Meher Van Groenou
Meher Van Groenou is a dedicated leader in Montessori education with over 25 years of experience shaping early childhood learning and teacher training. As the Director of the Montessori Institute of Advanced Studies, she has led the MACTE-accredited Early Childhood Teacher Credentialing Program for more than three decades, ensuring rigorous standards and high-quality training for Montessori educators. She is also the founder and director of Montessori at Five Canyons in Castro Valley, California, and played a pivotal role in establishing the Golden Oak Montessori Charter School, where she continues to influence curriculum and school leadership.
Throughout her career, Meher has combined her passion for teaching with a commitment to research, writing, and mentoring the next generation of educators. She emphasizes kindness, respect, and nonjudgmental acceptance as guiding principles in both her professional and personal life. By fostering strong relationships with students, teachers, and colleagues, she has created learning environments where children and educators alike can thrive. Her work bridges classroom experience, teacher training, and organizational leadership, reflecting a lifelong dedication to Montessori philosophy.
Meher holds a Master of Arts in Montessori Early Childhood Credentials from St. Mary’s College of California and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, among other graduate-level qualifications. A recognized thought leader in her field, she is affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS) and AMI, and her contributions have earned her honors such as the AMS Living Legacy recognition. Beyond her administrative and teaching roles, she continues to champion Montessori education through research, publications, and her leadership in training programs that empower teachers and enrich the lives of children across California and beyond.
• St. Mary's College of California- M.A.
• University of Michigan- M.S.W.
• University of Michigan- M.A.
• Living Legacy Award
• AMI
• American Montessori Society
• Young Child
• NAYC
• NAMCA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying curious and resilient, embracing continuing education, and not being afraid to try new things and adapt to change.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay persistent—a lesson I learned from my father.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is simple: don’t give up.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is ensuring that teachers undergo genuine transformation during training, developing a deep understanding of Montessori philosophy, and maintaining high-quality teacher development programs.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are kindness, respect, empathy, and compassion, and I also cherish traveling, reading, and writing my book The Purple Scarf about Maria Montessori.