The Montessori Mindset, a podcast by Waterfront Academy
Welcome to The Montessori Mindset, a podcast by Waterfront Academy, where education meets inspiration. Hosted by Melissa Rohan — educator, founder, and Montessori school leader — this show explores the transformative power of Montessori philosophy and child-centered education in today’s world. Each episode features insightful conversations with educators, child development experts, and visionary school founders who are shaping the future of learning. Together, we dive deep into topics like language acquisition, executive function, faith and character formation, independence, and preparing children for lifelong success. But this podcast isn’t just theory — it’s practical, too. You’ll also find recordings of parent workshops packed with actionable tips and strategies to help you support your child’s development at home, from nurturing focus and curiosity to creating purposeful environments and fostering bilingual learning. In This Podcast, You’ll Discover: Expert advice on Montessori education, early childhood development, and parenting. Inspiring stories from school founders and educators leading innovative programs. Step-by-step guidance from real parent workshops to bring Montessori principles into your daily life. Honest conversations about challenges, growth, and the joy of raising confident, capable children. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, homeschooler, or simply passionate about how children learn best, The Montessori Mindset offers wisdom, inspiration, and practical tools to support the journey — from the classroom to the home, and everywhere in between.
Episodes
In this informative parent workshop, we explore the impact of screen time on the developing child—physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. Led by experts in child development and education, this session provides practical insights and research-backed guidance to help families make informed decisions about screen use at home.
👪 Designed for parents, caregivers, and educators who want to better unde...
Think you know Montessori? 🤔 Think again! In this Q&A, Melissa Rohan, head of school and Montessori expert, breaks down the most common Montessori myths and shares practical tips for parents on building routines, encouraging positive behavior, and supporting language development at home. 🌿
Whether you’re new to Montessori or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation will help you see how M...
📚 Parent Workshop: Raising a Reader
Welcome to our parent workshop designed to help you nurture a love of reading in your child from the very beginning! Whether you’re a Montessori parent or simply looking for practical ways to support your child’s literacy journey at home, this session offers valuable tips, strategies, and insights.
✨ Open to all parents and caregivers—no Montessori experience need...
🎙️ In this episode, host Melissa Rohan sits down with Cassandra Baker from the University of Mary—the organizer of the Catholic Montessori Conference. This event has quickly become a cornerstone for educators, administrators, and families seeking to live out an authentic Montessori approach grounded in Catholic tradition.
🌱 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
The vision and mission behind the Catholic Mon...
Welcome to another episode of Q&A with Melissa! I’m Melissa Rohan, Head of Waterfront Academy, a Catholic bilingual Montessori school. In this episode, we tackle your thoughtful questions about supporting children’s development and fostering kindness through the Montessori approach. 🌟
✨ Topics Covered in This Episode:
1️⃣ Meaningful Holiday Gifts for Guides – Thoughtful ideas to show appreciation for...
In this episode of Montessori Mindset, host Melissa Rohan sits down with Camila Campuzano from Montessori Thrive to explore practical strategies for school leaders, admissions directors, and Montessori guides. Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities of managing marketing, enrollment, and parent communication in Montessori schools.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your admissions process,...
📌 Parent Workshop: Positive Discipline | Montessori Parenting Tips
Discover how Positive Discipline can transform your parenting approach! 🌿✨ In this workshop, we explore gentle yet effective discipline strategies rooted in Montessori principles—fostering respect, independence, and emotional growth in your child.
📖 What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to set clear and respectful boundaries
✅ Encouragi...
Step into the world of Montessori through the eyes of one of our alumni! In this heartfelt interview, a former student of Waterfront Academy shares how their Montessori education shaped their learning journey, character, and love for discovery.
✨ Whether you're a parent, educator, or curious about Montessori education, this interview offers insight, inspiration, and a glimpse into the lasting legacy of a...
Join us for a festive and insightful episode of Montessori Mindset as Head of School Melissa Rohan hosts a special Christmas Q&A! In this live conversation, Melissa answers your most frequently asked questions about Montessori education, bilingual learning, adolescent development, parent partnerships, and behind-the-scenes life at Waterfront Academy.
Whether you’re a Montessori parent, educator, or simply...
In this segment, Melissa Rohan, Head of Waterfront Academy, answers your most pressing questions about Montessori parenting, teaching, and holiday classroom ideas. Discover practical tips and resources to enhance your child’s development and create an inclusive, joyful learning environment. 🌟
Topics Covered in This Episode:
✨ Fine Motor Skill Activities for 3-Year-Olds
✨ Tips for Introducing a Second...
Welcome back to Montessori Mindset, the podcast from Waterfront Academy where we explore child development, education, and the many ways we can help children grow into confident, compassionate, and capable humans.
In this episode, host Melissa Rohan sits down with Coach Tony from The Little Gym Capitol Hill—a beloved community space where children discover movement, build confidence, and experience pure joy.<...
Welcome to our parent workshop on dual language acquisition! In this session, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of bilingualism and explore how children can learn two languages from an early age. Whether you’re a bilingual family or simply curious about the cognitive benefits of dual language education, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical tips for supporting language development at home.
...
Welcome back to Montessori Mindset, and today we’re diving deep into the world of Montessori education — especially what it takes to leap from teaching in a classroom to founding your own school.
The guest is Fabienne Deaton, founder of Starling Montessori, which opened in the 2024–25 school year and is now thriving in its second year. Her school serves toddlers with heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to M...
Join us for an inspiring founder-to-founder conversation as we dive into the heart of Montessori education with Andrew Kutt, a respected Montessori leader and visionary. Together, we explore the philosophy, challenges, and joys of bringing the Montessori approach to life in schools and communities.
This is more than just an interview—it’s a meaningful journey into the legacy and future of Montessori education...
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kathy Minardi, founder of the Whole School Leadership Institute and a leading voice in Montessori education. With over 40 years of experience — including 17 years as head of Aidan Montessori School — Kathy shares her wisdom on leadership, emotional intelligence, and the true meaning of the Montessori mindset.
✨ Learn how Montessori principles can transform not just c...
Unlock the potential of your child's growth with our Parent's Workshop at Waterfront Academy! 🌟 In this video, you'll find everything you need to know about our Montessori-based approach to early childhood education, the benefits of bilingual learning, and how we incorporate the Catholic tradition into our curriculum. ✨
💡 Discover how our programs are tailored to foster independence, critical...
🌟 In this episode of "Q&A with Melissa Rohan," we dive into some of the most common parenting questions, all through the lens of Montessori principles.
🎙️ Topics we cover in this video:
1️⃣ Screen-free activity ideas for an older sibling
2️⃣ Encouraging independent play in young toddlers
3️⃣ Using a toddler tower during meal prep
4️⃣ Montessori perspectives on play kitchens
In this enlightening conversation, we dive into how Catholic values shape education—not only through academic rigor, but by forming hearts of service, integrity, and purpose. Beth Blaufuss shares insights on how faith and learning go hand in hand, and how educators and parents alike can foster a values-centered environment for children.
🔗 Connect with Beth Blaufuss
LinkedIn: / beth-blaufuss-682b45...
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