Board Members

Dr. Jarosław Jendza is an assistant professor at the Institute of Education, University of Gdańsk (Poland), where he specialises in alternative and critical approaches to education with a particular focus on Montessori pedagogy. His work bridges academic research, teacher education, and educational leadership, emphasising democratic values, peace education, and sustainability.

A recipient of the Distinguished PhD Dissertation Award, Dr. Jendza has published extensively on Montessori education and adult formation, contributing over 80 scientific papers. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Horizons of Academic Teaching Journal (University of Gdańsk) and sits on the Editorial Advisory Board of the Journal of Montessori Research (University of Kansas). An AMI-certified Montessori guide (6–12) with a master’s degree in early childhood education, Dr. Jendza has worked as a teacher, tutor, school principal, and mentor. He collaborates with universities, NGOs, and international networks to support teacher development and innovation across Europe.

As President of Montessori Europe, he is dedicated to cultivating an open, inclusive, and critically engaged Montessori community, grounded in transparency, participation, and trust. He believes deeply that education – when rooted in independence, mutual respect, and active engagement – can transform both individuals and societies for the better.

Eva Ethel Bækkel is the founder of Bambini Montessori, a preschool established in 2002 that has grown to encompass five departments. With a long-standing commitment to Montessori education, she previously served as a Board Member of Montessori Europe from 2014 to 2020, contributing to the organisation’s international growth and development.

Since 2004, Eva has worked as a Regional Leader for SOS Children’s Villages, focusing on collaborative projects in Mwanza, Tanzania. There she played a key role in establishing a Montessori pre-school for homeless children, now operating as two departments. Her partnership with the Montessori Centre in Mwanza remains active and continues to thrive.

Driven by a lifelong passion for Africa and a commitment to children with special needs, Eva is dedicated to the vision of “Montessori for All.” She is deeply committed to strengthening the global Montessori family through meaningful collaboration, service, and community development.

Jochen Iseke has many years of experience as an educator, leader, and organisational developer within the Montessori community. He holds a Montessori Diploma for the 6–12 age group and has spent more than two decades supporting the founding, development, and growth of Montessori institutions.

With a professional background that also includes work in international corporations and medium-sized companies as a senior executive and consultant, Jochen brings a unique combination of strategic insight and educational vision to his role on the Board.

His mission is to foster carefully prepared environments in which teachers and children can thrive in accordance with Montessori principles. He is particularly interested in how digitalisation, societal uncertainty, and rapid change affect children’s development, and how Montessori environments can help young people grow into confident, responsible, and peaceful individuals.

Roe Lauvås jr. is a school leader, Montessori educator, and educational developer based in Norway. He serves on the board of Montessori Norway and leads the international project Montessori International Student Council, which connects Montessori students across schools and borders.

Beyond his leadership in school, Roe is active in educational outreach and development projects, delivering lectures and facilitating training for schools, teacher education programmes, and research communities. He is also the creator of Scandinavia’s first science musical and performs science shows designed to spark curiosity and interest in STEM among young people.

Roe is passionate about amplifying the student voice and building bridges between research, practice, and innovation making education relevant, sustainable, and inspiring for both students and educators.v

For almost twenty years, Ellen has worked with her heart and soul as a Montessori teacher, continually expanding her expertise through further education. Among other qualifications, she holds two national diplomas (IfgL and ÖMG) and the international Master Guía AMI Montessori de 6 a 12 Años diploma for the second plane of development.

For work with adolescents, she expanded her training through Montessori Model United Nations and further qualified as an Independent Facilitator for the World Peace Game. She is also certified as a media literacy coach through ECHT DABEI / Media Protect e.V.

One of Ellen’s main interests is adult education. She works as a lecturer for the German Montessori Society and as an independent school consultant. It is of utmost importance to her that the Montessori principles of freedom and responsibility are rediscovered in everyday practice and that they positively influence the work of Montessori colleagues around the world.

Carola Lang-Howard has worked with Montessori education across different countries and cultures for more than 27 years. Originally from Sweden, she has spent significant time in the Middle East and Europe. During her years in London, Carola worked as a Teacher Trainer with Montessori Centre International, guiding adult students and supporting programme development.

Carola now resides in Cyprus, where she leads two Montessori schools for children aged 2 to 6. She holds the St. Nicholas Diploma for 0–6 years, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Studies, and a Master’s degree in Early Years.

Her international experience has shaped a deep appreciation for the adaptability and universality of Montessori pedagogy. Carola is passionate about supporting educators, building strong school communities, and promoting Montessori education across cultures.

Malin Ringblad has been part of the Montessori community for nearly twenty years, serving as a teacher, parent, and head of school. Her work is rooted in both pedagogy and international collaboration. She has contributed to numerous Montessori initiatives, including student exchanges, Montessori Model United Nations participation, teacher training, and international conferences.

Malin is the President of the Swedish Montessori Society and is committed to strengthening the Montessori movement both within Sweden and globally. She is passionate about bringing Montessori educators together, fostering cross-border collaboration, and supporting high-quality Montessori practice for the benefit of all children.