Conversations with Elizabeth
Where Science, Montessori, and Intention Come Together
Welcome to a space where we explore child development through a Montessori lens and talk about how that shows up in real life, with all its unpredictability. We offer weekly episodes where we talk about child development, Montessori philosophy, and the everyday moments that leave you wondering, Is this normal? And what do I do now? Expect simple reflections, practical examples, and a lot of grace. As always, take what serves you and leave the rest.
Meet Your Host
Elizabeth is the Executive Director of Montessori Academy of Owasso, which she founded in 2014 as part of her more than 25 years working in Montessori education. She holds a Master of Education in Montessori Leadership, is a certified elementary teacher, and has presented at Montessori conferences on child development, classroom practice, and parent education.
Elizabeth is a certified yoga teacher specializing in social-emotional learning and yoga in schools, and a certified Music Together teacher who uses songs and rhythms to support children’s brain development, regulation, and connection. Her work is grounded in the belief that movement, music, and rhythm are powerful tools for learning and emotional growth.
A Montessori student herself and now the mother of two teenagers raised in Montessori environments, Elizabeth brings both professional depth and lived parenting experience to her work. Through Montessori in the Middle of It All, she helps parents understand the developmental why behind children’s behavior and offers realistic, thoughtful guidance that fits into the rhythms of busy family life, always with the reminder to take what serves you and leave the rest.
Episodes On Spotify
Episode 3: Big Feelings in Thoughtful Children
In this episode, Elizabeth explores emotional intensity in thoughtful, gifted, and neurodivergent children through a Montessori and child development lens, helping parents better understand why some children experience feelings so deeply.
You’ll learn:
- Why emotional regulation develops more slowly than cognitive skills
- How heightened sensitivity and “busy” inner worlds affect children’s daily experiences
- Practical ways to support big emotions through co-regulation, language, and modeling
Episode 2: When the World Looks Black & White
In this episode, Elizabeth explores black-and-white thinking and concrete time through a Montessori and child development lens, helping parents better understand why young children struggle with flexibility and change.
You’ll learn:
- Why vague language like “soon” and “in a minute” can feel confusing to children
- How routines, preferences, and “sameness” connect to brain development
- Practical ways to support your child’s need for certainty while gently building flexibility
Episode 1: When Justice Looks Like Tattling
In this episode, Elizabeth explores why behaviors often labeled as “tattling” in neurodivergent and gifted children are rooted in a strong sense of justice, fairness, and predictability, through a Montessori and child development lens.
You’ll learn:
- Why “tattling” is often a form of social and emotional processing
- How children’s need for fairness and consistency connects to brain development
- Practical ways to respond with clarity, empathy, and intention