Program directors
Judith Luman
Judith Luman
Program Director and Level Coordinator
Elementary
Judy graduated from the University of South Florida in Business Management and from Barry University in Elementary Education with a concentration in Montessori Education. She then earned a Specialist degree from Barry University in Early Childhood Education, with a concentration in Montessori Education. She also completed the Education Leadership certification program at the University of North Florida.
Judy began her career at Amelia Island Montessori School. She taught for 15 years in a 6-9 classroom and 5 years in a 9-12 classroom. She has taught for Barry University and other Training Centers in the United States and abroad. Judy has worked in both private and public schools, served as elementary department head, been model classroom in literacy and in math, and given ongoing professional development and parent education seminars.
Judy earned her 6-9 credential and 9-12 credential at North Carolina Center Montessori Teacher Education Program. Judy completed an AMS and MACTE credential program at the 3-6 level and holds (2) AMS credentials at the 6 - 12 level. She is near completion for her Reading Endorsement, ESOL certificate, and she holds her FL State Teaching Certificate for Kindergarten through 6th grade and is certified in Education Leadership. She is the Methodologist of Montessori Education for Duhovka Montessori Elementary Schools and Director of Duhovka Montessori Teacher Education Program - Elementary levels.
She has served as the DMTEP Director, overseeing all levels and locations of DMTEP worldwide since 2018.
Jennifer Varbanov
Jennifer Varbanov
Level Coordinator
Early Childhood
Montessori journey
At Duhovka Montessori Teacher Training Center we offer a true and authentic Montessori experience to the Adult Learners. Reflection and finding the inner guide is at the core of Montessori and our approach to learning and guiding in a holistic way. It is an honour to be a part of a team that is dedicated to the development of each individual upon their journey.
Each member of our team is a gift because of their unique experience and abilities. My experience has been guided by the wisdom and knowledge of many. A highlight in my journey was the experience I gained during my Masters of Education work in Montessori Integrative Learning. I gained insights and knowledge into myself, humanity and our role in the natural world. Working with children and being a mother has had a profound effect on my life as there is nothing more rewarding than being a witness to the development of a child.
Working with adults has been thoroughly enriching, and I feel I am in constant refinement of my practice as I know how vital this butterfly effect truly is. With each Adult Learner we have the pleasure of guiding, there are many children that we also will reach, everyone and everything is connected.
Education and experience
Jennifer Varbanov began her career as a cofounder of Bodhi Tree Montessori school in 1999. She earned her Early Childhood credential from Northeast Montessori Institute. Jennifer graduated from Plymouth State University with a BA in Art History. She pursued her Masters in Education with a focus on Montessori education, while working as the Early Childhood Director and teaching art in the elementary I and II classrooms at BTMS. During her Montessori education she developed a passion for Peace education.
Jennifer moved to Norway in 2005, where she currently works as the Academic Director at Bambini Montessori Barnehage. She has concurrently worked as a consultant for Early Childhood programs, creating workshops in Montessori theory and practice. In 2013 Jennifer earned a diploma as an Instructor in Training Curriculum for Teaching Establishments from Hedmark University College. She works actively with Interns and Teachers in practice within the Montessori environment. She has developed and presented Parent Education seminars and works to spread Peace education through the integration of concrete peace initiatives.
In 2015, Jennifer completed the Montessori Model United Nations teacher training at The Opera Nazionale Headquarters in Rome. Jennifer has held the position of Vice Chairman of the Norwegian Montessori Association, since her nomination in 2013.
Montessori credentials
- AMS credential for 3-6
- A Master of Education in Montessori Integrated Learning
- AMI Administrator certification
- Montessori Model United Nations certificate
- 0-3 workshop "The vital years under three" with Camilla Carlberg
- AMI Montessori for dementia and aging workshop
- Inclusive education workshop with Silvia Dubovoy
Montessori instructors
Maria Bengoechea Werry
Maria Bengoechea Werry
Montessori Instructor
Elementary Program
What I like about Duhovka Montessori Institute
Duhovka is a great opportunity for adult learners. It is open for sharing ideas and experiences, for discussions and for developing teamwork within the Montessori philosophy. Duhovka offers valuable time to observe how a prepared environment offers child development in different areas, not only in the cognitive areas but in the emotional ground. It is also a unique way to see how all areas of study are interconnected and worked together. Duhovka also maintains rich cultural diversity in students and teachers.
As a teacher it helped me to develop a teamwork mindset. The cultural diversity expanded my human awareness and motivation for positive communication. As a teacher trainer it made me seek for improving the content of the syllabus and the how to transfer them in the course. It gave me the tools to try to inspire teachers to seek growth and feelings of fulfillment.
My credentials and experience
I began my career as a teacher in Elementary Montessori school in Mexico City in 1982. I studied music at a conservatories of music in Puerto Rico and Mexico and also graduated from University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras, PR, and received a B.A. in Liberal Arts, majoring in Music.
I earned my 6-12 AMI Montessori credential from Centro de Estudios de Educación AMI in Mexico City. I have over 30 years experience in Elementary education in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Czech Republic. I have taught choirs, music movement, Orff instruments, and Suzuki piano (Suzuki certificate in Piano, European Suzuki Association - levels 1, 2, 3, 4). Focusing also on teacher education, I have given several workshops on Body Music, Humanities and teaching second languages through music, art and drama.
Joanna Boone
Joanna Boone
Montessori Instructor
Early Childhood Program
What I like about Duhovka Montessori Institute
Duhovka Montessori Teacher Training brings learners from Europe and beyond to connect to the a full range of Montessori materials. This unique opportunity empowers the adult learner to best meet the needs of the children they serve. I began working with Duhovka Montessori Institute in 2012, and have taught courses in many areas of the early childhood curriculum.
Education and experience
My elementary childhood took place in Montessori schools. After attending traditional secondary schools, I better understood how powerful the Montessori materials had been in my education.
My undergraduate degrees and Montessori training are from Xavier University, (2005), and my Masters of Education is from St. Catherine University, (2012). At the same time, I earned my Early Childhood AMS certificate.
After graduating in 2005, I worked as a Primary Lead teacher in a small Caribbean Montessori school, (St. Maarten Montessori). In 2008 I moved to Prague and worked as a Primary Lead Teacher until 2011. From 2011 to 2013 I worked as a lead teacher at a public charter Montessori school in Miami, Florida. Since September 2013 I have been working as a Montessori program coordinator and Xavier University consultant for Central China Normal University's kindergarten in Wuhan, China.
I am currently a lead teacher at Coral Reef Montessori charter school in Miami, FL. I hold an Ohio and Florida State Teaching Certificate for Pre K - 3rd with an ESOL endorsement. Having lived and worked in various parts of the globe, (USA, St. Maarten, Czech Republic, and China), I feel connected to Montessori in a variety of settings.
Julie Sofie Hodøl
Julie Sofie Hodøl
Montessori Instructor
Child Development
What I like about Duhovka Montessori Institute
Duhovka offers a great program for adult learners. The program is diverse and inspiring. It offers a good opportunity for adult learners to combínate education and work - theory and practice.
What experiences help me in my work
I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist and have worked with children and adolescent’s and their families with different difficulties for many years. This has given me an understanding and experience with the child development in many phases. This inspires me to help Montessori teachers to understand the importance of developmental perspectives.
Lyudmila Land
Lyudmila Land
Montessori Instructor
Elementary Program
What I like about Duhovka Montessori Institute
It is a happy place of work. DMTEP uniquely accommodates adult learners needs and provides high quality instruction of Montessori philosophy.
What experiences help me in my work at Duhovka Institute
I have worked in both private and public schools in Russia and USA for over 20 years with focus on instruction is Math and Cosmic Education.
I graduated from the Chuvash State University, Russia with a MA degree in Philology (Language Arts/Study of Slavic Language). I also graduated from Barry University, Miami with Masters in Elementary Education with a concentration in Montessori Education.
After moving to the US and working in a Montessori classroom for a few years, I earned 6-9 credential through North Carolina Teacher Training Center. I hold AMS credentials at 6-12 level and FL State Teaching Certificate for K - 6 and I am certified in teaching English as a Second Language for K- 12. I have been ESOL instructor for the county teachers. I continue to mentor new teachers at my school and I am a directing teacher for students from local universities in Jacksonville, FL.
My training in special education allows me to provide instruction to adult learners with the emphasis on the wide range of special needs.
I have trainings in Gifted Education, Dyslexia, ADHD and ADD.
Anna Langstaff
Anna Langstaff
Montessori Instructor
Elementary Program
What I like about Duhovka Montessori Institute
I am happy working for Duhovka Montessori Teacher Elementary Program because the program draws adult learners from many countries who are teaching in many types of schools. Adult learners contribute to lively pedagogy discussions throughout the course by drawing on their own unique teaching backgrounds and life experience. Working with the DMTEP staff is always a learning experience for me as a teacher educator!
My education and experience
In addition to being a Montessori educator in both private and public Montessori schools for more than 15 years, I am the parent of a child who experiences Disability. My son has an Intellectual Disability and a communication disorder and has been a Montessori student in toddler, primary and elementary programs. My experience as a parent informs many of my classroom inclusion practices.
I hold AMS credentials for ages 3-6 and 6-12. In addition, I hold a Masters degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education from Portland State University. I am a frequent presenter at local and national Montessori conferences and love sharing the Montessori pedagogy with adult learners, parents and children.
I enjoy the challenge that students of this age provide through their persistent questions about the world around them and their zest for learning.
Heidi Larson
Heidi Larson
Montessori Instructor
Elementary Program
My journey to Montessori and the Duhovka Institute
I enjoy working for DMTEP because it demonstrates a feeling of community. The respect for the adult learner is prevalent in all aspects of teaching. The foundational Montessori philosophy is cultivated in all countries of the world.
I became a Montessori adult trainer and Elementary classroom teacher because I believe in teaching the whole person based on each unique learning style. I have taught adult learners all around Europe and Asia. My respect of others and demonstrating kindness supports the philosophy of DMTEP.
My credentials and experience
I focus on elementary education, child development, reading and language, and especially the cultural curriculum. As a Montessori teacher, I believe strongly in the continuation of professional growth, mindfulness, and expanding my own creative knowledge as a life long learner.
I have Bachelor of Science in Child Development from the University of Minnesota and a Masters in Education in Montessori from Xavier University. I have taught Elementary I children for over 25 years. I hold AMS credential in Elementary I Education and I have trained adult learners for over 20 years. Lastly, I have given lectures all around the world on Montessori curriculum, peace education, and classroom management.
Claudia Medina
Claudia Medina
Montessori Instructor
Elementary Program
What I like about Duhovka Montessori Institute
Duhovka brought a new dimension to the Montessori Journey in Prague and around the world. Innovation was possible, creativity was the rule, and Montessori philosophy was brought to life by a group of brilliant women and men that dreamed a program up and were able to bring it to fruition. Bringing with them a love of learning for people around the world who dared to make it possible! I am proud to be part of this team of inspirational guides that bring so much love of learning to so many people and children. Duhovka is about the details, the depth of learning and the connections, bringing Montessori inspiration to a global scale.
Duhovka Montessori Teacher Educational Program has taught me to be a better listener and teacher, because my students have all been thoughtful learners wanting to grasp every detail of Montessori Education. As an international trainer I learned about the world through the eyes and ears of my students, deeper than I would have ever learned in all my travels and studies. Duhovka brings depth of learning to all subjects and provides exploration of details and experience that light up our classes with experiments, literature, lessons, laughter, and creativity. As the owner of a Spanish Immersion School, I learn so much about language and bilingualism when I am at Duhovka from all the amazing colleagues and adult learners that come to Duhovka. Most importantly Duhovka provides connections between the teachers, learning and the students that last a lifetime.
What experiences help me in my work at Duhovka Institute
Music Education, Psychology, Music Therapy and Science were my focus in my undergraduate studies and have Diplomas in Montessori AMI 0-6 and AMS 6-12. I specialized in the Bilingual Brain in the University of Texas and The Shelton School MACAR training for Special Ed.
I am originally from Colombia and have made bilingualism a drive in my professional and my family life. Learning is a life journey for me, as I continue to develop in Educational Leadership and Bilingual Endorsements. As a Head of School, I have learned about balance, administration, but most of all being honest and present in every conversation and every encounter with the children and teachers. I have always been energetic but leading a school has taught me deeper focus and empathy to build our community and that allows for connections in all areas of our lives.
Marie Medonis
Marie Medonis
Montessori Instructor
Early Childhood
My Montessori journey
I enjoy working for Duhovka Institute because I get to work with amazing people from all over the world. The role I have at Duhovka allows me to encourage and support others on their journey in Montessori pedagogy. The work I do through sharing the Montessori pedagogy is not a job, it is a way of being, it is a vocation.
The experiences I've had as an early childhood guide and now an elementary guide allow me to see the bigger picture of the role of the adult in the child's life. I've just recently finished a course through AMS to become certified as a Teacher Trainer and the information and skills I acquired there helped me to understand the various learning styles of the adult learner. These skills, I believe will help create a comfortable, caring and curious learning environment for adult learners as they delve into the Montessori pedagogy.
Education and experience
I was a Montessori early childhood assistant for two years during my Montessori training. I then worked as lead guide in the early childhood classroom for eleven years along with mentoring new teachers. I have been working in a Montessori lower elementary classroom for five and half year while getting my Elementary 6-12 certification.
In the year 2021 I entered the first AMS Teacher Training cohort and have finished that course. I also have a TEFL certification to teach English as a second language. I'm consistently looking for ways to increase my knowledge and understanding of the Montessori methodology and also am exploring how this approach works with the second language learner.
Amy Sexton
Amy Sexton
Montessori Instructor
Elementary Program
I enjoy working for DMTEP because of the high quality Montessori materials and the ability to welcome curiosity and creativity. It's a wonderful place for adult learners to explore their gifts and talents. DMTEP feels like a happy family where trainers and adult learners can ask questions, share experiences in education, and learn and grow together.
My education and experiance
I started my Montessori journey 10 years ago and instantly felt like I was apart of something bigger than myself. After receiving my AMS accreditation for Early Childhood education, I decided to keep learning and growing in Montessori. I went on to recieve my Elementary I and II diploma for ages 6-12.
I taught ages 6-9 for 8 years and had such a wonderful experience guiding children in a dual language environment. My experience has been invaluable as I teach and train Adult Learners from all over the world.
I continue to participate in extended Montessori seminars and workshops. I currently have moved into a leadership position where I guide and support Montessori teachers.
Brittney Wilson
Brittney Wilson
Montessori Instructor
Early Childhood Program
What Duhovka Institute brings to students
Duhovka is a nice place for adult learners because there is a low student to faculty ratio offering students more personal attention and guidance. The faculty is passionate and knowledgeable providing students with in-depth information about the Montessori philosophy.
Being a graduate of Duhovka Montessori Teacher Education Program, I had multiple mentors and trainers from DMTEP that helped me deepen my knowledge and understanding of Montessori and helped me grow as an educator. They are the people I still look up to as a trainer and strive to provide training to students as in-depth and useful as their trainings were for me.
Education and experience
I have been a certified Early Childhood Montessori educator for 8 years. I hold my certification as a Department of Children and Families Director. I am also hold a certification from the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools as a Nature-Based teacher. I am trained in the International Baccalaureate program and working towards a Teacher Certification for public schools in the State of Florida.
Institute management
Dagmar Egemová
Dagmar Egemová
Relationship Manager
What I Like About Duhovka
I perceive Duhovka as a continuously learning community that, through a respectful and partnership-based approach, never stifles the inner motivation of both children and its employees to learn, grow, and develop. It fosters a sense of self-worth, awareness of both strengths and weaknesses, critical thinking, and responsibility. It prepares not only children for the world of the 21st century in a safe and inspiring environment.
What Experiences Help Me in My Work at Duhovka Institute
For my job at Duhovka, I draw on my experience as a Project and Account Manager in CRM marketing, and most importantly, from eight years of running my own Montessori center in Prague 6.
My qualifications are primarily my two children, who are the main extension of my secondary education in economics, my university degree in TV and Sports Management, numerous Montessori courses with Mrs. Štarková, and self-development courses in parenting (Respect and Be Respected, Nonviolent Communication, Experience-Based Respect, Parenting Without Winners, and others).
Zuzana Meszárošová
Zuzana Meszárošová
Relationship Manager
What I Like About Duhovka
I see Duhovka as a sophisticated system of education whose vision is to create a space for learning filled with respect, acceptance of self, and mutual difference in a prepared environment based on Montessori pedagogy. The interconnectedness of these ideas is well felt in the team of people who work for Duhovka. I believe that the teacher, as a guide to education, is one of the most important people and a role model that children will meet during their growing up years, next to their close family. I am excited to be a part of creating and supporting qualified adult/teacher education. I believe that the time and energy directed toward our children is very meaningful to the entire community.
What helps me in my work
My knowledge from courses in Montessori pedagogy, a respectful approach and non-violent communication, as well as my experience in marketing, sales marketing and external relations departments helps me in my work at Duhovka Institute. But most of all, my thinking has been shaped by my three children, their different needs and the gradual discovery of different forms of learning, including homeschooling.
I graduated from Charles University, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, courses in Montessori pedagogy, communication and project management..
Barbora Peštová
Barbora Peštová
Project Administrator
What I Like About Duhovka
Duhovka is a matter of the heart. I had the opportunity to experience it from the inside as the director of a preschool. Every day, I witnessed the respect with which teachers and Duhovka parents approached both the children and each other. I saw firsthand the incredible impact that the prepared Montessori environment has on developing children's potential and shaping their perspective on the world and themselves.
My four children are educated at Duhovka across the entire system—at the gymnasium, elementary school, and preschool. This allows me to also experience the "outside" perspective as a parent with all the expectations and needs that Duhovka's clients have. And I am grateful that Duhovka is our choice. Here, children feel safe, supported, and grow both academically and as human beings.
That is why I am excited to contribute to the community of educators, students, and the wider public through the activities of Duhovka Institute. The Institute's mission is to spread Montessori education because we believe it makes the world a better place. That is a fantastic and adventurous journey.
Veronika E. Thompson
Veronika E. Thompson
Institute Director
Jana Zítková
Jana Zítková
Project Manager
What I like about Duhovka
I was originally drawn to Duhovka because of its Montessori educational approach based on values that are close to my heart, but I have found so much more here. A unique and safe community of personalities who share a need for meaningful creativity, high professionalism and a human approach that respects nature and individuality. For me, the Duhovka team creates a fascinating project that I become a part of with humility, gratitude and joy.
What experiences help me in my work
I came to the Duhovka Institute with experience from a Montessori background, primarily related to adult education. I have had several years of valuable experience organizing Montessori courses and seminars as part of the national Montessori education society of the Czech Republic.
My personal experience as a parent seeking a meaningful educational path for my children that does not deny important human values and that meets the needs of children of today's generation also helps me.