A Return to Self: A New Year and New Commitment

This session will address the importance of personal self-care for guides, staff at all levels, and administrators during the 2025-2026 school year, and beyond.  Being of service and offering intelligent love doesn’t mean that we have to neglect our own physical, emotional, and mental well-being throughout the year.  With Montessori philosophy as her guide, Maati challenges the notion that self-sacrifice is a sign of sound professional practice. She will offer an opportunity for all participants to return to self, explore somatic techniques, and act upon past and renewed commitments that center personal health and wellness. The ultimate goal is that participants will be better prepared to implement the Montessori 

pedagogy that honors and protects humans of all ages. 

About Maati Wafford
Maati Wafford is a spirit-led educator that holds credentials in Montessori Primary, Elementary, and Administrative practices. She is a licensed social worker, equity practitioner, and the former Director of Equity and Engagement for the American Montessori Society(AMS). Currently she serves the Montessori community as an innovative educational entrepreneur, founder, and principal consultant of Radiant Mind Solutions.Her work focuses on integrating models of community care to strengthen schools, elevate teaching and learning, and support the overall well-being and transformation of the adult.Her unique eye integrates social work competencies around mental health and community models of care with inclusive pedagogy and best practice in adult learning and living.