Welcome to Black Montessori Matters, the podcast where we dive deep into all things Montessori—unfiltered, unapologetic, and rooted in the radical change needed to transform education.

Hosted by Ashley, Bre, and Celina of the BMEF Advisory Council, this monthly podcast is for parents, educators, and anyone invested in human development and the future of education. We’re here to take off the rose-colored glasses of traditional spaces and engage in real, necessary conversations about Montessori—its power, its challenges, and its potential to drive true liberation.

We do this work because we know it matters. Because we believe in radical change for radical results. Because education isn’t just about learning—it’s about justice, freedom, and the future we want to build.

Join us as we disrupt, reimagine, reclaim, and explore Montessori—because all of it matters.

Meet Your hosts:

Ashley Causey-Golden

AMS 6-12 in training,  Creator of Afrocentric Montessori and Co-Founder, Gather Forest School

Ashley has been teaching children since she was 18 years old and still remembers the student that led her to change her major from theater and communications to elementary and special education as a freshman in college. Ashley has been in traditional learning spaces (public & charter), progressive learning spaces (Reggio Emilia and Montessori), and African-centered learning environments in her 14 years of teaching. Her work with Afrocentric Montessori and Gather is a mixture of a labor of love and an educational home for her children that will keep their Blackness seen and whole. She wears many hats as an entrepreneur but the ones that stay front in center are mother, wife, teacher, steward, and friend

📍Atlanta, GA

Briana Winston

AMS 0-3 Montessorian, Creator of Soularbee, 250 Certified Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher

Bre is a dedicated Montessori guide, trauma-informed yoga instructor, and advocate for liberatory education for Black children. Rooted in spirituality and a passion for community, she creates nurturing spaces that honor authenticity, joy, and cultural representation. Through her business, Soularbee, Bri offers wellness practices—yoga, breathwork, affirmations, and journaling—designed to empower and heal, with a special focus on Black Joy. Her work celebrates rebirth, transformation, and the power of returning home to oneself, over and over again.

📍Dallas, TX

Celina Cowan

AMS 3-6 Montessorian, Founder of Aunty Celina, Certified Behavioral Therapist in training

Celina M Cowan is a testing specialist with a Masters of Arts in Forensic Psychology a Masters of Science in Early Childhood Education. She has a diverse background including homeschool and virtual facilitation, academic management and evaluations, Montessori Early Childhood teaching, and Childhood developmental screenings. Her primary interests include psychological testing, parent coaching and Early Childhood intervention. Having a deep interest in understanding neurodivergence and offering support in Montessori environments, she is currently in the process of becoming a Certified Behavioural Therapist.

📍Fort Lauderdale, FL

Part 1

"To Go or Not to Go: What is Montessori?”

Part 2

"To Go or Not to Go: Is Montessori Right For You?”

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