 Age-appropriate gardening activities from preschool through adolescence 🌱 How gardening naturally extends into cooking, flower arranging, science, responsibility, and family traditions Workshop Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Why Gardening Matters 07:10 Gardening and Child Development 12:20 Gardening in Small & Urban Spaces 18:30 Montessori Activities by Age 29:45 From Garden to Table 34:00 Flower Arranging & Caring for Beauty 37:00 Simple Ways to Get Started 40:00 Final Thoughts Resources Mentioned • Small pots or containers • Organic potting soil • Child-sized watering can • Herbs (basil, parsley, mint) • Cherry tomatoes • Strawberries • Lettuce • Sunflowers • Children's garden journal • Small flower vase and scissors (with adult supervision) Remember You don't need a perfect garden. You simply need one small opportunity for your child to care for something living. When children water a plant, harvest a tomato, arrange flowers for the dinner table, or taste a strawberry they've grown themselves, they aren't just learning about gardening—they're developing independence, gratitude, patience, and a deeper connection to the natural world. As Maria Montessori reminded us: "There must be provision for the child to have contact with nature; to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony and the beauty in nature."About Melissa Rohan Melissa Rohan is the Founder and Head of School of Waterfront Academy, a Catholic Montessori school in Washington, DC. She is the author of Nurturing Global Citizens: Implementing Montessori Dual Language Classrooms and presents workshops that help parents and educators create meaningful learning experiences rooted in Montessori philosophy. Learn more about Waterfront Academy: https://www.waterfrontacademy.org If You Enjoyed This Workshop 👍 Like this video 💬 Leave a comment and tell us what you're planning to grow with your child. 🌱 Subscribe for more Montessori parenting workshops, practical activities, and educational inspiration. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you don't miss future workshops. #Montessori #GardeningWithChildren #ParentWorkshop #MontessoriParenting #UrbanGardening #NatureBasedLearning #PracticalLife #OutdoorLearning #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Homeschool #FamilyGardening #MontessoriAtHome #ChildDevelopment #ScreenFreeKids #WaterfrontAcademy

  2. Aug 7

    Montessori Mindset: How NCEA Supports 140,000 Educators and 1.6 Million Students

    Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Melissa Rohan interviews Mary McElroy, a leader in Catholic education and new head of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). They discuss her journey, the role of NCEA in supporting Catholic schools, recent trends in Catholic enrollment, and innovative initiatives like the Education Freedom Tax Credit and AI in education.  Keywords: Catholic education, NCEA, education policy, Catholic schools, education innovation, scholarship tax credits, Montessori, AI in education, Catholic identity, school support  Guest  name: Mary McElroy Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mary McElroy and her background 01:20 Mary McElroy's journey into Catholic education 04:45 The importance of policies reflecting Catholic identity 05:34 NCEA's role in supporting educators and schools 08:05 Catholic enrollment resurgence and trends 12:59 NCEA's impact as a resource for schools 16:16 Key initiatives: Scholarship tax credits and policy advocacy 20:36 Supporting inclusive education and special needs students 30:48 Innovation in education: AI and technology integration 35:07 Catholic Montessori and its role in modern education 37:23 How parents can participate in NCEA 38:18 Final thoughts: The importance of Catholic education and community  Resources: National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) - https://www.ncea.org Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) - https://www.ncea.org/NCEA/Advocacy/Education_Freedom_Tax_Credit.aspx

  3. May 5

    My First Book is HERE! 📚 Nurturing Global Citizens + Big Announcement

    Send us Fan Mail It’s finally here… my first book, Nurturing Global Citizens, is officially published and available for purchase! 📚 This book has been a labor of love—bringing together Montessori philosophy, dual-language education, and a vision for forming children who are thoughtful, capable, and rooted in both identity and global awareness. But this is just the beginning. In this video, I’m also sharing some exciting next steps: ✨ WA Publishing is officially underway More titles are already in the works to support parents, educators, and schools looking for authentic Montessori and dual-language resources. https://www.waterfrontacademy.org/wapublishing 🎓 Professional Development Opportunities If your school or team is interested in a workshop based on Nurturing Global Citizens, I’d love to work with you. These sessions are designed to bring the book to life in a practical, actionable way for your classroom. https://www.waterfrontacademy.org/teachertrainingpackages  🌱 Montessori Mindset Membership is now open Join a growing community of parents and educators who want to go deeper. Membership includes: -Weekly Q&A sessions -Book club discussions -Classroom and home resources -20% off the book …and more. https://www.waterfrontacademy.org/membership  This is an exciting new chapter—not just for me, but for the broader mission of supporting children, families, and educators in a more intentional way. 👉 Get your copy of Nurturing Global Citizens 👉 Join Montessori Mindset Membership 👉 Schedule a workshop for your school If this resonates with you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who cares about education. #Montessori #DualLanguage #Education #Parenting #Homeschool #Teachers #MontessoriEducation #BilingualEducation

  4. Apr 23

    Q&A with Melissa Rohan | Episode 8: The Montessori Advantage

    Send us Fan Mail Join Melissa Rohan, Founder and President of Waterfront Academy in Washington, D.C., as she dives into the core values of Montessori education. From navigating religious sacraments to the "no-homework" philosophy, Melissa answers the most pressing questions from parents today. 🕒 Video Chapters: 00:09 – Welcome & Overview: An introduction to Waterfront Academy. 01:48 – Faith & Sacraments: Balancing the role of parents and the parish. 11:10 – Family Dynamics: Insights on birth gaps and sibling order. 12:18 – Beyond the Grade: Why we skip traditional tests and homework. 17:30 – Standardized Success: How Montessori kids prepare for future exams. 24:50 – Preserving the Home: The real impact of homework on family life. 30:03 – The Next Step: Transitioning from Montessori to traditional high schools. ✨ About Waterfront Academy Located in the heart of D.C., Waterfront Academy is a unique dual-language (Spanish/English) Montessori school rooted in the Catholic tradition. We serve children from age three through 8th grade, prioritizing holistic development and academic excellence without the stress of conventional grading. 🛒 Looking for more Montessori-aligned activities? Check out our full collection of printable resources here:  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/waterfront-academy 👇 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more Montessori activities you can do at home! 📱 Follow Us on Social Media: ➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaterfrontAcademy ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterfrontacademy/ ➡️ Pinterest: https://pin.it/4MNtyF4kq ➡️ Twitter: https://x.com/WaterfrontAcad #MontessoriEducation #WaterfrontAcademy #NoHomework #BilingualEducation #CatholicEducation #MelissaRohan #SchoolChoice #AlternativeEducation #DCEducation #ParentingTips #DualLanguage #childledlearning

  5. Apr 21

    Montessori Mindset: A Conversation with Jennifer Daniels on Forming Faithful Citizens

    Send us Fan Mail Join host Melissa Rohan, founder and head of school at Waterfront Academy, for a deep dive into the future of education, faith, and civic engagement. In this episode, Jennifer Daniels, founder of the Faithful Citizenship Institute, shares her journey from teaching in Texas to advocating for school choice on Capitol Hill Resources Mentioned: Faithful Citizenship Institute: https://faithfulcitizenshipinstitute.org/ Federal Scholarships Information: https://federalscholarships.com/ American Federation for Children: The nation's largest school choice advocacy organization. Timestamps: 00:09 - Introduction of guest Jennifer Daniels and the Faithful Citizenship Institute 01:34 - Professional background and the path to founding the Faithful Citizenship Institute 04:24 - Mission and work of the Faithful Citizenship Institute in forming leaders in Catholic social teaching 06:03 - Demographics and backgrounds of participants in the Institute’s programs 08:07 - Detailed overview of the Education Freedom Tax Credit.5 11:17 - Explanation of Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) and how they function 13:06 - The role of state governors in opting into the federal tax credit program 14:36 - Comparing vouchers, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and tax-credit scholarships 16:17 - Timeline for the implementation of the Education Freedom Tax Credit through 2027 20:52 - Post-COVID education trends, including the rise of micro-schooling and homeschooling 23:04 - Eligibility of homeschooling and micro-schools for federal programs 24:52 - Future goals for the Institute, including online programs and a Catholic policy leader network. 29:04 - Guidance for Catholic engagement in politics and policy. 31:01 - Practical steps for advocacy and using resources like federalscholarships.com. 32:42 - How to contact Jennifer Daniels and learn more about the Faithful Citizenship Institute.

  6. Apr 16

    Montessori Mindset: A Conversation with Catholic Montessori Institute on Merging Faith & Pedagogy

    Send us Fan Mail How do we harmonize the deep traditions of the Catholic faith with the brilliance of Montessori education? In this episode of the Montessori Mindset, host Melissa Rohan sits down with Joanne Schultzenberg, Executive Director of the Catholic Montessori Institute at the University of Mary. Together, they explore how the Institute is becoming a national hub for fellowship, professional training, and spiritual renewal. Whether you are a Montessori guide, a parent, or a member of the clergy, this conversation offers a roadmap for integrating the "Education of the Human Potential" with a life of faith. In This Episode, We Cover: The providential "origin story" of the Institute. The launch of a centralized portal for schools, parents, and clergy. Details on the first-ever AMI primary training cohort at a Catholic university. Vocational renewal through summer retreats and prayer. Integrating the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) into Montessori formation. 📍 Episode Timestamps 00:09 – Introduction to Joanne Schultzenberg 01:55 – The providential origin story of the Catholic Montessori Institute 06:39 – Building a centralized hub for schools, parents, and clergy 09:40 – Establishing a national job board for Montessori guides 11:47 – The spiritual focus of the Catholic Montessori Conference 14:50 – Details on the AMI primary training cohort 21:54 – What to expect during summer in-person training 23:18 – Summer Retreat (June 9–11): Silence, prayer, and renewal 25:51 – The role of Father Nick Schneider as spiritual guide 28:06 – Integrating the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 36:54 – Future visions: Podcasts and European pilgrimages 39:10 – How to connect, join the portal, and register 🔗 Resource Links The Catholic Montessori Institute (Main Page): https://online.umary.edu/catholic-montessori-institute Catholic Montessori Training Information: https://online.umary.edu/catholic-montessori-institute/catholic-montessori-training-mary Master of Education in Catholic Montessori: https://online.umary.edu/academics/masters-doctoral-programs/master-education-catholic-montessori Summer Retreat (June 9–11): https://online.umary.edu/catholic-montessori-institute/catholic-montessori-training-mary/catholic-montessori-retreat National Catholic Montessori Hub: https://www.umary.edu/academics/schools/liffrig-family-school-education-and-behavioral-sciences/national-catholic 🛒 Looking for more Montessori-aligned activities? Check out our full collection of printable resources here:  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/waterfront-academy 👇 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more Montessori activities you can do at home! 📱 Follow Us on Social Media: ➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaterfrontAcademy ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterfrontacademy/ ➡️ Pinterest: https://pin.it/4MNtyF4kq ➡️ Twitter: https://x.com/WaterfrontAcad #Montessori #CatholicEducation #MontessoriMindset #AMI #CGS #TeacherTraining #CatholicMontessori #UniversityOfMary

  7. Apr 14

    Montessori Mindset: A Conversation with Divine Mercy Academy

    Send us Fan Mail Dr. Maria Montessori began her revolutionary work with children labeled "unteachable." In this episode of The Montessori Mindset, we return to those roots to explore how the Montessori method provides a uniquely therapeutic and dignifying environment for students with neurodivergence and learning differences. Host Melissa Rohan is joined by Becca Rouleau and Katie Haun from Divine Mercy Academy in Verona, Wisconsin. Together, they discuss their "rights without labels" philosophy, the intersection of Catholic faith and Montessori, and how the prepared environment acts as a tool for healing and growth. In This Episode, We Discuss: -The Origins of Montessori: How Dr. Montessori’s work with children with disabilities informs modern practice. -Rights Without Labels: Moving beyond diagnoses to focus on the inherent dignity of every student. -The Prepared Environment: How sensory-friendly classrooms support neurodivergent learners. -Observation vs. Testing: Using scientific observation to identify needs earlier and more accurately than traditional methods. -Accessibility in Education: Exploring Divine Mercy’s unique funding model to support families burdened by the costs of specialized education. Connect With Our Guests Learn more about the incredible work being done at Divine Mercy Academy: Website: https://divinemercyacademywi.org/ About The Montessori Mindset Produced by Waterfront Academy, this podcast explores the transformative power of Montessori philosophy in today’s world. 🛒 Looking for more Montessori-aligned activities? Check out our full collection of printable resources here:  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/waterfront-academy 👇 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more Montessori activities you can do at home! 📱 Follow Us on Social Media: ➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaterfrontAcademy ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterfrontacademy/ ➡️ Pinterest: https://pin.it/4MNtyF4kq ➡️ Twitter: https://x.com/WaterfrontAcad

  8. Apr 9

    Virtual Parent Workshop: Picking the Right School for your Child

    Send us Fan Mail Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to find the right school for your child? You’re not alone — and this workshop is here to help. In this session, we’ll guide you through key questions to ask, red and green flags to look for, and how to align your school choice with your family’s values, your child’s learning style, and long-term goals. 🧠💡 🎥 Whether your child is starting preschool, elementary, or switching schools, this workshop will give you clarity and confidence in your decision-making process. 🗣️ Leave a comment below: What’s your biggest concern when picking a school? We’d love to hear from you! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more parent-focused workshops and educational insights. 📱 Follow Us on Social Media: ➡️ Facebook: / waterfrontacademy   ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterfronta... ➡️ Pinterest: / waterfrontacademymontessori   ➡️ Twitter: https://x.com/waterfrontacad #ParentWorkshop #ChoosingASchool #Montessori #EducationMatters #SchoolChoice #ParentTips #WaterfrontAcademy

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About

Welcome to The Montessori Mindset, a podcast by Waterfront Academy, where education meets inspiration. Hosted by Melissa Rohan — educator, founder, and Montessori school leader — this show explores the transformative power of Montessori philosophy and child-centered education in today’s world. Each episode features insightful conversations with educators, child development experts, and visionary school founders who are shaping the future of learning. Together, we dive deep into topics like language acquisition, executive function, faith and character formation, independence, and preparing children for lifelong success. But this podcast isn’t just theory — it’s practical, too. You’ll also find recordings of parent workshops packed with actionable tips and strategies to help you support your child’s development at home, from nurturing focus and curiosity to creating purposeful environments and fostering bilingual learning. In This Podcast, You’ll Discover: Expert advice on Montessori education, early childhood development, and parenting.Inspiring stories from school founders and educators leading innovative programs.Step-by-step guidance from real parent workshops to bring Montessori principles into your daily life.Honest conversations about challenges, growth, and the joy of raising confident, capable children. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, homeschooler, or simply passionate about how children learn best, The Montessori Mindset offers wisdom, inspiration, and practical tools to support the journey — from the classroom to the home, and everywhere in between.

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