Training

Amber Chen



"Dr. Amber Chen has over 20 years of experience in education and is a certified AMI Montessori educator at the early childhood level and holds both an AMI Inclusive Education Certificate and an Elementary Assistant Certificate. She earned her PhD from Qingdao University, where she conducted research on localized Chinese Montessori education, its implementation, and the outcomes for children attending Montessori schools in China. Dr. Chen has worked closely with training centers under the Chinese Montessori Society and played a key role in establishing a Montessori teacher-training program at a local teacher college in Qingdao, China. As the mother of two children whom she currently homeschools, Dr. Chen is deeply passionate about education and is committed to raising up the next generation of Montessori teachers. Her work reflects a strong dedication to advancing Montessori education and fostering the growth of both educators and students."

Bogdan Sydoruk

"Bogdan Sydoruk is an experienced Montessori educator with over nine years of service. He has an AMS Early Childhood diploma and has worked in environments accredited by AMS, CIS, and IB, where he successfully combined Montessori principles with IB standards to foster holistic student development. He has led numerous parent education sessions and online workshops, helping parents understand the Montessori approach and how to apply it at home. Drawing from his experience raising trilingual children, Bogdan also offers valuable insights into supporting language development in multilingual environments. Known for his exceptional communication skills, flexibility, and collaborative mindset, Bogdan is committed to creating a nurturing learning environment for both students and adult learners."

Andee Church

"Andee Church is a graduate of Central Washington State College. She holds both the Montessori Early Childhood and Elementary I-II Diploma from the Montessori Institute for Teacher Education at Spring Valley where she was taught by and worked closely with Mrs. Madeline Justus. Ms. Church has a Master of Arts in Montessori Education from St. Catherine’s University. She has been with the program since 2014. Ms. Church worked for 17 years at the ECE and Elementary levels, in both the private and public sector. She is currently a professor at Green River College in their Early Childhood department. Ms. Church provides our training with dynamic insights into EC education from a academic perspective." 

Marian Brina



"Marian Brina is a highly experienced and passionate Montessori educator with an extensive background in early childhood education. As the Founder and Academic Coordinator of Cornelia Montessori Philippines, she leads the development of innovative Montessori programs and curricula. With over two decades of experience in Montessori schools across the Philippines, China, and Indonesia, Ms. Brina has proven expertise as a Montessori Lead Teacher, Curriculum Designer, and Workshop Presenter. In addition to her work as an educator, Ms. Brina has been a Montessori teacher trainer for the AMS organization for many years. During the pandemic, she created the Traveling Montessori Classroom, bringing Montessori education to children in their homes.  Marian’s wealth of knowledge and experience makes her an invaluable resource in every training session. She is dedicated to empowering educators and parents to create nurturing, dynamic learning environments that foster the holistic development of children."

Jill Stansbury



"Jill Stansbury brings over 30 years of experience in education, specializing in teaching and teacher training. As the founder of Mindful Social and Emotional Learning Solutions, she partners with schools globally—including in the United States, the Philippines, and China—to implement comprehensive SEL programs. Jill has served as a Montessori Lead Teacher, Academic Director, and Teacher Trainer across early childhood to middle school settings. She is a certified Positive Discipline Coach and a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Facilitator through Brown University. Jill has taught self-regulation strategies and developed SEL curricula focused on supporting diverse and marginalized communities. Her work promotes emotional resilience, social justice, and intercultural understanding in dynamic learning environments."

Madeline Justus

Founder

"Madeline Justus was the respected founder of the Montessori Academy at Spring Valley, established in 1951 in Seattle and relocated to Federal Way, Washington, in 1957. She dedicated her life to the Montessori method, influencing early childhood education in the Pacific Northwest for over six decades. Born in Central Europe in 1916, Mrs. Justus pursued her education at the University of Cluj in Romania. She furthered her Montessori studies in Romania, Vienna, London, and had the privilege of attending lectures by Dr. Maria Montessori herself. In 1960, she secured 14 acres of land in Federal Way to establish the school, which has since become a cornerstone of Montessori education in the region. Beyond founding the school, she was instrumental in establishing the Montessori Institute for Teacher Education at Spring Valley, which offers MACTE-accredited programs for early childhood and elementary education."