Vision
Supporting the capacity of children to enter, ponder, and
respond into the mysteries of God.
Mission
Supporting the expansion of children’s bond with Jesus and the church community.
Supporting the development of folks guiding children’s Christian formation.
Values
Hospitable • Kerygmatic • Communal
Our Three Pathways
Material Creation
concrete objects which tactically support children’s understanding of God and their place in God’s Kingdom.
We delight in craftsmanship.
Adult Community
encouraging, theological wondering, and training for faith leaders, children’s guides, and caregivers.
We cheer on others.
Academic Community
pondering, writing, and sharing with theological, Montessori, and cultural branches of academia
We observe to improve.
Collaborators
If you are interested in being a collaborator – one time or ongoing, here’s how.
Elizabeth Vice
THEOLOGIAN, CATECHIST, and MONTESSORI EDUCATOR
Elizabeth Vice began her journey as an educator at the feet of her mother who loved learning and sharing what she learned with others. Elizabeth has years of training and education in human development, Montessori pedagogy, and theology. At Parkside, she combines all of these skills to assist the 9 to 12 year olds as they live the reality that they are loved by God; experience a deep connection throughout time by means of the historic church calendar and practices; and are nurtured by the Holy Spirit and community as they find their place in the Kingdom of God.
She supports other educators as they follow the child by offering support for their passion, adaptations for neurodiverse children, and materials for Montessori Christian Formation.
Anita Vincent, ThD
THEOLOGIAN, CATECHIST, and MONTESSORI EDUCATOR
After many years of biomedical research aimed at creating a vaccine against malaria, Anita discovered Maria Montessori and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She jumped in with both feet and acquired training in the Montessori method and a Master’s degree from the Aquinas Institute focused on CGS. With still more questions and ideas, she went on to graduate from La Salle University obtaining a doctoral degree in theology.
She remains committed to a pedagogy that serves the whole person, whether child or adult. Still seeking to serve others, she continues to guide children in all three atrium levels, guides adults in catechist formation courses and various graduate seminars.
With a vision for the deep unity rooted in the Kingdom of God, she strives to be an active participant in humanity’s working together and sharing knowledge. Anita uses her research and teaching gifts to push the boundaries advocating for a communal approach to faith-formation and a gospel-honoring application of it.
Mikel Burns
0-3 CATECHIST and MONTESSORI EDUCATOR
Mikel is a gifted catechist who loves to be in conversation with the youngest children and revels in their moments of discovery. He grew up in Huger, SC. Currently he is attending the Montessori Institute Denver to receive his AMI Assistant to Infancy certification (for guiding children 0-3 years of age).
His observation of infants and toddler responses to Psalm 23 and the parable of the Good Shepherd speaks to the core needs of this age.
Historic Pedagogical Roots
There are several approaches to a Montessori-informed Christian formation process. The OG is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. It is a Christo-centric pedagogy that provides for the developmental needs of the whole child across two planes of development. There are years of training involved in becoming a fully prepared guide across all levels. Each level of training requires more than 90 hours of classes plus observations and written assignments. It is a rigorous theological and practical training.
Additionally there are many more hours of work to be able to become a formation leader – a person who trains others in this process.
We have a deep respect for its Catholic roots and have made minor modifications to meet the theological and liturgical expressions of Anglican, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches.
Dictionary of Terms
Montessori Christian formation does not shy away from “big words.” Often these words were created to house a whole theology or educational philosophy. More than likely, you will encounter terms which may be unfamiliar to you. Sometimes the baggage of our educational paradigms or old churchy words falls away when we use these ancient words. Then we can see our world differently.
Here are some of the “big words” that you may hear.
Atrium – Historically, the porch or courtyard outside the church where classes occurred. Utilized here as a location that, when combined with God, children, and adults, functions with the same purpose as the early church atria.
Catechesis – The process of preparing a person to live fully in the church community.
Catechist – The atrium class is guided by the catechist. Our catechists are specifically trained in human development and spiritual formation.
Sacrament – The real-world symbol of a particular blessing by God (grace) which is transformative and always involve the human touch.
Liturgy – All cultures and people have rituals and traditions, written or not, which are followed with regularity. When rituals are expressed in a churches, they are called liturgies. It can encompass everything from personal prayer to Easter celebrations.
Mystery – Something that has a hidden aspect or meaning. Something that can’t be fully understood.
Pedagogy – The guiding philosophy and core practices of an educational model.
Work – The child is constructing themselves and that requires work. Work is what children do. It is important and requires thoughtful focus. So in a Montessori world, we don’t say, “play.” We want to remind ourselves that what is being done by the child is significant.