Dominique Burgess

Where do you live? Whitsett, NC

What experiences do you have in educational settings (Montessori or other)?

I have over 16 years of experience in education, having

worked across a variety of learning institutions and settings. I am the

founder of a microschool network, I’ve dedicated my career to

designing schools that prioritize community, creativity, and

personalized learning. In addition, I contribute to the field through my

work in education policy.

What do you love about being an Operations Guide? 

I truly value the opportunity to work alongside Teacher Leaders as they bringtheir Wildflower school visions to life. I also enjoy coaching, supporting, and collaborating with Teacher Leaders at different stages of their journey. It not only allows me to meet their unique needs but also helps me grow as an operations guide, learning to be flexible and responsive along the way.

What drew you to Wildflower?

I was drawn to Wildflower because of its unique blend of education, innovation, and empowerment. The model gives teacher leaders the opportunity to design and lead schools that reflect their vision and values, while staying deeply connected to the communities they serve. I was inspired by the way Wildflower nurtures both children and adults supporting growth, independence, and creativity at every stage. Being part of a network that honors autonomy, collaboration, and possibility felt like the perfect alignment with my own passion for reimagining what education can look like.

What is your favorite Montessori material and why?

My favorite Montessori material is the Golden Beads. I love how they bring math concepts to life in such a tangible way helping children see, touch, and truly understand place value and the decimal system. Watching learners move from concrete experiences with the beads to abstract problem-solving is powerful; it shows how Montessori materials bridge curiosity with deep understanding.

Fun fact: I once started a school inside a Foot Locker store.