Celebrating 30 Years with Ms Shonali

We are celebrating a very exciting milestone with our wonderful Director, Ms Shonali.

Shonali has been the director of Eden Prairie Montessori since she took it over in 1991, which means we are celebrating 30 wonderful years with her!

Today we are featuring Shonali in a very special tribute here on the Eden Prairie Montessori Blog. Get to get to know our beloved Director & friend and read on below where she shares some of her proudest moments with us...

" It was June 3rd 1991 when I started working for Eden Prairie Montessori as a Director. 
La Pepiniere Montessori schools had many locations in addition to the one in Eden Prairie,
which was declining due to some internal problems in the company. A couple of months later I
was able to purchase the business with just 12 students. I had a vision for a great future
ahead !

Now my day starts with making sure that not only the children are taken care of, but also the
Staff and families of Eden Prairie Montessori.

I was not only the director at EPM but also a preschool teacher. Teaching preschoolers is my
forte. I absolutely loved teaching. The best memories were when my students made progress;
It was so rewarding when I saw that they learnt something from me. "

" I love the culture we have cultivated at Eden Prairie Montessori. It is truly a joy being in this
environment which is of love, peace and harmony.

I always advise new parents to not be afraid of allowing the child to be independent. Children
are more capable of doing things for themselves which is one of the most important values of
life.

When one is considering the Montessori method of education for their child, they should make
sure that the program consists of Montessori certified educators, proper Montessori materials
and implements the Montessori philosophy." 

"Some of my proudest moments at EPM:
1. When I heard that one of my past students were among the finalists in the National 
Spelling Bee when he was a junior in high school. His parents credited it to his first years
of education at EPM.
2. When we have our past students come back and tell us all their success stories .
3. Winning the local Readers Choice awards for the past three years.
4. I am so proud of the longevity of the talented and brilliant educators we have on our team.
5. Operating with no citations from licensing. "

"Some of my proudest moments in life:
1. I am so proud of my family. My son and daughter are two of the most kindest, loving and
caring people I know.
2. I feel a great sense of pride knowing that I am able to provide employment for lots of good
teachers.
3. I am proud of knowing that I have contributed to laying the foundation for hundreds of
children over the years.
4. I am proud of what I have learnt from my parents. Most of all I learnt about humanity and
how to get a long with anyone which is one of my dad's best qualities.


My hobbies include Gardening, Scrapbooking , Cooking ,Reading, Art, Traveling, Hiking.
Most people might not know that I practice meditation each day and love dancing.
Within the next 5 years I plan on writing a children's story book and book of tips for early childhood educators."

Congratulations on 30 Years Ms Shonali. We love you!!