George Barnes MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S I recently watched a fascinating course by Jennifer Brush, MA, CCC/SLP, titled “Shifting Our Perspective: Dementia and Dysphagia.” I’ve been following her work for a while now, and she has blazed a trail in this area. Her insights on patient-centered care for people with dementia have transformed my approach to…
By Rita Akins, Owner of Montessori Images Reading a story together with a loved one or in a group can be a very positive social experience for those with dementia. A simple story can invite human connection through conversation and discussion and a shared feeling of enjoyment. This kind of interaction is a valued part of…
By Mateja Havliček Konjar My journey with Montessori principles began almost two years ago when I attended Jennifer Brush’s Montessori for Aging and Dementia introductory workshop in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Inspired by her teachings, I felt the urge to bring these principles into our community, aiming to enhance the lives of older adults. Initially, I was…
By Jennifer Brush Recently my husband and I designed and built a new home. The main focus of design was to create a house that was connected to nature. We wanted to feel outside when we were inside, to have forest views from every room, and to feel truly in nature throughout all of the spaces. The color…
Brush Development Company and Sarasota University are pleased to offer our Montessori Elder Care Practitioner Certification students a Dual Enrollment option. The Dual Enrollment option is available to students interested in receiving a Montessori Elder Care Practitioner Certification from Brush Development, as well as college credits from Sarasota University. Upon successful completion of the required…
By Nancy Cruz and Francia Muñiz They say the most beautiful stories begin with a purpose. “Abue,” who is now 104 years old, is Francia’s grandmother, and “Rito,” who passed away six years ago, was Nancy’s grandfather. Inspired by the wisdom and love of their grandparents, Francia and Nancy became the co-founders of Villa Montessori,…
By Nancy Cruz and Francia Muñiz Dicen que las causas más fieles comienzan con una historia. “Abue” quién hoy tiene 104 años es abuelita de Francia, y “Rito” quién murió hace 6 años fue abuelito de Nancy. Ambas inspiradas en sus historias familiares son socias fundadoras de Villa Montessori, Residencia del Adulto Mayor en Guadalajara,…
My work through the Fulbright Finland Specialist program in the area of Public/Global Health focused on building staff competencies in person-centered care using the Montessori philosophy of living applied to elders. The Fulbright Specialist project was hosted by MuistiMontessori, the only association in Finland dedicated to applying the Montessori philosophy to individuals living with cogntive…
By Mandy Cheskis, MS, CCC/SLP “Follow the child” is one of the key principles of Montessori education. It encourages parents to observe and respect their children’s own pace and interests. The full quotation of Maria Montessori can help us understand what she meant: “Follow the child but follow them as their leader.” In our work in…
Implementing Montessori involves culture change throughout the community. You can’t do it alone. You will need the full buy-in of your community’s leadership. So how do you prepare the bring this idea to your leadership team? Review the community’s mission and vision. Align your proposal with the organization’s objectives. Whatever you propose for the…
by Pamela Leudke, Certified Montessori Guide & Certified Montessori Elder Care Practitioner (Ontario, Canada) Bread and the breaking of it, in community with others, is a universal food and ritual that crosses the centuries, cultures and all ages. And such was the story of a simple bread maker and the elder for my Case Study…
