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Cynthia Barraza

Cynthia Barraza (she/her) is the school quality manager at AMS. She oversees schools joining and progressing through the Pathway for Continuous Improvement. She supports school leaders to apply the 5 core components of Montessori in each of their unique schools.

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.

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.

Niels Bolle

Niels Bolle (he/him) is the design consultant for AMS and the Montessori Life magazine. He continues to apply his tremendous skill and artistry to a wide variety of print, packaging, and digital media projects for AMS events and publications.

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.

Maria Cirelli

Maria Cirelli (she/her) is the executive associate & board liaison at AMS. She works closely with our executive director and senior team to support initiatives across departments through daily administrative support. She also supports the development efforts and events of the organization. Lastly, Maria is the liaison between AMS staff, the board of directors, and AMS members.

Rachel Cole

Rachel Cole (she/her), M.Ed, is the Community Engagement Lead at AMS. Rachel has a wealth of experience as a Montessorian serving as a Montessori teacher in both public and private schools, a micro-school founder, curriculum director and instructional coach, ELF graduate, and Montessori parent. In the Events Department, Rachel will plan, manage, and implement the Regional Symposium events, support the work of the Regional Action Commission, and assist with other events. In Membership, Rachel will be responsible for implementing and managing the new Head of School Cohort Project (still in the development phase) that will provide mentorship and support for groups of school heads throughout the country through an ambassadorship program.

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.

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.

Ayana Crawford

Ayana Crawford (she/her), MEd, is the director of school accreditation at AMS. She supports member schools through every stage of the accreditation process. She also manages pathway schools that become accreditation candidates and the eligibility of accredited schools.

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.

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.