All About Cathie
Cathie Mathews
I began my Montessori journey in 2000 when, as a homeschooling mother, I needed something different for my children with special learning circumstances. I was invited by a lovely woman who has become a very dear friend to do science studies together. She invited me to bring everything I had for teaching science over to her house. So I packed up my books and a few other things I had and went over there with my kids. She asked how I thought we should go about teaching science. I wasn’t certain. She asked if I minded seeing how she would structure it, which I did not. She proceeded to get into her closet of materials. She said something to the effect that if she wanted to learn about birds she would… (she pulled out a nest, a collection of eggs, some feathers, several books, and on and on) use these things to give the children a good foundational experience before going into more detail. I was mesmerized! Right then I asked her to teach me everything she knew. Montessori quickly stole my heart. After homeschooling for seven years our children wanted to attend school outside the home, and I began teaching in a private classroom setting. I have received my Early Childhood Montessori Certificate from the Institute for Guided Studies and have worked in both Early Childhood and Elementary I classrooms. I continue to work in the Early Childhood classroom today, as well as consulting homeschooling families in the development of their home spaces for Montessori learning.
When I first began teaching Montessori in the home the internet was still young and there were not that many things for a homeschooler to find online. It was all so expensive so I began creating materials on the computer. I began the Helpful Garden blog in 2011 when I saw a real need for quality printable materials on the internet. Since then the blog has seen over 3 million visitors and provided countless opportunities to share what I have learned through my years of work in the classroom. I have had the opportunity to join forces with Individuals, Colleges, and Montessori training programs in the development of training materials and intern planners. I am currently serving as a trainer and field consultant for different training programs.
The Mathews Family
I have loved every part of my Montessori journey, from the transformation of myself as a person, to my work with children, to the creation of materials to use in my own classroom and sharing those creations with others, to the teaching and training of other Montessorians. The best things in my life are my family, and I find my greatest joy in being with them doing something special, or nothing at all. We especially love camping and quirky games. My husband, Brian, and I have just celebrated our 26th anniversary. These years have seen us through a great deal of good and wonderful and just as much challenge. Everyday is an opportunity for us to expand our muchness. We have seen two of our children battle and win over cancer. We have welcomed new additions to our family through marriage and the addition of a beautiful grandchild who has my whole heart! Creating family experiences and bringing others into it are some of my greatest joys.
This work of Montessori is my passion. I long for the world’s children to all have the opportunity to learn through doing and to have the fire of knowledge lit within themselves. I am so grateful you are along for the journey with me.