Our History
1971
Sister Anthonita Porta, OP, a Dominican Sister who spent 18 years in education before becoming a Montessorian in 1969, establishes the Montessori Children’s House at St. Joseph Academy in Adrian, Michigan with Sister Leonor J. Esnard.
1991
The Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute (ADMTEI) is founded by Sister Anthonita as a nonprofit and begins its credential program for Montessori teachers. It is accredited through the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).
1993
Sister Anthonita steps down as administrator of the Montessori Children’s House in order to concentrate on teacher education and to assist in setting up Montessori schools throughout the country and the world. Sister Anthonita works tirelessly as an advocate for children, the poor and the disadvantaged.
2002
Sister Anthonita is named a Living Legacy by the American Montessori Society.
2009
Sister Anthonita passes away unexpectedly and Sister Leonor Esnard assumes the Directorship of ADMTEI.
2011
The spirit and legacy of Sister Anthonita continue as ADMTEI celebrates 20 years of high-quality Montessori teacher education!
2015
ADMTEI renews its accreditation through MACTE and remains accredited through 2021.
Current Board of Directors
Anna Marie Anzalone, JD (President) – Lenawee County Circuit Judge.
Peggy Treece Myles, PhD (Treasurer) – Retired university faculty professor and public school administrator; Associate of the Adrian Dominican Sisters.
Annita M. Aranda (Secretary) – Montessori trained and retired director of Upward Bound at Siena Heights University.
Rev. Robert Dister – Pastor at Clayton/Rollin United Methodist Church, Montessori trained and former owner of a Montessori school.
Sister Marilee Ewing, OP, PhD – Adrian Dominican Sister, retired, former teacher, administrator and university professor.
Liliane Haddad – Past president and area director of Zonta International; St. Mary’s Food Pantry Coordinator and Social Concern Committee co-chair. Medical office manager for 25 years and parent of children who attended Montessori Children’s House in Adrian.
Sharon Wimple – Active community and church member, employee of Anderson Marry Funeral Home, and parent of children who attended Montessori Children’s House in Adrian.
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