Regina Dyson is a lifelong organizer, educator, and advocate whose 35-year journey has been rooted in community, justice, and access to quality education and human development. She discovered Montessori in 1992 at an Afro-centered school in Atlanta, an experience that shaped her commitment to creating learning environments where freedom, dignity, and belonging are central.

Over the years, Regina has worn many hats in the education and Montessori landscape - Executive Director, HOS, classroom assistant, afterschool coordinator, summer camp co-director, consultant, and developmental coach - each role deepening her expertise in organizational transition, program design, parent partnership, and community building. Since 2023, she serves as Board Chair and President of Montessori for Social Justice and works closely with schools and organizations as instructional and admin coach, with an emphasis on program development, capacity-building, and equitable practices.

Passionate about justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (JEDIB), Regina works to advance intergenerational coalition building, restorative justice, adolescent leadership, cooperative enterprise, and environmental stewardship - always centering the power of education to transform lives and communities.  

Regina possesses a comprehensive background encompassing Communication, Organizational Development, Human Resources, and Project Management, with extensive experience primarily within the non-profit sector, alongside consulting and coaching engagements with professionals, creatives, and startups.

She is also a parent of three, ages 31, 25 and 20, and now GiGi to a grandson!

The UnConference is a dedicated space for participants to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from one another through meaningful conversations. Designed to encourage collaboration and active participation, these informal sessions provide an opportunity to explore topics, share experiences, ask questions, and discover new perspectives with colleagues from across the Montessori community.

Elevating the Human Spirit: Reciprocity, Reconciliation, and the Revitalization of Our Cosmic Work

As Montessori educators, leaders, and changemakers, we are called not only to prepare environments, but to prepare ourselves. This closing plenary invites participants into a reflective and aspirational exploration of the spiritual and practical work of the adult through the interconnected lenses of reciprocity, reconciliation, and revitalization.

Together, we will examine how the prepared adult contributes to the elevation of human potential, embraces personal and collective transformation, transcends division and limitation, and participates in the ongoing liberation of individuals and communities. Drawing from Montessori's vision of Cosmic Education and Cosmic Task, this session challenges us to consider how our daily practices, relationships, and commitments shape the future we hope to create.

Through reflection, storytelling, and collective meaning-making, participants will leave renewed in purpose, grounded in community, and inspired to carry forward the work of dignity, belonging, peace, and human flourishing.

Because the future is not something we inherit—it is something we help create through our presence, practice, and aspiration.