Friday Keynote: 3:45 - 5:00 PM

"The Universe in Ecstatic Motion: Montessori’s Teaching in a Spirit of Wonder"

Catherine McTamaney

Dr. McTamaney addresses our own endless quests to connect with our spiritual selves in order to better serve the children in our classrooms. This presentation offers a practical perspective on the struggles of remaining mindful and the essential work Montessori teachers do when they acknowledge their own spiritual needs.

Catherine McTamaney is the author of The Tao of Montessori, a collection of reflections on compassionate teaching that quickly became a favorite of Montessorians since its publication in 2005, and A Delicate Task, which addresses child and human development through a Montessori lens.

Saturday Keynote: 8:15 - 9:15 AM

"Learning from the Inside Out: The Roots of Cosmic Education in the First Plane"

Crystal Dahlmeier

The brilliance of Maria Montessori is reflected in her understanding of the Planes of Development and the importance of the prepared environment in the unfolding of the child’s nature and the integration of her personality. The role of Cosmic Education in the second plane cannot be over emphasized and is recognized as central to that plane. What is often overlooked are the ways that the child’s experiences in the first plane prepare the child, both directly and indirectly, to fully experience Cosmic Education in the elementary years.

In this presentation, we will follow the threads of development in the child from birth to six to examine both the direct and indirect preparation the Montessori environment provides as the child moves from unconscious absorber to conscious worker. Montessori challenged us to “give the world to the small child.” She gave us the tools to do that through the philosophy and the materials. What an incredible and exciting challenge for us to explore!

Crystal Dahlmeier received a BS in Biology from Marietta College and a M.Ed. in Montessori Education at Xavier University. She was lead teacher/principal at Xavier University Montessori Lab School for 17 years, where she also taught both graduate and undergraduate classes in Montessori and Early Childhood Education. Crystal received National Board Certification and is a PITC Certified Infant/Toddler Trainer. She has served as the Teacher Section Chair for the American Montessori Society and has taught in Montessori Programs in Perth, Western Australia, England, Seoul, S.Korea and China. She is Program Director Emerita at the Greater Cincinnati Center for Montessori Education Teacher Education Program in northern Kentucky. She continues to teach in that program and acts as a field consultant. Ms. Dahlmeier presents workshops, is a conference presenter both nationally and internationally, and has been a keynote speaker at Montessori conferences in New Zealand, Australia and England. She has had articles published in Montessori journals and Young Children.

Saturday Afternoon Keynote: 3:20 - 4:50 PM

"Balancing Music and Creative Movement in the Daily Montessori Curriculum"

Mark Robinson

Mark has worked with Hope Montessori as a Montessori Educator for the past 33 years. In addition to teaching in the classroom, Mark is the school’s Musical Director leading song circle, cultural celebrations, and the annual Spring Performance. He is a faculty member of Hope Montessori Educational Institute teaching the Music and Science curriculum.

Mark is a professional illustrator and musician. He was a member of the St. Louis Chamber Chorus and has performed internationally. Mark is a youth advisor for teens at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood and enjoys backpacking, hiking and skiing in this free time. Mark is a proud husband, father and grandfather.