Where Curiosity Leads the Way
Willow Montessori Academy offers authentic, hands-on Montessori education and smaller classroom ratios and a diverse program for children 3 months to 6 years old. Nurturing independent thinkers, confident learners, and kind hearts.
About Us
Mission Statement
Willow Montessori Academy provides children an authentic Montessori education rooted in Dr. Montessori's principles and the standards set by the American Montessori Society. We nurture the whole child — intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual — from 3 months to 6 years old, across our Nido, Toddler, and Primary communities.
Nestled among the trees in Dallas, Texas, near Love Field Airport and Parkland Hospital, WMA is more than a school — it's a community that grows and evolves alongside the needs of our children, families, and neighborhood.
What Makes Montessori Different
Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori — a secular, child-centered philosophy, not affiliated with any religious or political organization
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Children learn through all five senses, not just listening, watching, or reading
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Self-directed, hands-on learning with authentic Montessori materials
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Freedom within limits — intrinsic motivation, not external pressure or rote memorization
Why Mixed-Age Classrooms
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Mirrors real-world, multi-age community life
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Older children mentor younger ones; younger children are inspired by what's ahead
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Each child masters work at their own pace — advancing when ready, not by age alone
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Builds cooperation, leadership, and collaboration skills that last well beyond our classrooms
Nurturing the Whole Child
Inner peace and tranquility build a child's readiness to learn and concentrate. Grace and courtesy are modeled daily by our Montessori-trained faculty, in classrooms designed to be secure, safe spaces that belong to the children — just as Dr. Montessori envisioned in her first Casa dei Bambini in 1907.
Barkha Naik-Joseph
Head Of School
Barkha is the heart behind Willow Montessori Academy, an owner and educator who believes deeply in the collaborative, child-first spirit of Montessori pedagogy. Certified by the American Montessori Society since 2009, she brings over a decade of hands-on experience teaching and leading Montessori classrooms across Dallas, Austin, and California.
Barkha's passion is simple: every child deserves an environment where they feel safe to explore, supported to grow, and free to become who they're meant to be. That belief shapes everything at WMA, from the warm, vibrant classrooms to the way every teacher guides your child, at their own pace, toward their fullest potential.
When you walk through our doors, you're not just enrolling in a school, you're joining a community built by someone who has spent her career doing exactly this work, because she loves it.
Meet the Team
Patience. Presence. Purpose.
Behind every Willow classroom is a guide who truly knows your child. Our teachers are credentialed Montessori educators who lead with warmth, patience, and intention — and with low student–teacher ratios, they have the time to understand each child's rhythms, curiosities, and next big leap. Meet the team below.
Assistant Head of School
Ms. Hana
With a Master of Science in Child Development and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, she is passionate about understanding human development — and how our experiences and environments shape who we become.
Hana's philosophy of child development is rooted in the importance of relationships, cultural context, and thoughtfully prepared environments that cultivate confidence, independence, and curiosity. Over the past several years, she has had the privilege of working with children and families across public education, private early childhood programs, and behavioral therapy. She is thrilled to begin this next chapter in Montessori leadership — supporting Willow's students, families, and teachers while continuing to learn and grow within the Montessori philosophy.
Nido Guide
Ms. Emily
Ms. Emily brings over seven years of experience working with children from 6 weeks to 4 years old, including four years as a Pre-K 4 Teacher Assistant with Dallas ISD. She is passionate about helping young children learn, grow, and build confidence.
She is excited to be part of the Willow Montessori Academy team, where she can continue learning and supporting children during their early years. In the future, she hopes to further her education and keep growing in the field of early childhood education.
Nido Support Guide
Mrs. Maria
Mrs. Maria brings warmth and dedication to her role as a Nido Support Guide at Willow Montessori Academy. A proud mother of four, she has over 11 years of experience in childcare. Originally from Mexico, she began her career working with young children for two years before moving to Dallas, where she has lived for the past 25 years. In her free time, Mrs. Maria enjoys spending time with her family and cherishes the moments they share together.
Toddler Guide
Mrs. Adriana
Mrs. Adriana joined Willow Montessori Academy in 2022 and is a certified AMS Montessori Nido and Toddler Teacher with a passion for nurturing independence, confidence, and a love of learning in young children. She spent two years guiding our Nido community before exploring new opportunities and now brings her experience, warmth, and dedication to our Toddler One classroom. Adriana is committed to creating a caring, engaging environment where each child feels supported as they grow, explore, and develop at their own pace.
Toddler Support Guide
Mrs. Tina
Mrs. Tina brings nearly 10 years of experience working with children, from caring for family and friends’ children to volunteering in children’s centers with children ages 1–8. These experiences have shaped her belief in the importance of patience, observation, and supporting each child’s unique learning journey.
Tina discovered Montessori when her youngest was three. Bringing Montessori principles into her home inspired her passion for Montessori education after seeing the growth in her child’s independence and confidence.
Tina looks forward to supporting the classroom community and nurturing children as they explore, grow, and develop a lifelong love for learning.
Primary Guide
Mrs. Sofia
Mrs. Sofia brings over nine years of experience in early childhood education and a passion for fostering children's natural curiosity and love of learning through the Montessori method.
She earned her Montessori certification from NAMC in 2017 and her Associate Early Childhood Credentials from the American Montessori Society (AMS) in 2024.
Sofia especially enjoys teaching Science and Culture, inspiring children to explore the world around them through hands-on learning and discovery.
Primary Support Guide
Mrs. Pooja
Mrs. Pooja is an experienced educator with more than ten years of teaching experience in both early childhood and middle school settings. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children feel supported, valued, and inspired to learn.
With degrees in Education and Biotechnology, Pooja brings a well-rounded perspective to child development. She is passionate about encouraging curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning while helping each child build confidence, kindness, and a strong foundation for future success.
Support Guide
Mrs. Vanessa
Mrs. Vanessa is a familiar face at Willow — she first joined our team in 2019 and returned in 2026 after time away. She loves the Montessori method and the joy of watching children discover, explore, and grow at their own pace. A mother of two herself, she brings the same care and patience to the classroom that she brings to her own family.