EMILY HANSEN

What is Your Montessori Journey?
I first learned of Montessori when I was in High School. My Aunt was taking her Primary Training in DC and flew me out one summer to help with her young children while she focused on her studies. She put me to work coloring her album illustrations! Years later, I had the opportunity to observe in her primary classroom and I loved what I saw --children working joyfully, making independent choices and getting along harmoniously with one another. It was like a little buzzing community, humming along with hardly any adult intervention. It blew my mind.

When I moved to Houston in 2003, I applied for a substitute teaching position at the Post Oak School. On the school tour, I had the opportunity to see Montessori in action from 14 months through middle school. I couldn’t believe what the youngest children were capable of! The adults treated each individual with so much respect and dignity. I fell in love. I completed my Primary Training in St. Louis in 2008. I had worked as a Primary guide for several years when I had the opportunity to take the A to I Training. For the past 11 years, I have worked in a Young Children’s Community, and I am an AMI 0-3 Auxiliary Trainer.

My Commitment to ABAR Work
I commit to learning more about systemic racism and how to make real change in dismantling it. I commit to identifying implicit bias in myself and speaking up when I see it in others. As an AMI Auxiliary Trainer, I am working to ensure that the lectures and content of my courses are free of stereotypes and bias, and I am committed to creating an environment that is welcoming and inclusive.

What is a favorite destination?
I just love being on the road with my family! Almost every summer we hit the road, sometimes covering 10,000+ miles in 6-8 weeks.

Favorite food?
Veggie Tacos

What are some of your favorite “words to live by” ?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you do, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou