Eden Prairie Montessori Learning Blogs
Celebrating 30 Years with Ms Shonali
Engage Team • 25 October 2021
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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!!
Let’s talk about one of the best things about toddlers (aside from their adorable vocabulary and unmatched snack enthusiasm): they love to help. Truly. Whether they’re dragging a broom twice their size across the floor or insisting on stirring the pancake batter, they’re all in.
To them, daily tasks aren’t “chores” - they are important jobs! Real, grown-up work. Work that says, you matter and you belong here.
But if your once-eager toddler has morphed into a bigger kid who suddenly seems less thrilled about helping out, you’re not alone. As children grow, they become more independent and focused on their own interests. It’s totally natural and actually a beautiful sign of their development!
Still, that doesn’t mean the desire to help disappears. We just have to nurture it a little differently. Here are some simple, Montessori-inspired ways to keep that helpful spirit alive as your child grows...
Have you ever wondered what Montessori Style Parenting is all about? Rooted in the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, this parenting approach emphasizes respect, independence, and hands-on learning tailored to your child's natural development. Montessori Parenting isn't about rigid rules or intensive schedules—it's a thoughtful, child-centered way to support your little one's growth, curiosity, and confidence. In this blog post, we’ll explore the core principles of Montessori Parenting and how you can incorporate them into everyday life at home.
Transitioning from diapers to using the toilet is a significant milestone for both children and their families. Dr. Maria Montessori acknowledged that children are continually striving for independence, which includes mastering toilet use. The Montessori approach to this developmental stage emphasizes the child's learning process over traditional training methods.
