montessori coach & author
ABOUT MARIANA BISSONNETTE
Mariana Bissonnette (she/her) is a Montessori coach, parent-educator, speaker, and author.
AMI 0-3 [2016] | AMI 3-6 [2012] | AMI 3-6 TRAINER-IN-TRAINING [2024] | MA ECONOMICS [2009] | BA LATIN AMERICAN & LATINO STUDIES [2005]
I am a Montessori educator, lecturer, and instructional leader with nearly a decade of classroom experience serving children from 18 months through six years. I have worked across Toddler and Primary environments and bring a deep understanding of child development, Montessori pedagogy, and the systems required to support high-quality implementation in schools and training programs.
I am deeply committed to ensuring that adult learners leave training with a practically usable understanding of Montessori—one that is firmly grounded in theory and immediately applicable in classrooms and homes. My work focuses on breaking complex ideas into clear, digestible parts while preserving the depth, rigor, and integrity of the Montessori method. This approach is rooted in the liberation of the child and in practicing Montessori in its fullest expression, including through Anti-Bias / Anti-Racist practice. I support educators and school leaders in understanding how Montessori’s liberatory foundations connect directly to the goals of Anti-Bias Education, and in translating those principles into daily classroom practice, curriculum design, and adult learning environments.
I have supported over 3,000 families worldwide and more than 100 Montessori trainees and Guides in implementing Montessori across Infant, Toddler, and Primary levels. I have lectured and consulted for organizations including AMI-USA, AMS, Montessori Northwest, Montessori Institute of Vietnam, and the Bay Area Montessori Association. I am also the author of several parenting and educational resources about Montessori and child development.
Mariana brings a vibrant, novel voice in her books, lectures, and online programs that breaks complex ideas into digestible, easy-to-understand parts.
Mariana is a sought-after speaker and consultant for her depth of knowledge of Montessori theory and practice, as well as her ability to leave her audience with knowledge they can implement immediately in their classrooms or at home. With her work as an Anti-Bias / Anti-Racist practitioner, she effectively demonstrates the ties that connect the liberatory approach of Montessori education with the greater liberatory goals of Anti-Bias Education.
Mariana currently works as a Montessori Instructional Coach for Toddler and Primary classrooms at a small school in San Francisco, CA, runs parent and teacher groups online with The PEACE Program from her home in Oakland, CA, and is an AMI 3-6 Trainer-in-Training with Montessori Northwest. She has lectured for a variety of organizations, including AMI-USA, AMS, Montessori Northwest, Montessori Institute of Vietnam, Bay Area Montessori Association, Childhood Potential, Guide & Grow, and LeadKid Academy, in addition to various local schools for workshops, professional development days, and lectures.
Babies Build Toddlers
BUY THE BOOK
Babies Build Toddlers is an illustrated guide to parenting through a child’s first 18 months. With its casual and accessible tone, this book gives readers clear developmental timelines, practical suggestions for how to support the child’s development, and the basics of Montessori Education from birth.
Montessori is an approach to education as an aid to life; a life whose critical foundation is built in the first three years. Author, Mariana Bissonnette brings her experience as a classroom Montessori teacher, her two AMI Montessori trainings, as well as her experience parenting her own children to the design and content of this powerful book.
Wow. This was so. good. This is just a really thoughtful, well-done book with so much knowledge and goodness packed in. It’s something I return to again and again as my child grows. - Lauren