Head of School’s Montessori Legacy

We were proud to see our Head of School take the stage as a featured speaker at The Montessori Event 2025, the annual conference hosted by the American Montessori Society (AMS). In her heartfelt presentation titled Montessori Voices, she shared her personal and professional journey through Montessori education—a story that resonated deeply with educators, administrators, and Montessori advocates from around the world.

As a second-generation Montessorian, Anita Hanks spoke about her lifelong connection to the Montessori philosophy, beginning with her early years as a Montessori child in Dallas, Texas. She reflected on her parents’ dedication, particularly her mother’s discovery of Dr. Maria Montessori’s work while studying child development. This discovery not only shaped her mother’s career—eventually founding the first Montessori school in Plano, Texas—but also planted the seeds for a multigenerational commitment to Montessori education within their family.

In her talk, Ms. Hanks described the path that led her from the corporate world back to her Montessori roots. She shared how her training through an AMS-affiliated Teacher Education Program reignited her sense of purpose, ultimately leading to the founding of Starwood Montessori School in 2000. Over the past 25 years, Starwood has flourished under her leadership, becoming a thriving community for children and families.

In 2015, her vision expanded with the establishment of the North Texas Montessori Institute, an AMS-affiliated and MACTE-accredited Teacher Education Program. This endeavor has extended the transformative power of Montessori education to adults, helping to shape the next generation of Montessori guides.

Her journey did not stop there. As a Montessori parent to three children, Ms. Hanks spoke candidly about how raising her family within the Montessori framework deepened her understanding of the philosophy. She and her husband watched their children grow into kind, curious, and articulate individuals—a living testament to the power of Montessori education.

Her dedication to lifelong learning and leadership has continued to evolve. In 2016, she enrolled in the AMS Administrators course, building a network of supportive and passionate Montessori leaders. And seven years ago, she joined the AMS Board of Directors, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Montessori education on a national level.

At The Montessori Event 2025, Ms. Hanks announced another exciting milestone: her new role as AMS Board President. She expressed deep gratitude for the support of her colleagues and mentors as she steps into this position, recognizing both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Her speech addressed critical issues facing Montessori schools today, including the need for qualified guides, expanding Teacher Education Programs, and navigating the complexities of a post-pandemic world.

As AMS celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, Ms. Hanks called on Montessori leaders to honor the past, embrace the present, and look boldly toward the future. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have within the Montessori community—and the importance of working together to ensure a bright future for Montessori education.

We are incredibly proud of our Head of School and her ongoing contributions to Montessori education both locally and globally. Her leadership continues to inspire not only our school community but also Montessori practitioners worldwide.