Meet Our Team
Department
Hannah Baynham
Hannah Joy Baynham (she/her) is the director of learning and professional development at AMS. She helps to consider the continuous spiritual preparation of the Montessori guide, by listening, creating, and responding to the community's needs for professional development. Ask her about the AMS Learning on demand library or about many of our wonderful professional development opportunities. She also would love to hear any suggestions you may have about how AMS can better support your professional needs and the children you serve.
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Dean Blase
Dr. Dean Blase (she/her), EdLD, is the deputy director of education at AMS. She is a veteran educator, serving in many capacities: as an AMS secondary credentialed former teacher and principal at Clark Montessori, a former assistant superintendent, and a principal supervisor. She specializes in imagining systems that increase human capacity and joy. At AMS, Dean oversees the day-to-day integration of four AMS areas that are integral to AMS adult learners: Teacher Education, Professional Development, Equity, and Engagement. She will also liaise with the AMS Research Committee.
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Kathy Carey
Kathy Carey (she/her) is co-editor of Montessori Life magazine. She commissions stories, reviews submissions, and polishes and edits articles for publication. She works with authors, AMS staff, and a team of graphic designers and printers to get the magazine to subscribers on time. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and writing.
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Stephanie Cavinder
Stephanie Cavinder (she/her) is a member of the teacher education department at AMS. She helps teacher education programs become affiliated with AMS and assists with the scholarship processes for adult learners. She supports quality adult Montessori education. Ask her about the Introduction to Montessori Classroom Practices certificate course.
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Nicole Coman
Nicole Coman (she/her) is one of the co-hosts of the Educating the Human Potential podcast, produced by AMS. As a licensed educational psychologist, Nicole brings a wealth of expertise in school psychology and child development. Her experience with educational practices, Montessori education, and child development allows for an ever-captivating and insightful dialogue.
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Marie T. Conti
Marie Conti (she/her) is the senior director of community and events at AMS. She manages regional initiatives and the AMS Regional Action Commission (RAC) and maintains relationships with local groups, state Montessori organizations, Montessori Public Policy Initiative (MPPI), and community organizations aligned with AMS's work and mission to increase stakeholder connection. She also oversees events including The Montessori Event, Traveling Symposium, and Leadership Labposium.
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Rachel Davis
Rachel Davis (she/her) is the registrar at AMS. She oversees the registration and credential recommendation process for teacher education programs and adult learners. She provides guidance and support to teacher education programs from the point of registration through to credentialing. Rachel also works closely with credential services under the teacher education department of AMS. Ask her about all things related to adult learner registration and credentialing.
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Nikki Dipaola
Nikki Dipaola (she/her) is the staff accountant at AMS. She is responsible for payables, collections, recording transactions, and invoicing. She also maintains financial records and assists in the preparation of the annual audit. Ask her about anything regarding AMS finances.
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Deborah Elias
Deborah Elias (she/her) is the conference consultant for The Montessori Event. She is a highly-experienced event planner with an impressive career spanning over 25 years. Deborah is the founder of Elias Events, LLC, based in Houston, Texas, and her expertise in event planning has led to the successful execution of a wide range of exceptional events in the United States and various international destinations.
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