Montessori for Dementia, Disability and Ageing
AMI 2-Day Workshop
An AMI-approved foundational workshop exploring the Montessori philosophy as a life-changing, rehabilitative approach to caring for older people and those living with dementia or other disability - promoting dignity, respect, and independence. This workshop introduces care professionals, caregivers and family members and therapists to Montessori principles adapted for dementia care, covering foundational concepts like Dr. Maria Montessori's philosophy, understanding dementia through a strengths-based lens, human tendencies and retrogenesis, emotional intelligence, and creating prepared environments that foster independence — then progressing to practical application including environmental design, activity programming, developing meaningful roles, and implementing the 4W's framework to build a sustainable Montessori culture in care settings.
Workshop Details
Trainer & Mentor: Anne Kelly, Head of AMI Montessori for Dementia, Disability & Ageing
Course Facilitator (Trainer-in-Training): Brenda Gurung
Dates: July 22-23, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Central Standard Time
Location: In-Person at the Montessori Training Center of St. Louis (3854 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108)
Cost: $299**
**Participants who complete this workshop are eligible to apply separately for the AMI Beginning Practitioner Certification (additional cost & assessment required).
**Organizations enrolling two or more staff members in the course will receive a 10% discount off each registration
Meet your Facilitator
Brenda Gurung (she, hers), CMDCPT, CMDCP, VDTAT, MIM, is a Montessori-credentialed dementia specialist. She leads the memory care program for a large senior living operator. Brenda is a passionate educator and advocate, recognized as a Denver7 ABC Everyday Hero, 2025 Memory Care Innovator and longtime Alzheimer’s Association volunteer. And an organic gardener and beekeeper. She provides original educational content through Be Growth Dementia Education and The Empowered Caregiver Podcast.
“The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one’s self.”