Living Legacy
The American Montessori Society Living Legacy is an annual tribute to an individual whose dedication and leadership has made a lasting impact on the AMS community. Your donation in honor of the Living Legacy supports a cherished AMS practice: the awarding of scholarships to aspiring Montessori educators at AMS-affiliated teacher education programs.
Living Legacy Honorees
AMS 2012 Living Legacy: Chandra Fernando
At age 18, AMS 2012 Living Legacy Chandra Fernando taught her first Montessori class in her home in Sri Lanka. Since then, she has exemplified the spirit of Montessori as a teacher, teacher educator, and volunteer for global peace.
AMS 2011 Living Legacy: Sonnie McFarland
Sonnie McFarland's life’s work is built on her belief that the “cosmic task of the Montessori community is to bring peace to the earth by unveiling the authentic child.”
AMS 2010 Living Legacies: Judi Bauerlein and All Montessori Teacher Educators
AMS 2010 Living Legacy, Judi Bauerlein, celebrated her reign concurrent with the 50th anniversary of the organization. In this benchmark year, Judi had the honor of representing All Montessori Teacher Educators.
AMS 2009 Living Legacy: Marie M. Dugan
Playing many roles, AMS 2009 Living Legacy Marie M. Dugan nurtured the growth of the American Montessori Society from its earliest days.
AMS 2008 Living Legacy: Dr. Betsy Coe
Dr. Betsy Coe, named AMS 2008 Living Legacy, is an internationally known and respected Montessorian responsible for significant contributions to education, Montessori teacher education, research, and peace education.
AMS 2007 Living Legacies: Dottie Sweet Feldman and All Montessori Teachers
AMS 2007 Living Legacy Dottie Sweet Feldman, the driving force behind the AMS Teacher Education Scholarship Fund, shares this honor with all Montessori teachers.
AMS 2006 Living Legacy: Aline D. Wolf
AMS 2006 Living Legacy Aline D. Wolf was a pioneer in the resurgence of American Montessori education in the early 1960s, founding the nation’s third Montessori school in her living room.
AMS 2005 Living Legacy: Celma Pinho Perry
Celma Pinho Perry, AMS 2005 Living Legacy, grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and started her first Children’s House in São Paulo in 1956.
AMS 2004 Living Legacy: Bretta Weiss Wolff
A national and international leader in Montessori education, AMS 2004 Living Legacy Bretta Weiss Wolff directed the American Montessori Society for 14 years.
AMS 1993 – 2003 Living Legacies
AMS honored our first Living Legacy in 1993. Discover all the dedicated Montessorians who shared this honor in our first 11 years.