My path to Montessori wasn’t a straight line, but every step along the way has shaped who I am as an educator. Early on, I planned to pursue a master’s degree in early childhood education but instead received a scholarship in rehabilitation counseling and followed that path. I hold a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and master’s degrees in both secondary education and rehabilitation counseling. For many years, I worked as a school counselor and vocational specialist, supporting children, teens, and adults in both Türkiye and the United States.

Everything shifted when I became a mother. While searching for the right environment for my son, my husband and I discovered Montessori—and something clicked. I was drawn to the calm, respectful way children are seen and trusted, as capable individuals, in their natural ability to grow, learn, and do things for themselves. First, I became a Montessori parent; then I slowly fell in love with the philosophy.

What began as a short-term step into a Montessori classroom in Seattle grew into a meaningful new direction for my career. I was offered a scholarship to complete my AMS Infant & Toddler training through Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest (MEIPN) and went on to lead my own toddler classroom. I have since worked with children and families in Seattle, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and New York before joining School in the Woods Montessori in 2026.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy time with my family, traveling, plant-based cooking, and making handmade jewelry and crafts. And I hope to take pottery classes one day.