Speaking Engagements & Community Events

Maria is presenting twice at MEPI.

Session 1: Friday, February 28, 2025, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

1A Montessori Teacher’ Secret to Inclusion Success Level: ALL Presented by Maria Chaffin Some children will be more challenging than others, but every child WILL be different. If we are going to tackle this challenge, we need to prepare with some real introspection and reflection on what we must do. We must come prepared because we must not forget that we are the adults in these relationships, we are the ones with the tools and strategies to make this happen

Session 1: Friday, February 28, 2025, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

4A Fostering Opportunities for Neurodivergent Students Level: ALL Presented by Dr. Robin Howe & Maria Chaffin This workshop introduces a case study of how a school can deal with a student with substantial needs through cooperation between all stakeholders. This workshop will present the different roles of the teacher, administrator, student, specialist, and the whole class cross-cultural make this transition.

Dr. Daniel Robinson (Robin) Howe

Montessori Educator and Consultant

Dr. Daniel Robinson (Robin) Howe began his Montessori journey at the age of two, attending the Barrie School in Silver Spring, Maryland, through the eighth grade. He later graduated from Dickinson College with dual majors in Spanish and Religion, and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Bioethics from the University of South Florida. After a successful career in the restaurant industry, Robin returned to his Montessori roots, earning certification from Palm Harbor Montessori School (AMS) and later obtaining both Lower and Upper Elementary certification through St. Catherine’s University (AMS). He also completed NAMTA’s Orientation to Adolescent Studies (AMI).



Robin holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University and has been a key contributor to The Montessori Foundation’s management team at NewGate, the Foundation’s lab school, where he served as Co-Head of School and Senior Montessori Foundation School Consultant. His diverse background and extensive Montessori training make him a trusted voice in the Montessori community.

Maria Eva Chaffin

Maria Eva Chaffin is the founder and owner of Seeds of Life Montessori Academy. She holds a Master of Science in Exceptional Student Education, a Master’s Degree in Business Education, and a Bachelor’s in Special Education. She is also a certified Montessori Teacher in early childhood. With over 24 years of teaching experience, including 15 years in the Montessori field, Maria Eva is widely recognised for her expertise in Montessori education and her work with neurodivergent students.

March 13th - 16th

Seeds of Life is excited to attend this annual conference in Denver CO.

March 28th - Benderson Park (playground)

April 25th

Student art work will be framed and displayed on the front porch at dismissal.

May 9th -11th Montessori: out of the box

Maria Chaffin will co presenting with Dr. Robin Howe at this event.

Workshop:  "Building Inclusive Communities: Collaborative Approaches for Supporting Neurodivergent Students"

This workshop offers a comprehensive look at how Montessori schools can create inclusive, supportive environments for neurodivergent students through collaboration and community engagement. Using a real-world case study, Robin Howe will guide participants through the process of supporting a child with significant challenges, illustrating how parents, administrators, specialists, and teachers can work together to create a successful educational experience.

The workshop will centre around the story of a student on the Autism Spectrum, whose journey from being expelled from multiple schools to thriving in a Montessori primary class highlights the power of collaboration. This student exhibited severe behavioural challenges, including violent outbursts that disrupted the classroom environment. Through the collective efforts of the entire school community, including classroom families, the student received the necessary interventions to develop essential skills. Eventually, the child transitioned into mainstream classes and excelled in an accelerated programme at a public school.

This session will equip participants with practical strategies for building inclusive communities that embrace neurodivergent students. Attendees will learn how to implement targeted interventions, collaborate effectively with families, and create a supportive classroom environment for children with substantial needs—especially those cases that many schools may find difficult to manage.