Molly Smith Whitt is an accomplished Montessori educator and school leader with over 17 years of experience spanning infant, toddler, and early childhood education. She is AMS-certified at both the Early Childhood and Infant/Toddler levels and holds a Master’s degree in Montessori Integrative Studies. As the Director and Head of School at Elan Vital Montessori School, Molly has led teacher training, classroom design, accreditation efforts, and community engagement initiatives.  

In addition to her leadership within her own school, Molly has served as a Field Consultant with the Center for Guided Montessori Studies and has worked alongside the Louisiana Montessori Association’s school approval and accreditation team. Throughout her career, she has partnered with various Montessori organizations to observe, mentor, and guide both public and private schools and educators across Louisiana and neighboring states, supporting program development, classroom implementation, teacher growth, and Montessori best practices. Her passion for authentic Montessori education and collaborative leadership has made her a trusted resource for schools seeking to strengthen their programs and cultivate high-quality learning environments.

Kandace Miller is a visionary educator, distinguished by her commitment to

Montessori principles and her unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds. As the founder and owner of the esteemed Montessori Academy of Slidell, Kandace has cultivated an environment where children flourish academically, emotionally, and socially. Armed with a master’s degree in Montessori education, Kandace brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her passion for the Montessori method extends beyond the classroom, as she serves as a beacon of inspiration for educators and parents alike. Outside of her professional endeavors, Kandace finds immense joy in her role as a mother of three and a devoted wife. As a devout Christian, Kandace’s faith serves as the cornerstone of her values, guiding her every decision and inspiring her to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Kandace’s leadership extends beyond the walls of her academy. She is honored to serve as the vice president / president-elect of the Louisiana Montessori Association (LMA), where she will advocate tirelessly for the advancement of Montessori education statewide.

Claudia Dale is a lifelong Montessorian. She began her Montessori journey not as a teacher, but as a student at the Montessori School for Shreveport from toddler to 8th grade. After receiving a B.A. in Communication Studies from LSU in Baton Rouge, she was called to education. She returned to the Montessori School for Shreveport, received her AMS Elementary I certification from Houston Montessori Center in 2016, and has happily been teaching ever since.

Molly Williams has been Head of School at Montessori School of Baton Rouge since 2012. Prior to this she worked as a teacher and high school principal in Baton Rouge public schools. Molly holds a B.A in English and French, an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University. Molly received her Primary Montessori teaching credentials from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies.

Molly currently serves on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) Nonpublic Advisory Council and the newly formed Montessori Task Force. She has also recently completed Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL)’s Leadership Louisiana (2023).