Shelby Hiken (She/Her)Early Childhood Associate Director

“As the Early Childhood Associate Director at CGMS, I am dedicated to sharing Dr. Montessori’s Philosophy and Curriculum, to inspire and encourage teachers on their journey to empower children in their work toward advancing world peace.

Shelby’s connection with Montessori began when she was just three-years-old and she’s been dedicated to the philosophy ever since. A BA from University of Arizona, an M.Ed from Loyola University in Maryland and an AMI Primary Certification from the Washington Montessori Institute launched her fifteen year career as a Montessori Guide in both the private and public sector. Shelby is a founding member of Nurturing Nest Montessori School in Columbia, Maryland, where she held the position of Director of Primary Pedagogy. Currently, Shelby continues her dedication to Montessori’s mission as a Senior Education Specialist at Port Discovery, Baltimore Children’s Museum.