Our History
After more than 20 years of experience working in a variety of schools, preschools, and day care centers including big and small operations, managed as private and nonprofit organizations, in both urban and rural settings, Ed Stanford developed strong convictions about what an ideal school should offer.
An ideal school should be equitable and inclusive and welcoming to provide the highest quality developmentally appropriate education to all children.
An ideal school should center families that encounter the greatest challenges to accessing school programs.
With the support of the Wildflower Schools Network, Ed founded Sage Montessori as a 501c3 nonprofit organization to realize this vision. A diverse Board of Trustees works with Ed to shape the growth of the school to be inclusive and welcoming.
Our mission is to make Montessori education a realistic option for all families.
Our vision is a year-round, all-day school program that serves children from diverse backgrounds, including those with special needs and who are without housing. This program will not only provide care and education for children but also serve as a professional incubator for Montessori educators.
Our Guide Leader
Guide Leaders are the lead educators and administrators of the school
Our Staff
Our Board of Trustees
Ed Stanford
President
Ed is the founder and Guide Leader of Sage Montessori School. Ed is inspired by the school’s mission to make Montessori education a realistic option for all families. Ed believes the Montessori education is the most developmentally appropriate pedagogy for young children.
Ed earned a Bachelors Degree in Studio Art from Grinnell College, a Primary Diploma from the Association Montessori Internationale, and a Master’s Degree in Montessori Education from Loyola University.
When he is not supporting Sage Montessori, Ed enjoys reading, travel, and making things in the garage.
Michelle
Clerk
Michelle is a former educator and lifelong advocate of Montessori philosophy. She believes Montessori education best equips children with the critical thinking and adaptability needed to navigate an ever-changing world. As a conscious parent and homeschooler, she applies Montessori principles in raising her two young children.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from The Ohio State University, a Master in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a Master in Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
She lives in western Massachusetts with her loving, supportive family—her husband, children, dog, and flock of chickens. She runs a small family farm, Gathered Waters, dedicated to strengthening both her family’s and the local community’s resiliency in response to the climate crisis and the increasing social and political instability of our time.
In her free time, Michelle enjoys reading and writing fantasy and science fiction under a pen name.
Gregory Sammis
Treasurer
In his professional life, Greg Sammis is an educator, facilitator, and coach. Greg finds fulfillment in supporting Sage Montessori in providing high-quality, impactful learning opportunities for its students. Greg believes that the Montessori philosophy of learning, and Sage’s approach, give students the best opportunity to jump start their experience as life-long learners. Greg earned a Masters Degree in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato as well as a Masters Degree in Organization Development from the University of San Francisco. When he is not supporting Sage Montessori, Greg is a musician, performing his own music and producing music for other musicians.
Connie
Pabon-Green
Trustee
In her professional life Connie is Head teacher/ Director of Lotus Montessori Academy in Quincy, MA. Connie is thrilled to be able to contribute to Sage Montessori’s strategic direction while also learning from other experienced leaders. Connie is also a member of the Wildflower Montessori community supporting our mission of making Montessori education accessible to all families. Connie earned a B. S in Psychology from Simmons University and Montessori certifications in Preschool and Elementary Education.
When she is not supporting Sage Montessori, Connie enjoys spending quality time with her children and grandchildren, participating in community activities, or spending quiet time at home
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