Michael Sullivan McKiernan

(They/Them)
6–9-Year-Old Co-Lead Guide

Like many of us, I discovered my love of learning in childhood. Along my path, various stepping stones have led me to work in education: working at camps, teaching Spanish to kindergarteners, majoring in psychology, and the birth of my niblings. Once I heard the call to work in education, I did a year of literacy tutoring and after-school programming with Americorps in Chicago. A year in, I got word of Montessori and was swept into a pedagogy and educational community that I felt energized by and aligned with. Fifteen years in, I am immensely grateful that I chose that path of Montessori guide.

In my work, I strive to create a space that is more than just a classroom. My goal is to create a container where children feel safe, seen, and respected; where they can make immense strides in their self-discovery, exploration of the world, and growth of their agency and purpose.

Over the years I’ve come to embrace an eclectic approach that has a Montessori foundation but is bolstered by mindfulness, social-emotional, and social justice curriculum. After many beautiful years with my flock at Rogers Park Montessori in Chicago, I am now excitedly swooping in to join the flock here at Catskill Montessori.