Let’s Get Our Hands Dirty! – Bringing Gardening to Everyone
|

Let’s Get Our Hands Dirty! – Bringing Gardening to Everyone

The beauty and renewal of spring is upon us! And despite not having been in a garden or getting their hands dirty in the soil of flower beds, our elders living with dementia may have had a love of Mother Earth and we don’t even know it!

It is important that EVERY person have the ability enjoy activities they’ve loved throughout their lives.

Spring into Action – Declutter!
|

Spring into Action – Declutter!

The snow is melting, the sun is shining more, and it’s time to open the windows and let the spring breeze blow through the house. Getting rid of all the staleness of winter. Along with that you begin to feel the need to go through your closets, cabinets, and other areas you store items.
 
Great idea! But where to start?
We break it down into 4 simple steps.

Practitioner Symposium Spotlight: Fred Ellman
| | | |

Practitioner Symposium Spotlight: Fred Ellman

This month’s Spotlight is on Fred Ellman, a man with a mission to deliver joy to the lives of Elders with dementia. He presented “Growing Mindfulness,” which showcased his Flying Compassion Garden. With Fred’s background as a toy maker, he brings imagination, connection and mindfulness together in a physical form. He shared his interactive horticulture…

Practitioner Symposium Spotlight: Presenters – Carolyn Magnusson and Elisabeth Rydland

Practitioner Symposium Spotlight: Presenters – Carolyn Magnusson and Elisabeth Rydland

Amazing ideas abound when Carolyn and Elisabeth share their thoughts and inspirations. During the Practitioner Symposium held in September, 2022, we had the pleasure of Carolyn and Elisabeth discussing what they have been doing to celebrate Montessori for use with elders. Carolyn and Elisabeth are both Montessori trained educators, who, together, founded Montessori Eldre Ressurs…

Practitioner Symposium Spotlight: Henna Jalovaara
| | |

Practitioner Symposium Spotlight: Henna Jalovaara

We had the privilege of having Henna Jalovaara, the founding member of Muisti Montessori, the Finnish Montessori for Dementia Association, speak at our symposium. Henna is an OT in a non-profit care home in Helsinki, Finland. This care home piloted Montessori in two of its eight households. During her presentation, Henna shared both the challenges and wins of initiating a Montessori program in her care community.

What do You Envision for 2023?

What do You Envision for 2023?

Many people resolve to do things differently, better, or more or less often in the new year. These resolutions typically start off with gusto and sometimes fizzle out quickly, making us feel bad that we didn’t keep our resolution. For years, instead of making resolutions, I have created a vision board for myself. I think about what I would like to see or do in my personal, professional, and spiritual life and make a collage of drawings, words, photos, whatever inspires me.

Practitioner Symposium Spotlight: Beth Ann Scruggs
| |

Practitioner Symposium Spotlight: Beth Ann Scruggs

Beth Ann Scruggs took the Practitioner Certificate course to design ideas and programs that were practical and engaging for members of an adult day program. In the end she gained more than she expected. Beth Ann is part of a team of dedicated providers at Renew, a Montessori based Adult Day Program in South Carolina. Their…

“WELL DONE!” Showing Appreciation for Top Notch Teams
|

“WELL DONE!” Showing Appreciation for Top Notch Teams

The joy of educating and sharing the word about a new concept or idea is always so fun, and the energy following learning is high and ideas are everywhere! But as time moves along, the joy and excitement of the new information wears off and the reality of all the time and effort needed to…

Practitioner Symposium Spotlight: Elder Award Nominee – Kathy Werner
| |

Practitioner Symposium Spotlight: Elder Award Nominee – Kathy Werner

Kathy Werner enrolled in the Montessori Practitioner’s Certificate course because of her strong desire to learn Montessori in a hands-on way. Kathy has eleven years of experience as a trainer working with adults with intellectual and physical disabilities and 20 years working as a physical therapist assistant. One of Kathy’s case studies was with a…

Montessori for Dementia Workshop in Slovenia

Montessori for Dementia Workshop in Slovenia

Congratulations and thank you to all of the students who participated in the first Brush Development Montessori Workshop in Slovenia. The course was hosted by Pavel and Melita Demsar, the founders of Institut Montessori. It was inspirational to be in such a well-designed and cared for Montessori environment. Participants had the opportunity to have lessons from the school guides and practice using the materials while discussing how they can be adapted for elders.

Brush Development’s First Annual Practitioner Symposium
| | |

Brush Development’s First Annual Practitioner Symposium

The First Annual Practitioner Symposium on September 29th brought together Montessori professionals from around the world who have completed our Practitioner Certification Course. Since the first cohort was certified in 2016, there are now over 276 Certified Montessori for Aging and Dementia Practitioners around the world.