Cate Epperson serves as Academic Director and Instructor for the Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood programs at Hope Montessori Educational Institute. With more than two decades of experience in Montessori education, she provides academic leadership in accreditation, curriculum development, program improvement, and faculty mentorship. A former Montessori classroom guide, Cate brings a strong foundation in classroom practice and a commitment to preparing and supporting emerging Montessori educators.

At HMEI, Cate teaches Child Development, Family Partnership, and Child, Family, and Community. She also serves as a Field Consultant and mentors adult learners through their Infant & Toddler Year-Long Projects. Beyond HMEI, Cate serves as Vice Chair of the American Montessori Society's Teacher Education Action Commission. Her doctoral research explored transformative learning in Montessori teacher education, examining how the experience shapes educators' professional identities and ways of understanding themselves and the world. Cate holds AMS credentials in Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood education, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and an Ed.D. in Transformative Learning in the Global Community from Webster University. Her work reflects a commitment to reflective practice, professional growth, and the transformative potential of Montessori teacher education.

[email protected]

Susie Shelton-Dodge is a Montessori educator, leader, and teacher educator with more than five decades of experience serving children, families, and adult learners. Her career has spanned nearly every role in Montessori education, from classroom guide and school director to teacher educator and academic director. A nationally respected Montessori leader, Susie has served the American Montessori Society for more than 30 years, including as Board President, Vice President for Professional Development, and Chair of the Living Legacy Committee. She currently chairs the AMS Recognition Committee and serves as a MACTE on-site verifier.

 

As founding director of Hope Montessori Educational Institute, Susie continues to play an integral role in preparing and mentoring Montessori educators. She serves as Early Childhood Course Coordinator, Practicum Director, Instructor, and Field Consultant. She teaches Early Childhood Philosophy and Observation, Infant & Toddler Personal Growth and Development, and guides adult learners through their Early Childhood Year-Long Projects. Susie holds AMS credentials in Early Childhood and Infant & Toddler education. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to Montessori education, with particular interests in emotional competency, community building, freedom and discipline, and the transformative power of prepared environments for children and adults.

[email protected]

David Shelton-Dodge is a Montessori educator, school leader, and teacher educator with more than four decades of experience serving children, families, and adult learners. Together with his wife, Susie, he served as a founding director and guide of Hope Montessori Infant-Toddler Community in 1982, where he went on to serve as Head of School for 38 years and as a Toddler guide for 26 years. In recognition of their lasting contributions to Montessori education, David and Susie were honored as the American Montessori Society's 2023 Living Legacies.

At Hope Montessori Educational Institute, David serves as Infant & Toddler Practicum Coordinator, Instructor, Field Consultant, and Conference Coordinator. He teaches Infant & Toddler Philosophy, Observation, and Program Leadership, drawing on his extensive experience in classroom practice, school administration, and mentorship. David holds a master's degree in Education and an AMS Infant & Toddler credential. His work reflects a longstanding commitment to supporting Montessori educators in developing thoughtful, responsive environments for young children and their families.

[email protected]

Amanda serves as Montessori Outreach Coordinator, Field Consultant, and Instructor at Hope Montessori Educational Institute. With fifteen years of experience in early childhood and adult education, Amanda brings a strong foundation in classroom practice, teacher preparation, and professional development to her work with schools and adult learners.

At HMEI, she teaches Practical Life Art, Geography & Culture, Technology for the Montessori Guide, and supports adult learners through practicum evaluation and mentorship. Amanda also works closely with schools and educators through outreach, consulting, and conference leadership, helping to strengthen high-fidelity Montessori practice across diverse settings. A former lead guide, she is passionate about material development, environmental design, and teacher-centered professional development, with a particular focus on supporting assistant guides. Amanda holds an AMS Early Childhood credential and a bachelor’s degree in Art History and Fine Arts. She is also a Montessori parent to two young children.

[email protected]