THE INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI COUNCIL
The International Montessori Council (IMC) serves as a vibrant and interconnected global community dedicated to nurturing, connecting, and inspiring all facets of the Montessori movement. We bring together a diverse network encompassing Montessori schools, teacher education programs, administrators, educators, trustees, parent leaders, and passionate advocates, all united by a shared commitment to enriching the lives of children and adults through the transformative power of Montessori education. At the heart of our mission lies the desire to promote Dr. Maria Montessori’s profound insights into human potential to a wider audience, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for her educational philosophy.
As a non-profit and non-governmental educational organization with a growing international presence, the IMC embraces a broad constituency within the Montessori landscape. Our membership spans school owners and heads of schools, dedicated teachers, experienced teacher educators, knowledgeable educational consultants, essential school support staff, scientists, enthusiastic students, valued retirees, and numerous others integral to the operation of Montessori schools worldwide. Recognizing the global nature of Montessori education, the IMC proudly offers accreditation to the entire Montessori school community, upholding standards of excellence and fostering a shared commitment to authentic Montessori principles across borders.
Our IMC Board
At the International Montessori Council, we lead in the spirit of Montessori.
We believe in a circle of equals—where leadership is shared, every voice matters, and dignity is central to all we do. Inspired by the children we serve, we strive to model the same values we nurture in them: respect, collaboration, and the courage to lead with humility.
Cindy Acker
Awarded Social Justice Activist
Cindy is an 8-time award winner in areas of education, HIV advocacy, and other areas of social justice. She has founded seven schools in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is an award-winning playwright, and the author of two books.
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She was trained by Ursula Thrush, and believes strongly that Montessori associations must model inclusivity as organizations – together, none better than another – all working toward the goal of peace and educational equity.
Patty Sobelman
Head of Pines Montessori School
Patty is the Head of School of Pines Montessori. She holds a BS in Elementary Education and a MEd in Early Childhood Education. She is a trained EC Montessori teacher, a graduate Goldman Sachs 10KSB program.
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She is the founding Head of both the Infant and Middle School communities. She is a published author and speaker. She consults with private school startups and continuing business development. She does not like writing in the third person but she does love her work!
Jonathan Wolff
Montessori Consultant & Poet
Jonathan is a Montessori school consultant, leadership coach, teacher educator, and author, who brings to his work 40 years of experience in Montessori education. He is the author of
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numerous educational publications, including, The Self-Awakened Child – Character Education Program.
He holds a BS in Secondary English Education from Temple University and a certification as a Primary guide from the AMI. He studied with Mother Isabelle Eugenie, an early student of Maria Montessori.
Martha Carver
Board Chair and Head of School
Martha holds BA in Liberal Studies Endicott College, Early Childhood Certified Montessori Guide. Director of CGMS Leadership Credential. Montessori Entrepreneur.
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Former Appointed Public Official McHenry County Conservation District Board President. Head of School Rock Prairie Montessori School Janesville, Wisconsin.
Andrew Kutt
School Founder & Composer
Andrew Kutt is the founder of Oneness-Family School. Andrew is also an accomplished author, poet, and songwriter. Andrew has served the global Montessori community by training teachers,
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advising school leaders, and supporting schools to reach their goals. He has developed curriculum programs in areas such as personal reflection, happiness, gratitude, conflict resolution, and positive discipline.
Margot Garfield-Anderson
Board Secretary
Retired but never bored. IMC Trustee and Secretary and Through Women’s Eyes Board of Directors. Margot worked for the Montessori Foundation for over 20 years and still shares
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her institutional knowledge & mentors the younger Montessorians. She holds a Bachelor’s in Art History from the University of Oneonta and held a certification in Montessori for Early Dementia Care Givers.
Kitty Bravo
Founder, Teacher Educator
Kitty Bravo has been a Montessori Educator for over 40 years, with experience as a teacher, administrator, board member, and teacher educator. She received her AMI Primary Montessori Certification in 1977
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at the Montessori Institute of Atlanta and has a BA in Human Development from Eckerd College. Teacher education and consulting has been Kitty’s primary professional focus over the past 20 years.
Arlette Crump
Head of School & Adult Educator
Arlette has over twenty-seven years of experience in education. She holds a B.A. in English Literature/Media Studies from Hunter College and an M.S.Ed from The City College of New York.
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She is MACTE certified in EL 1 & 2 and Leadership Administration. Arlette is the owner and Head of School of Montessori Village International, located in metro-Atlanta. She teaches a teacher education course at CGMS.
Kathy Leitch
Executive Director IMC & Board Member
Kathy is the Executive Director of the International Montessori Council (IMC) and serves as Vice-Chair of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).
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A certified Parenting Instructor and Stress Management Facilitator, Kathy holds Montessori credentials (0-3 & 3-6) from the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Kathy has extensive experience as a Montessori Guide, School Leader, Teacher Trainer, International School Consultant, and Speaker.
Meet the passionate team behind IMC
Maly Pena, Chief Operating Officer
Superpower: Chief Problem Solver
Sheila Linville, Director of Accreditation
Superpower: Exponentially Growing our Accredited Schools
Hillary Drinkell, Accreditation Specialist
Superpower: Accreditation Geek
Kristi Antzack, Member Services
Superpower: Memberships
Mariana Aguilar, Support
Superpower: Supporting our team, our members and everyone in between!
Our IMC Values
