How does a second-generation Montessori child become a transformational leader in the movement? In this episode, Anita Hanks, newly appointed President of the AMS Board of Directors, shares her deeply personal Montessori journey—from toddler in the classroom to founder of a thriving school, teacher education program director, and now national leader.

Hosts Nicole Coman and Biff Maier talk with Anita about:

• Anita's generational ties to Montessori and what led her back after a career in business
• The founding and growth of her school and AMS-affiliated teacher education program
• Anita's evolving view of leadership, mentorship, and building lasting school communities
• Urgent challenges in the field: educator burnout, teacher retention, and Gen Z recruitment
• Anita's vision for AMS: investing in teacher education, building community, and deepening support for members

With insight, warmth, and clarity, Anita speaks to the heart of Montessori leadership—finding joy, creating impact, and helping others discover their own cosmic task.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

How do we stay energized, focused, and fulfilled in a world that constantly demands more? In this episode, hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman are joined by bestselling author and Harvard Medical School visiting scholar Suneel Gupta, who shares why the path from burnout to balance doesn’t require a major life overhaul—just a few intentional shifts.

Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman talk with Suneel about:

• How your dharma—your inner calling—can be expressed without upending your life
• The connection between energy management and leadership, and why rest isn’t a luxury but a discipline
• Practical tools like the 55/5 rule and traffic light self-awareness to build resilience and avoid burnout
• Why we should stop asking kids “What do you want to be?” and start asking, “What brings you joy?”
• How Montessori education can support self-regulation, reflection, and purpose from an early age

With humor, insight, and real-life stories, Suneel offers a fresh, actionable take on how small adjustments—made consistently—can lead to big, lasting impact.

Suneel Gupta is the author of:

Everyday Dharma: 8 Essential Practices for Finding Success and Joy in Everything You Do

Backable: The Surprising Truth Behind What Makes People Take a Chance on You

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development, and Biff Maier, an AMS Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

What happens when Montessori students leave their multi-age classrooms and step into the world of traditional high schools? In this episode, two seniors—Symona and Josie—reflect on how their Montessori foundations shaped their confidence, relationships, and academic resilience through the challenges of public and independent school settings.

Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman explore with Symona and Josie:

• The academic and social transitions after graduating from a Montessori middle school
• How Montessori shaped their confidence, academic habits, and emotional intelligence
• What Montessori did—and didn’t—prepare them for
• Navigating larger schools, peer groups, and grading systems
• Why they credit Montessori for giving them a voice and a deep love of learning

Honest, insightful, and real, this episode reveals Montessori’s lasting impact—well beyond the classroom.

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development, and Biff Maier, an AMS Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org