Speakers
Jenny Marie Höglund
Jenny Marie Höglund is an internationally respected Montessori educator and AMI trainer for both the 6–12 and 12–18 levels. Based in Sweden, she has devoted more than 40 years to supporting young people and preparing adults to guide them.
She founded a Montessori school and later created a farm-based adolescent community, where learning is rooted in real work, responsibility, and connection with nature. Today, she leads the Montessori Centre for Work and Study and conducts AMI courses around the world.
Jenny is known for her deep commitment to adolescent development and her belief that meaningful work, community, and trust in young people create the foundation for true education.
Dr. Marek Kaczmarzyk
Dr. Marek Kaczmarzyk is a biologist, neuro-didactics expert, and memeticist. He is a professor at the University of Silesia in Poland, where he has dedicated his career to understanding how the brain learns and how evolution shapes education. Marek is the author of influential books including Tension Zone, Unique, and The School of Memes.
For over a decade he has lectured and trained more than 30,000 educators, inspiring them to apply insights from neurobiology and evolutionary science in teaching. He also chairs the Scientific Committee of the National Symposium on Neuro-Didactics. Enjoy his inspiring perspective on learning, development, and the future of education.
Prof. Beata Bednarczuk
Prof. Beata Bednarczuk is a leading Polish scholar and practitioner of Montessori education. A professor at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, she has been engaged in Montessori research and teacher training for more than thirty years. Her academic work bridges theory and practice, focusing on child development, learning environments, and the long-term impact of Montessori education.
She completed postgraduate Montessori studies in the Netherlands and has played an important role in developing Montessori pedagogy in Poland. Beata has served in leadership roles within national and international Montessori organizations and has authored key publications on Montessori didactics and the development of independent, self-directed learners.
Known for her dedication and thoughtful approach, she continues to inspire educators and support the growth of Montessori education in Poland and beyond.
Patricia Patano
Patricia Patano AMI Adolescent Trainer. Patricia Pantano began work with adolescents in 1992 as Middle School Coordinator at the St. Alcuin School in Dallas, Texas. In 2000, she established the Camino de Paz Montessori Secondary School and Farm in Santa Cruz, NM, working as a teaching administrator. She became an advisor to the NAMTA/AMI Orientation course in 2013 and continued with Orientation Courses in Ohio, Mexico and Sweden. She was appointed to the AMI Executive Study Committee in 2017 which was tasked to create a diploma course for the 12-18 level. She has AMI diplomas and experience at the 3-6 and 6-12 levels, working in both public and private schools. She is currently Director of Training for the current 12-18 Diploma Course at MTCNE in Hartford, CT.
Emily Dowell
E.A. Dowell is a Montessori educator dedicated to adolescent development. Originally trained as a paediatric nurse, she later completed AMI Montessori diplomas at the 3–6 and 12-18 levels. While she is an advocate for all children, her true passion is working with adolescents. She was part of the founding team of Strata Montessori Adolescent School in Ontario, Canada, and has since worked in several adolescent communities, including the Hershey Montessori Farm School. Today, Emily serves as a 15-18 Guide at Y2MAC, a 12-18 residential and land based programme in Zhudong, Taiwan.
She also contributes to international Montessori teacher preparation as an Auxiliary Trainer for AMI 12–18 diploma courses. Emily is known for her thoughtful, developmentally grounded approach and her ongoing commitment to empowering young people and their guides.
Chris Marks
Chris Marks is a Canadian Montessori educator with deep experience guiding adolescent communities around the world. He serves as the Curriculum Lead for the 12–15 program at Y2MAC, where he combines practical, hands-on learning with a strong developmental focus. With AMI diplomas at both the 3–6 and 12–18 levels, Chris brings a broad understanding of Montessori education and a natural ease in working with young people. He is also involved in AMI teacher training, sharing insights from his years of practice and his commitment to meaningful work, respect, and authentic adolescent development.
Małgosia Tarnowska
Małgosia Tarnowska I am the happy owner and founder of the Warsaw Montessori Family.
The Warsaw Montessori family consists of branches of bilingual Montessori education at every stage of a child development; from infant and toddlers through Casa level (kindergarten) and elementary to high school with IB programme.
Montessori education has been my passion and life for many years. Combined with a love of living in the closeness and nature, Montessori traditions and philosophy give me peace and a sense of security.
