Dear Friends,

If you typically read my emails and blog posts, you may know that last summer I accepted a position as Interim Head of School at Chesterfield Montessori School (“CMS”) in the St. Louis area.

When I took the job, I had never run a school. And while I believed deeply in authentic Montessori education (my children attended CMS), I didn’t have formal Montessori training.

It has been a wonderfully wild ride so far at CMS. I am still learning new things every day. I have an incredibly talented and supportive staff, and a group of highly trained teachers who are deeply committed to creating a place where children can discover and express who they came here to be.

In many ways, our classrooms are like the families we all wish we could create for our own children. Our families come from all over the world, representing 42 countries and five continents. To see children from so many different cultures working and playing together every day gives me hope and joy.

It is deeply satisfying work.

Everything I’ve done in my adult life, from law school and practice, to counseling and coaching, teaching communication to college students and business leaders, and raising my children, is coming together in my day-to-day presence as Head of School. I’m growing in important ways. I feel humbled and awed by the responsibility I carry and the mission we serve.

For now, at least, this is my Dharma, the Great Work of my life.

I’ll begin my formal Montessori training this summer, and I’m fully committed to serve at CMS until I feel that my work there is complete.

For that reason, I am taking my website offline and formally dismantling my coaching/training/speaking business.

My heart fills with gratitude as I consider the clients I’ve had the honor of serving: via one-on-one work; on retreats in the U.S. and Ireland; at workshops and events; through my book, website and online courses, and these emails.

I carry each of you with me every day, because you have helped make me who I am.

Thank you for being part of my story.

Until our paths cross again, may you walk in wonder, may your soul be at peace, and may you delight in the magic that is your life.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Schneider, M.Ed., J.D., LPC