About
Welcome to Ancestors’ Seeds by Afrocentric Montessori
New brand Same High-Quality
Black agency, intention and cultural heritage.
This is about the work of my ancestors. The unseen and unnamed faces that made choices that were bold, frightening, and at times simple yet steadfast.
It is those choices that create a sea of ripples that brought each of us here. I wanted ...
Education With a Cultural Edge in Atlanta
The company Afrocentric Montessori is where education meets empowerment.
My journey began in June 2019, driven by my vision as a passionate educator to create a transformative learning experience for black children. I understand that every child deserves an education that not only teaches but also celebrates ...
Speaking Engagements
How We Play
Co-Creating Outdoor Spaces for Black Children and What They Want Webinar Recording
This webinar focuses on the collaborative creation of outdoor play areas for black children ages 3-6, drawing on the research of Dr. Deja Jones (founder of Honeypot Montessori) and the hands-on expertise of Ashley Causey-Golden (co-founder of Gather School). Presenters explored empowerment, power dynamics, and broadening conceptualizations of nature within these environments. Recorded live on November 16, 2023.
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Nurturing a Deeper Connection to Nature and Heritage
With Ashley Causey-Golden
Educator Ashley Causey-Golden was drawn to Montessori principles but felt something missing that she longed to provide: cultural relevancy. She wondered, “What would it look like to create a Montessori space that uplifted, affirmed, and celebrated black children?” Fulfilling this desire has been a journey of discovery and grace, with a lot of mistakes along the way. Ashley’s ultimate success gave her the courage to pursue another passion: nature education. As the co-founder of Gather Forest School and creator of Afrocentric Montessori, Ashley has a wealth of experience to share with all families and educators interested in nurturing our children’s spirit, sense of community, and connection to the natural world.
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Presented Montessori Homeschool Summit 2023
Teaching is Such an Authentic Practice
As homeschooling parents, we spend a lot of time, trying to find the right educational philosophy, the right pedagogy, the right learning environment, and the right learning materials for the children that we are embarking to teach. But very few times do we actually start with ourselves. And in this talk, I am going to talk about placing the humanity of yourself into your teaching practice. All things start with oneself. Self-discovery is key and staying in tune with the rhythms of your home with the seasons of childhood And to build consistency for the long-term goal of homeschooling.
Presented at The Childhood Potential Online Montessori Conference 2024
Beyond the Shelf: Creating Peace Education for the Whole Child
In this transformative session, I delve into the heart of Montessori education, guided by Dr. Maria Montessori's vision: "An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live."
This talk is not just about education; it's a journey towards creating a more peaceful, understanding world for our children. I will explore how to construct, guide, and implement an educational framework that not only prepares the child for the challenges of our modern world but also nurtures their spirit and individuality.
A key focus of our discussion will be on how to centralize the voices of the global majority (Black, Indigenous, and other non-white communities) in your peace education curriculum. This approach aims to foster inclusivity and a broader understanding of different narratives and experiences, which is crucial for cultivating empathy and global citizenship in young learners.
This session is particularly tailored for educators and administrators who are seeking innovative ways to integrate diverse narratives and perspectives into their programs. By emphasizing the importance of including a wide range of voices and stories, we aim to enrich the Montessori environment, making it a true reflection of the world our children inhabit.
Tailored for children aged 3-9.
Together, we will embark on a mission to shape a more compassionate, informed generation, ready to make their mark on the world.
Recorded on February 2, 2023.
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Reimagining Education: A Community-Driven Approach with Ashley Causey-Golden
In this engaging episode of Conscious Pathways, Brittney and Ashley take a deep dive into their educational backgrounds, swapping tales of their adventures in various teaching philosophies. They champion the importance of putting kids—especially black kids—at the heart of education, advocating for personalized and culturally attuned approaches.
Ever heard of micro schools? These dynamic duos unpack how these pint-sized powerhouses are shaking up the educational landscape, offering a fresh take on quality care that's tailor-made for every little learner. They tackle the hurdles facing today's education system with gusto, calling for a shake-up to make things fairer for all. From the trials of black students navigating traditional spaces to the pressure to conform to the status quo, they're not holding back.
And here's the real talk: systemic racism ain't going away on its own. Brittney and Ashley dive deep into the importance of giving kids the tools to face it head-on, reshaping educational systems to be more inclusive and equitable.