Maati Wafford
Where do you live? I currently live on Shawnee and Adena land aka Cincinnati.
What experiences do you have in educational settings (Montessori or other)?
I am a licensed therapist in Ohio, an equity practitioner, and spirit-led Montessori credentialed teacher, as well as an educational consultant and coach. I am the founder and principal consultant of Radiant Mind Solutions, holding Montessori credentials in Early Childhood, Elementary I & II, and Administration.
Years before I had my first Montessori credential, I had a dream of starting a school for my little ones and my community. So many of us have had a calling, whether in the form of gentle nudges or deep yearnings, that has led us to desire more for ourselves and for the children in our homes and communities. Being an operations guide, gives me the opportunity to support folks in doing something I never quite realized for myself but continue to nurture and carry within.
What do you love about being an Operations Guide?
As an operations guide, I’m able to use my background as a therapist and educational coach to help inspire, prepare, and challenge committed people along their school start up journey. We all have seeds of wisdom we can offer for others to keep in their pockets or hold in their hearts until the time is just right. With each emerging teacher I support, I walk away with a more profound sense of the power that is cultivated when people ask small questions, that grow into living out big dreams.
What drew you to Wildflower?
Wildflower’s collaborative organizational structure and deep commitment to equity and educational access quickly drew me in! I love being able to work with people from all walks of life who all hold liberatory education as central to their core values, learning and professional practice.
What is your favorite Montessori material and why?
My favorite two Montessori materials would have to be the smallest pink tower cube and Antarctica from the continent map. These are two of the smallest Montessori materials. They were always the two pieces that would “go missing” in my Primary and Lower Elementary classrooms. They are tiny, yet critical to the whole. They are subversive and encourage deep learning, innovative spirit, and creativity when students attempt to replace them if they can’t be found!
Fun fact: One fun fact about me is that one of my all time favorite gifts received as a teacher is a handmade heart-shaped Marvel Avengers fleece pillow. This pillow is on my bed right now, even at my big age! 😀