News

Announcement: BAMA and CMA Merge to Form a Stronger Montessori Community

Palo Alto, CA – The Bay Area Montessori Association (BAMA) and the California Montessori Alliance (CMA) are thrilled to announce their merger, effective September 1, 2024. This strategic union will create a powerful force for Montessori education in California, combining both organizations' expertise, resources, and reach.

Mary Beth Ricks, outgoing President of BAMA, will be transitioning to the role of Treasurer. Emma Johnston León, founding board member of CMA, will assume the role of President of the merged organization. Pat Yulo will assume the role of Vice President, Megan Ricks, founding board member of CMA, will assume the role of Secretary, and Robin Stearns, founding board member of CMA, will assume the role of Membership.

This leadership transition reflects both organizations' commitment to a seamless merger and a strong future for Montessori education in California. 

BAMA, founded in 1997, supported Northern California teachers, parents, and administrators by hosting in-person and online events with a primary focus on professional development. CMA, founded in 2022, had its mission to provide state-wide advocacy for all California Montessorians initially focusing on pathways for Montessori credential recognition. 

The merger will provide numerous benefits to the Montessori community, including:

  • Enhanced advocacy: A unified voice will strengthen our ability to advocate for Montessori education at the state, local, and national levels.

  • Increased resources: Combined resources will support professional development, teacher training, and curriculum development.

  • Expanded network: A larger network will foster collaboration, sharing of best practices, and support for Montessori schools and programs throughout California.

By joining forces, BAMA and CMA aim to:

  • Promote the growth and development of Montessori schools in California.

  • Support Montessori teachers in their professional journey.

  • Raise awareness of the benefits of Montessori education among parents, educators, and policymakers. 

  • Advance Montessori as an accessible option for all Californian children.

This merger is a significant step forward in our shared mission to provide high-quality Montessori education to children throughout the state.

CMA will host the following events this upcoming school year:

  • Monday, October 7, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM 

    • CMA Kick-off meeting!  This is a virtual event via Zoom. 

  • Saturday, February 8, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

    • Two in-person workshops in Southern and Northern California

  • March 13-17 at the AMS TME conference in Denver

    • A welcome reception for all California Montessorians (details to follow)

  • Saturday, May 17, 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM

    • Join us at the AMS Regional Symposium hosted by Bowman School in Palo Alto 

With Gratitude,

Emma Johnston León, President

Pat Yulo, Vice President

Mary Beth Ricks, Treasurer

Megan Ricks, Secretary

Robin Stearns, Membership

Advancing Montessori in California