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).

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.

Maria Quiroga has held the position of treasurer for LMA since October of 2022. She is currently a toddler guide at the Montessori School of Baton Rouge and is Montessori certified at both the primary (AMI) and toddler (CGMS) levels. Maria holds a BA from LSU and is a native of Louisiana. Administration, teaching, training teachers and mentoring others are a few of the positions held over her 30 year career in Montessori education which she has truly enjoyed.