Founder to Founder: A Montessori Conversation with Fabienne Deaton

In a special Founder to Founder episode of Waterfront Academy’s podcast, host Melissa Rohan, founder of Waterfront Academy in Washington, D.C., sits down with Fabienne Deaton, founder of Starling Montessori, also based in the nation’s capital. Together, they explore the journey of building a Montessori school from the ground up, the challenges of leadership, and the enduring philosophy that shapes Montessori education.

Fabienne’s Journey to Montessori

After college, Fabienne spent years teaching English abroad in traditional classrooms. Though dedicated to her students, she found herself exhausted and frustrated by rigid teaching methods and considered leaving education altogether.

Her mother, a Montessori professional for over 40 years, encouraged her to substitute at her Montessori school while she decided on her next step. Though they had spoken about Montessori many times, it wasn’t until Fabienne experienced the contrast firsthand that the philosophy truly “clicked.” She was struck by the peace, independence, and joy of the children in a Montessori environment. Inspired, she pursued assistant training in Hartford, Connecticut, and quickly enrolled in primary training — setting her on a new path.

From Teacher to Founder

Mentors who had founded their own schools showed Fabienne the profound impact of creating programs that meet community needs. For her, the defining moment came when she sought a place for her own infant son and discovered a lack of authentic toddler and Neonato programs in Washington, D.C.

Determined to fill this gap, she found a location in March 2023 and, after a year of preparation, opened the doors of Starling Montessori in August 2024. Now in its second year, the school serves toddlers and is steadily growing.

Lessons from the First Year

Like many founders, Fabienne faced steep learning curves. Recruiting and retaining staff proved to be one of the greatest challenges — finding qualified, mission-aligned educators willing to join a small, growing school. She learned the importance of supporting professional development and nurturing staff who have both the heart and the ability to learn.

Vision for Starling Montessori

Fabienne’s long-term vision is ambitious: a holistic Montessori school serving all planes of development — Neonato, Toddler, Primary, Elementary, and eventually Adolescents.

Her immediate priorities include launching a Primary program and, eventually, a Neonato program to meet pressing community needs. She acknowledges the financial and logistical challenges of infant care, particularly strict safety regulations for children under 24 months, but remains committed to expanding Starling Montessori step by step.

Montessori Philosophy

Throughout the conversation, Melissa and Fabienne reflect on the deeper philosophy of Montessori. More than an educational model, Montessori is a continuum of human development from birth to age 25 — a way of seeing the world, relationships, and growth through the lens of respect.

The early years (0–6) are foundational, shaping the skills and dispositions that determine success later in life. Adolescence, they note, offers a “second crack at the bat,” an opportunity to revisit and strengthen what may have been missed in the first plane of development.

Closing Thoughts

Fabienne Deaton’s story is one of resilience, vision, and dedication to community. From her initial doubts about education to founding Starling Montessori, she embodies the Montessori principle of following the child — and, in this case, following her own child’s needs to create something lasting for families in Washington, D.C.

This Founder to Founder episode is a reminder that Montessori is not just about classrooms; it is about building communities where respect, joy, and human development are at the center.