Leading with Purpose: A Conversation with Kathy Minardi

The episode features Kathy Minardi, executive director of the Whole School Leadership Institute, who has dedicated her career to guiding Montessori educators and leaders worldwide.

A Lifelong Montessori Leader

Kathy Minardi spent decades leading Aidan Montessori School in Washington, D.C., before founding the Whole School Leadership Institute in 2016. Her mission is to help schools cultivate leadership rooted in authenticity, community, and purpose. The Institute’s programs emphasize the dignity model and focus on adults—educators and parents—because the environment they create directly shapes children’s growth.

Whole School Leadership Institute Programs

The Institute offers a six-module course, completed over two years, that equips school leaders with tools to build healthy, thriving communities. A new cohort begins January 6th. In addition, a nine-week session focused on Module 3: Culture and the Dignity Model launches November 20th, providing practical training on how to create a supportive school culture. More information is available at wholeschoolleadership.org.

Kathy’s Montessori Journey

Her passion for Montessori began during college when she studied alternative education in London and discovered the Maria Montessori Institute. Inspired by mentors like Hila Patel and Margaret Stevenson, Kathy went on to train in Washington, D.C., and later founded and ran a school in Florida for 20 years. She eventually took on leadership at Aidan Montessori, where she rebuilt the community during a challenging period.

Leadership and Global Trends

Kathy’s leadership philosophy grew from decades of training in organizational development and community building. She notes that Montessori schools worldwide face similar challenges, from economic pressures to sustaining deep parent relationships. Yet research continues to affirm Montessori’s cognitive and emotional benefits, highlighting children’s agency and confidence.

The Dignity Model and Global Dignity

A central focus of Kathy’s work is the dignity model, inspired by Dr. Donna Hicks’ book Leading with Dignity. The Institute is building curriculum around this framework and partnering with Global Dignity, a nonprofit active in 80 countries, to advance peace and humanity through dignity-centered education. October is Global Dignity Month, with October 15th celebrated worldwide as Global Dignity Day.

Looking Ahead

Kathy Minardi’s vision for Montessori education is both global and deeply personal. She believes the future lies in sustaining relationships, evolving to meet societal needs, and ensuring every child grows up with agency and a valued voice. Her work continues to inspire educators and parents to lead with authenticity, community, and dignity.