Leading with Purpose: Anita Hanks and the Future of Montessori Education

How does a second-generation Montessori child become a transformational leader in the movement? In this episode, Anita Hanks, newly appointed President of the AMS Board of Directors, shares her deeply personal Montessori journey—from toddler in the classroom to founder of a thriving school, teacher education program director, and now national leader.Hosts Nicole Coman and Biff Maier talk with Anita about:Anita's generational ties to Montessori and what led her back after a career in businessThe founding and growth of her school and AMS-affiliated teacher education programAnita's evolving view of leadership, mentorship, and building lasting school communitiesUrgent challenges in the field: educator burnout, teacher retention, and Gen Z recruitmentAnita's vision for AMS: investing in teacher education, building community, and deepening support for membersWith insight, warmth, and clarity, Anita speaks to the heart of Montessori leadership—finding joy, creating impact, and helping others discover their own cosmic task.Contact Us: [email protected] the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhoodContact us: [email protected]