Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast

How do we learn to talk about the things that make us different, especially when those conversations feel uncomfortable?

Award-winning journalist Michele Norris joins Biff Maier and Nicole Coman to explore the stories we carry, the assumptions we inherit, and the conversations that can help us understand one another. Through her Race Card Project, which invites people to express their experiences with race in just six words, Michele has collected hundreds of thousands of personal stories from around the world. She shares what those stories have taught her about identity, trust, and the value of listening beyond our own experiences.

The conversation also turns to children and education. Michele explains why children notice differences earlier than adults sometimes assume, why schools have an opportunity to help young people learn to live and work across differences, and how teachers can create spaces where difficult conversations feel both safe and brave. She also reflects on researching her father's largely unspoken history and on the family kitchens where food, memories, and everyday rituals shape who we become.

Together, they discuss:

• How six words can open the door to difficult conversations
• What the Race Card Project has revealed about identity and belonging
• Why children need opportunities to explore differences rather than learn to avoid them
• How teachers can approach conversations about race with curiosity and care
• How listening across disagreement can build trust
• Why family kitchens and shared meals can become powerful places of connection

Whether in a classroom, a workplace, or around the dinner table, understanding one another begins with making room for each other's stories.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What happens when the two pedagogical standard bearers in Montessori come together around a shared vision for education?

Denise Monnier of the Montessori Public Policy Initiative joins Biff and Nicole with Mary Beth McCormack and Dr. Lisa Roy to discuss the development of the U.S. National Montessori Curriculum, a collaborative effort involving the American Montessori Society and the Association Montessori Internationale USA. Designed to help policymakers and advocates better understand Montessori education, the free, open source resource aims to make it easier for Montessori programs to navigate state requirements and expand access, particularly in public education and publicly funded preschool.

Together, they discuss:

• Why a shared national curriculum became necessary
• How AMS and AMI worked across their differences to identify common ground
• Why the curriculum is designed primarily as a tool for advocacy and policy
• How public Montessori programs can better serve children with different learning needs
• What Colorado's universal preschool program can teach us about access and family choice
• Why the curriculum supports, rather than replaces, high quality Montessori teacher preparation

At its heart, this project is about making Montessori education easier to understand, recognize, and access. It is also a reminder of what becomes possible when people with different perspectives come together around a shared purpose.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What does a Montessori classroom actually look like—and what is really happening beneath the freedom, movement, and choice?

In this conversation, Biff and Nicole take on some of the most common questions and misconceptions they hear about Montessori. Is it a chaotic free-for-all? Is it overly strict? Do children get enough academics? Are Montessori students prepared for the “real world”—or for transitioning to a more traditional school? And does Montessori really mean no technology?

Rather than simply defending Montessori, they unpack the ideas behind the approach: freedom within limits, the role of the prepared environment, the teacher as guide, carefully sequenced materials, multi-age communities, authentic social interaction, and the importance of giving children meaningful responsibility for their own learning.

Together, they explore:

• Why freedom in a Montessori classroom does not mean a lack of structure
• How Montessori balances academic rigor with individual pace and choice
• Why the prepared environment and Montessori materials matter
• How children develop independence, problem-solving, and responsibility
• What social learning looks like in a multi-age classroom
• How Montessori schools approach technology while preserving the importance of human connection

For anyone who has ever wondered what Montessori actually is—or why a Montessori classroom looks so different from the schools they remember—this conversation offers a closer look at the philosophy behind what you see.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What do children actually think about school?

For this special conversation, we hand the microphones over to two very honest critics: nine-year-old twins Ishaan and Ayaan. After years in Montessori and a recent transition to a new school, the third graders have plenty to say about how they learn, what they love, what they miss, and what they would change.

Their answers are funny, thoughtful, occasionally surprising—and often more insightful than adults might expect. They talk about choosing their work, grades and homework, learning at their own pace, working with friends, hands-on materials, research projects, technology, and what makes a lesson exciting. They also imagine their ideal classroom and share what they think schools could do to help kids make better use of their time.

Together, they explore:

• What they remember—and don't remember—about starting Montessori
• The differences they've noticed between Montessori and their current school
• Why they miss Montessori materials, reports, and opportunities to choose their work
• What grades and homework feel like from a child's perspective
• Why learning at the right level matters when you've already mastered something
• What they would put in a classroom if they could design one themselves

More than anything, this conversation is a reminder that children have ideas about their education, too. Sometimes the best way to understand what makes a school work is simply to ask the kids who are living it.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What happens when artificial intelligence becomes part of how children learn, teachers work, and we relate to one another? Samantha Gleisten believes the answer isn't simply learning how to use new tools—it's strengthening the human capacities that should guide how we use them.

Samantha brings her experience as a Montessori educator, digital citizenship teacher, and AI developer to a conversation about what education can contribute in an AI-powered world. She explains why relational intelligence, metacognition, interconnectedness, and the spiritual preparation of the adult matter more than ever—and how HeyBodhi, the AI platform she co-founded, is designed to support teachers rather than replace the human work of teaching.

Together, they discuss:

• why Samantha believes Montessori has something important to offer in an AI world
• the difference between using AI to extend learning and using it to shortcut learning
• teacher burnout and the creation of HeyBodhi
• how AI can help teachers practice difficult conversations and reflect on their work
• why relational intelligence may become even more important as technology advances
• helping students develop metacognition and responsible AI habits
• the danger of creating unhealthy relationships between children and AI
• moving from student agency to the audacity to imagine and build a better world

At a moment when AI is evolving faster than educators can keep up, Samantha offers a hopeful challenge: we may never be able to predict exactly what these tools will become, but we can decide what we want them to help us build.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What if the problem isn't that we're failing to find work-life balance—but that we're chasing something that doesn't exist?

Katie Keller Wood joins Educating the Human Potential to rethink one of the most persistent ideas in modern life. Drawing on her Montessori work and her book Alignment, Katie argues that our lives aren't a scale where work and life compete for equal weight. They're more like a mosaic: a collection of pieces that shift, grow, and change across different seasons of our lives. The goal isn't perfect balance, but understanding what matters now—and making intentional choices about where our time and energy belong.

Together, they discuss:

• why Katie believes work-life balance is a lie
• how the idea of alignment can help us navigate competing priorities
• the difference between paycheck work and purpose work
• why meaningful work matters so much during adolescence
• how Montessori helps adolescents develop confidence, identity, and a sense of contribution
• why adults working with adolescents need to be the "calm in the storm"
• what gives Katie hope about today's young people

Whether we're raising adolescents, teaching them, or simply trying to figure out our own next chapter, this conversation offers a different way to think about purpose, priorities, and what it means to build a life that fits.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Across the country, Horizons National is helping change that. With more than 70 affiliated programs, the national nonprofit partners with schools to provide high-quality summer learning experiences that help students stay engaged academically while opening doors to new opportunities. At Lexington Montessori School, Director Maricarmen Sullivan and longtime Horizons student Mayelis Burgos-Sanchez share what that looks like in practice—and why its impact extends far beyond the classroom.

Together, they discuss:

• how Horizons helps prevent summer learning loss
• why meaningful relationships are just as important as academics
• creating opportunities through swimming, enrichment, and hands-on learning
• how Montessori principles support students from underserved communities
• the role families, educators, and local partners play in expanding opportunity
• what one student's journey reveals about the lasting impact of investing in children

Whether it's discovering a love of learning, gaining confidence in the water, or simply being surrounded by adults who believe in their potential, this conversation is a reminder that when children are given meaningful opportunities, six weeks can shape far more than a summer.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What happens when children spend time away from home—and why do so many parents find that harder than their kids do?

In Educating the Human Potential's first-ever returning guest episode, psychologist and bestselling author Michael Thompson returns for a timely conversation about why summer camp remains one of childhood's most powerful developmental experiences. Together with Nicole Coman and Biff Maier, he explores why homesickness is a normal part of growing up, how camp fosters resilience and independence, and why today's culture of constant communication may be making it harder for children to develop confidence away from their parents.

Together, they discuss:

• Why homesickness is a healthy developmental milestone
• The surprising reason camp friendships last a lifetime
• How camp counselors become powerful role models
• Why independence requires time away from parents
• Technology, constant communication, and modern parenting
• Helping children—and parents—prepare for separation

Whether your child is heading to camp for the first time or you're simply thinking about how children grow into capable, confident adults, this conversation offers thoughtful reassurance that sometimes the greatest gift parents can give is the space to grow.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What does it really mean for a child to become independent?

For many parents, independence means tying shoes, getting dressed, or completing tasks without help. But in this conversation, Biff and Nicole explore a deeper question: What if true independence is about more than doing things alone? Drawing on Montessori philosophy, they examine how autonomy, choice, responsibility, and thoughtfully prepared environments help children develop the confidence and self-direction they'll carry throughout life.

Together, they discuss:

• Why autonomy goes beyond simple independence
• How adults unintentionally undermine children's independence
• The importance of patience and allowing children time to do things for themselves
• How prepared environments encourage confidence and self-direction
• Why offering meaningful choices builds agency
• Goal-setting, executive functioning, and the power of initiation
• Intrinsic motivation versus rewards
• How Montessori classrooms balance freedom with clear expectations
• Why learner-centered education depends on structure, not simply freedom

At the heart of the conversation is a hopeful reminder: independence isn't something adults can give children—it grows when we create the conditions for children to make choices, solve problems, and gradually take ownership of their own lives. By stepping back just enough, we give children the opportunity to step forward.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What if the moments that change a life are often small, intentional acts of belief?

In this inspiring conversation, Biff and Nicole are joined by Emmy Award-winning speaker, drummer, and bestselling author Clint Pulver to explore how mentorship, connection, and presence shape the stories children and adults tell about themselves. From the teacher who handed him his first pair of drumsticks to years spent studying workplace culture, Clint shares why people thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued.

Together, they discuss:

• The teacher who transformed Clint's life by recognizing his gifts

• Why mentorship matters more than management

• The importance of balancing high standards with deep connection

• How educators can help children discover their potential and worth

• The power of simple praise and intentional moments

• Questions school leaders should ask to strengthen culture

• Why presence always comes before performance

• How parents can create meaningful connection in everyday life

At the heart of the conversation is a powerful reminder: life-changing moments rarely come from control or correction. They come from relationships. Whether at home, in the classroom, or in the workplace, people flourish when someone believes in them enough to walk beside them. Sometimes all it takes is one person—and one moment—to change the course of a life.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What happens when children borrow not just our words, but our emotions?

In this thoughtful conversation, Biff and Nicole explore how children learn emotional regulation by watching the adults around them. Drawing from Montessori principles, psychology, and real-life parenting experiences, they discuss why our reactions matter, how children absorb the emotional climate around them, and what we can do when we inevitably lose our cool.

Together, they discuss:

• Why children learn emotional regulation through observation
• The difference between expressing emotions and being controlled by them
• Practical strategies for calming yourself in difficult moments
• Why adults don't need to be perfect to be effective role models
• The importance of naming emotions and building emotional vocabulary
• How honesty, repair, and self-awareness help children feel secure

At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful reminder: every time we regulate ourselves, we show children how to regulate themselves. Calm isn't something we teach—it's something we model.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What happens when Montessori education and occupational therapy come together?

In this thoughtful and deeply practical conversation, Biff and Nicole sit down with a Montessori educator and occupational therapist Tia Gamelin to explore how movement, sensory regulation, emotional development, and environment all shape the way children learn.

Together, they discuss:
• The connection between occupational therapy and Montessori philosophy
• Why behavior is often communication — not defiance
• How movement, sensory input, and regulation affect learning and focus
• What educators and parents often misunderstand about child development
• Supporting children with anxiety, sensory challenges, emotional overwhelm, and executive functioning difficulties
• Simple ways adults can better observe, support, and empower children

Throughout the conversation, the focus remains on seeing the whole child — not just academic performance, but emotional wellbeing, confidence, independence, and connection.

Warm, insightful, and filled with practical takeaways, this episode offers a powerful reminder that children thrive when we better understand how they experience the world.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What if some of the most powerful lessons children learn happen outside the classroom walls?

In this episode, Biff and Nicole sit down with Montessori educator and school farmer Elise Washburn to explore how farming can become a living classroom — one that nurtures independence, observation, responsibility, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Together, they discuss:
• Elise’s unconventional journey into Montessori, from California’s redwood forests to Rwanda and ultimately to the school farm
• How farming creates meaningful learning experiences for children from toddlers through middle school
• Why hands-on work in nature strengthens confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving
• How food tasting, planting, composting, and harvest lessons bring Montessori principles to life
• What schools can do to start small and build meaningful outdoor learning programs

Warm, practical, and deeply inspiring, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that when children are given the chance to work with the earth, they often grow far more than vegetables.

Whether you're an educator, parent, or Montessori advocate, this episode will leave you rethinking what a classroom can be.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What if the way we think about learning… is wrong?

In this episode, Biff and Nicole sit down with neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath to break down what science actually tells us about how the brain learns—and why so many common approaches fall short.

Drawing from research and real-world application, Horvath challenges popular assumptions and offers a clearer, more effective framework for understanding how children absorb, retain, and apply knowledge.

Together, they explore:

• What’s really happening in the brain during learning
• Why struggle and difficulty are essential for long-term retention
• The difference between performance and true learning
• Common myths about memory, attention, and engagement
• How educators and parents can better align with how the brain actually works

Sharp, practical, and deeply thought-provoking, this conversation reframes learning as an active, effortful process—not something that should always feel easy or immediate.

If you care about helping children learn more effectively—and more meaningfully—this episode will challenge your assumptions and reshape how you think about education.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What if anxiety isn’t something to eliminate—but something to understand?

In this episode, Biff and Nicole sit down with clinical psychologist and bestselling author Lisa Damour to unpack the science of stress, anxiety, and adolescent development. With clarity and compassion, she reframes anxiety not as a problem to fix, but as a natural and necessary part of growing up.

Together, they explore:

• The difference between healthy stress and harmful anxiety—and why both matter
• Why avoidance actually makes anxiety worse over time
• How anxiety shows up differently in boys vs. girls
• The critical role adults play in helping kids build perspective and resilience
• Practical ways to support children through big emotions without removing the challenge

Insightful, practical, and deeply reassuring, this conversation offers a powerful shift in perspective: discomfort is not a sign something is wrong—it’s often a sign that growth is happening.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply trying to better understand the emotional world of young people, this episode will leave you better equipped to support the next generation with confidence and care.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What do boys really need from the adults who teach and raise them?

In this episode of Educating the Human Potential, hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman sit down with renowned psychologist and author Michael Thompson, whose decades of work have focused on boys’ development, friendships, emotional lives, and school experiences.

Together they explore how developmental differences can shape boys’ experiences in school, why some boys disengage from learning, and how educators and parents can better support their emotional growth and sense of belonging.

In this conversation, they discuss:

• Key developmental differences that can impact boys in school
• Why some boys struggle with engagement and motivation
• How boys often experience and express emotions differently
• The importance of belonging, friendship, and psychological safety
• How schools can better support boys’ learning and development
• Practical ways adults can better connect with and support boys

At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful message: boys don’t need to be “fixed” — they need understanding, encouragement, structure, and care to reach their full potential.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

In this episode of Educating the Human Potential, hosts Biff Maier and child psychologist Nicole Coman discuss how evaluations can help families better understand a child’s learning, behavior, and emotional development. Together they explore the differences between educational, psychological, and neuropsychological evaluations, and how these tools can provide valuable insight rather than labels.

In this conversation, they discuss:

• Why parents sometimes hesitate and how to think about diagnoses differently
• The differences between school-based and private evaluations
• What the evaluation process looks like for families
• How collaboration between parents, teachers, and specialists supports children best
• Why early identification and intervention can lead to better outcomes

This episode offers practical guidance and reassurance for parents, emphasizing that evaluations are ultimately about understanding a child’s strengths, challenges, and how best to support their growth.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What happens when Montessori moves beyond the classroom — and begins transforming the adults who guide it?

In this Montessori Deep Dive, hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman sit down with educator and global teacher educator Natasha McKenzie, whose journey into Montessori began unexpectedly in an international classroom and grew into a career supporting educators across continents.

Drawing on decades of international experience, Natasha shares how Montessori adapts across cultures while maintaining its core philosophy — and why preparing teacher educators may be one of the most important investments in the future of education.

In this episode, they explore:

• How a single classroom observation can change a life’s path
• Montessori education across cultures and global communities
• The transformation from teacher to instructor
• Adult learning, mentorship, and educator development through AMS Instructor Academy
• Building authentic connection and community — even online
• Why relationships remain the foundation of Montessori everywhere

At its heart, this conversation reveals that Montessori isn’t just a method for children — it’s an evolving philosophy that continues to shape educators, communities, and learning worldwide.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, world-renowned psychiatrist and ADHD expert Dr. Ned Hallowell challenges everything we think we know about attention, learning, and human potential.

Drawing from decades of clinical experience — and his own life with ADHD — Dr. Hallowell reframes ADHD not simply as a disorder, but as a complex condition that can become a profound strength when understood and supported. He shares stories from his childhood, his work with children and families, and the mentors who helped shape his path, illustrating how encouragement, imagination, and the right environment can change the course of a life.

Together, the hosts and Dr. Hallowell explore:

• Why ADHD is so often misunderstood
• The role of environment, stimulation, and love in helping children thrive
• Medication myths and what the science actually says
• The emotional toll ADHD can take — and its extraordinary potential
• How educators and parents can help transform struggle into strength

At the heart of the conversation is a hopeful message: ADHD is not simply a deficit. With the right support, it can become a powerful asset — a “volatile gift” that, when nurtured, can lead to creativity, resilience, and remarkable achievement.

This episode invites educators, parents, and anyone living with ADHD to rethink what it means to learn differently — and to see the possibility where others too often see limitation.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Season 2 of Educating the Human Potential begins with reflection and anticipation.

In this premiere episode, hosts Nicole and Biff look back on meaningful moments from Season 1, revisiting conversations that shaped the journey and sharing memories from a remarkable group of guests.

From psychology and well-being to creativity, identity, and lifelong learning, this episode highlights voices including Dr. Nick Mian on what children are really telling us through behavior; Suneel Gupta on small adjustments with big impact; and Dr. Sharon Maxwell and Chelsea Maxwell on raising children in a hypersexualized digital world.

The hosts reflect on powerful Montessori journeys, including Governor Josh Green’s story of finding his voice, Charles Terranova’s 55-year devotion to children, and Montessori high school seniors sharing what they carry with them into adulthood.

Listeners will also revisit conversations centered on curiosity and joy with Alexis Nikole Nelson, the music-filled stories of Frank Leto, and reflections on identity and belonging from guests such as Garrard Conley and journalist Lisa Ling. The episode also touches on purpose and innovation through insights from the Fisher-Price Play Lab and Olympian Dominique Dawes’ rethinking of youth sports.

This Season 2 opener honors the conversations that brought us here — and looks ahead with excitement to what’s still to come.

Here’s to the conversations ahead!

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating 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-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org