Megan Barragan is a lead teacher and Montessori coach at Lake Air Montessori, a public school in Waco, Texas. She earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Baylor University, followed by her M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from Tarleton State University. She is trained at the primary level in Montessori, and this is her true passion. Megan is recognized by TEA as an Exemplary teacher in the TIA program. Along with leading her own classroom of 3-6 year olds and coaching other teachers on Montessori methods, Megan lives the Montessori philosophy as a mom of five and a lifelong learner. Her professional interests include growing Montessori in the public sector, implementing Montessori in the home environment, and supporting teachers in their professional growth.

Jai Brisbon is the Executive Director of Texas Education and Advocacy for Montessori. Jai has 20 years’ experience in teaching, school and instructional leadership, educational research, consulting, and program management in private and public schools. Jai holds her AMI and AMS elementary diplomas, with a B.S. in Economics and M.Ed. in Montessori Integrated Studies. Jai’s professional interests include Montessori advocacy, program support and development, and supporting adult learning. Jai is passionate about teachers and leaders having access to systems and strategies to support their work with children.

Joanne completed Primary and Elementary training in Toronto, ON, at Toronto Montessori Institute. She came to Dallas in 1998 to teach Lower Elementary at Alcuin School. In 2003-2004, she went to AMI Elementary training in Milwaukee. She returned to Alcuin to teach another 3 year cycle of Lower Elementary and one with Upper Elementary. Joann is the Executive Director of Wonderland Montessori. She enjoys making connections that help support individuals and the overall organization. Joanne has a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Educational Psychology from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and earned her Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Studies from the University of Northern Colorado.

Hema Jagada, MSc, AMS (Early Childhood) is the Montessori Coordinator with Shelton Montessori Training at Shelton School & Evaluation Center in Dallas, TX, where she supports adult learners as an instructor, field consultant, and mentor. She works closely with educators to strengthen high-fidelity Montessori practice, support reflective observation, and promote inclusive, developmentally responsive learning environments.

As an AMS Emerging Leaders Fellow and AMS Innovation Fellowship Think Tank participant, Hema is particularly passionate about research focused on observation practices and the inner transformation of the guide. Her work emphasizes equitable access to high-quality Montessori education, professional growth for educators, and the thoughtful preservation of Montessori principles. She is dedicated to fostering experiential learning, independence, creativity, and innovation while supporting Montessori communities across Texas.

With over 30 years immersed in Montessori philosophy, Connie Laufersky's journey began through her early experiences with her children in a neighborhood Montessori preschool. Since then, Montessori has become her way of life. Connie has worn multiple hats within the Montessori community, serving as a dedicated parent, classroom teacher, school leader, adult learner instructor, field consultant for new teachers, leadership coach, and finance director for Montessori programs nationwide. Her extensive background includes early childhood, secondary, and school leadership and spans both public and independent Montessori schools. Through her work as a Montessori consultant, Connie offers a distinctive perspective and a wealth of experience through collaborative efforts with others.

Patty Sobelman is the Head of School of Pines Montessori School in Kingwood, Texas.  She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Early Childhood Education.  She is a trained Early Childhood Montessori teacher, a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program.  

She leads a team of 54 employees with an enrollment of 263 children from 6 weeks through 15 years.  She is the founding Head of both the Infant and Middle School communities.  

Patty is an internationally published author and speaker.  Her consulting work has been with private school startups and continuing business development such as finding markets, driving business, culture development, setting tuition and compensation.  

Veronica Rodriguez is a Montessori curriculum leader and AMI-trained Elementary Guide who brings deep experience in coordinating programs, mentoring educators, and sustaining AMI-aligned practice across diverse school environments. Over the past 18 years, she has worked in private and public Montessori, as well as traditional school settings, grounding her leadership in a strong heart for advocacy and Montessori philosophy while working toward creating access for all children and families. She has a strong record of aligning Montessori curriculum with state standards, using data-informed academic planning to guide instructional decisions, and developing staff capacity through coaching, training, and consultation. As a member of the TEAM Board of Directors, she looks forward to bringing this experience to support Texas Education and Advocacy in Montessori in advancing its goals and initiatives across the state of Texas, partnering with schools and communities to strengthen equitable, high-fidelity Montessori opportunities for all learners.