Venus Gaffney Zaron
Portland,OR
Summary
Dynamic leader in Montessori education with a proven track record across different developmental levels and roles. Creates strong parent partnerships, mentors educators, and navigates complex challenges. Recognized for professionalism, creativity, and a growth mindset. Committed to advancing organizational goals towards long-term excellence and stability.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Pedagogical Director
Childpeace Montessori School
06.2024 - Current
- Engage with all faculty and staff to ensure that each person in their individual role is connected directly to the mission of the school and has the necessary pedagogical and administrative support to fulfill their role in alignment with Montessori philosophy and pedagogy
- Engage faculty in dialogue to enrich the curriculum
- Provide philosophical input in all decision making in collaboration with faculty and Head of School
Primary Consultant and Coach
Association Montessori Internationale/USA Division
01.2021 - Current
- Work as an advocate and support for children to receive an authentic Montessori experience that aligns with AMI Montessori principles and practice
- Work with schools' faculty and administration to enrich the school's ability to deliver a high-fidelity Montessori experience
- Supports schools in achieving excellence and stability
Early Childhood Program Director
Childpeace Montessori School
06.2023 - 06.2024
- Responsible for oversight and support of Childpeace programs relating to children 14 months to 6 years old
- This includes preparation of staff and environment, onboarding of families from admissions through graduation, and oversight of the program toward best practices
Willow Room Guide
Childpeace Montessori School
11.2011 - 06.2023
- Classroom Guide in a community of 25-28 children, ages 2.5 to 6 years
- AMI Montessori guide responsible for prepared environment, lesson plans, presentation of materials, classroom management, and parent communications
Administrative and Pedagogical Coach
Casa Dei Bambini Montessori School Nido Montessori
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Coach Head of School regarding professional development of staff, parent education, and steering school towards deepening of Montessori practice
Toddler Community Guide
Montessori Children's House
08.2009 - 08.2011
- Founding AMI Toddler Guide in a new school, responsible for prepared environment, lesson plans, presentation of materials, classroom management, and parent communications
Family Life Educator
Self-employed
01.2004 - 01.2011
- In-home consultations and caregiver-infant classes, Portland: private practice
- Assisted parents and caregivers in creating the home environment for their children, emphasizing order, independence, child's sense of belonging and beauty, appropriate toys and activities, etc
- Guided observation is used to help parents recognize and appreciate the child's developmental needs and characteristics
- Caregiver-infant class format included presentations on child development, guided play and observation, and dialogue with caregivers
Education
Master of Education -
Loyola University
Baltimore, MDAMI Consultant & Coach
Association Montessori Internationale
AMI Assistants To Infancy Diploma -
The Montessori Institute
Denver, COAMI Primary Diploma -
Ohio Montessori Training Institute
Cleveland, OHBachelor of Arts - Human Studies
Marylhurst University
Portland, OR Skills
- Expert educator
- Credible leader with proven integrity
- Trustworthy and accountable
- Manages competing priorities
- Effective communicator
- Reputation for strong parent partnerships
- Staff development
- Collaborative team management
- Oversees program budgets
- Operations & facilities management
Invited Public Speaking and Presentations
- Lead Montessori
- Montessori Institute of Prague
- Juneau Montessori School
- Woodland Montessori
- Montessori School of Beaverton
- SunGarden Montessori Children's House
- Little Fruit Farm Montessori
- All Roads Learning Community
- Portland Family Life Enrichment Center
- Montessori Institute Northwest
- Oregon Montessori Association
Memberships And Service
- Ongoing Album Reader for Montessori Institute of Prague, Montessori Institute Northwest, and The Montessori Institute
- 2024, AMI/USA Professional Development Planning Workgroup
- 2002, Oregon Montessori Association Board of Directors, Newsletter and Conference Organizing Committees
- Since 1999, Oregon Montessori Association, Member
- Since 1996, Association Montessori Internationale, Member
- Since 1996, North American Montessori Teachers' Association, Member
Representative Workshop Titles
- Freedom and Responsibility: a vital interdependence at home and school
- Toilet Learning: Training Mind & Body
- Cultivating Community: Adapting to COVID Protocols
- Holiday Harmony in the Home
- Using Montessori in the Home
- A Tour of the Child Friendly Home
- Assistants' Workshops
- Development of the Will in Infants and Toddlers
- Living with Absorbent Minds
- Creating a Climate of Respect in the Children's House
- Choosing Activities for Your Infant or Toddler at Home
- Creating a Climate of Respect in Your Family Life
Timeline
Pedagogical Director
Childpeace Montessori School
06.2024 - Current
Early Childhood Program Director
Childpeace Montessori School
06.2023 - 06.2024
Administrative and Pedagogical Coach
Casa Dei Bambini Montessori School Nido Montessori
01.2022 - 01.2023
Primary Consultant and Coach
Association Montessori Internationale/USA Division
01.2021 - Current
Willow Room Guide
Childpeace Montessori School
11.2011 - 06.2023
Toddler Community Guide
Montessori Children's House
08.2009 - 08.2011
Family Life Educator
Self-employed
01.2004 - 01.2011
Master of Education -
Loyola University
AMI Consultant & Coach
Association Montessori Internationale
AMI Assistants To Infancy Diploma -
The Montessori Institute
AMI Primary Diploma -
Ohio Montessori Training Institute
Bachelor of Arts - Human Studies
Marylhurst University
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