Staff Spotlight: Amy Lawrence
About You — Tell us about yourself, your family, and the hobbies that bring you joy.
My name is Amy Lawrence. I was born in Toledo and have lived here almost my whole life, except for brief periods in St. Clair, Michigan, and Roselawn, Indiana. Growing up, I babysat frequently, and during high school, I worked at both a daycare and a bowling alley, where I watched children while the leagues played. I graduated from Bowsher High School and attended the University of Toledo.
Today, my family remains one of my greatest joys. I have two children who both attended WSM from age three through eighth grade, and I am soon to become a Gigi to my first grandchild—a grandson—this coming December. At home, life is full of activity (and chaos at times!) thanks to my two dogs, Bullet and Oreo, and my cat, Firecracker.
In my free time, I find joy in bowling, going out to eat, twirling baton, and collecting spoons from around the world when friends and family travel. Most of all, I love spending meaningful time with my grown children. My life is beautifully busy, and I try to appreciate every single minute of it.
Path to Montessori — What led you to Montessori education, and what inspired you to choose this approach?
My path to Montessori began shortly after graduating from UT with a K–8 education degree. I started my teaching career at Calvary Christian and later spent a year at Toledo Public Schools, but I quickly realized that the traditional classroom environment wasn’t quite what I was looking for.
When my mom noticed in the newspaper that WSM was hiring, I decided to explore the opportunity—even though I had no idea what to expect from a Montessori school. During my interview, the staff shared the Montessori philosophy with me and opened the cupboards to reveal the beautiful materials. In that moment, I felt I had found a place where I could truly teach rather than spend my days focused on behavior management. Everyone was kind and welcoming, and the approach to learning felt natural and aligned with my values. I knew it was a place where I could grow and stay long-term.
I am beginning my 29th year at WSM. I spent 26 years as a Children’s House teacher, teaching in the Yellow Room, Blue Room, Emerald Room in Perrysburg, and Maple Room. This is my third year in the role of Education Support, where I provide math support for children in kindergarten through third grade, organize curriculum reviews, and oversee childcare at both the Toledo and Perrysburg campuses.
Having seen firsthand how the school nurtures young minds, I am incredibly proud to have been part of the West Side community for more than half of my life.
Montessori Impact — How has Montessori shaped you as a human—in the classroom and beyond?
Montessori has deeply shaped who I am, both inside the classroom and in my daily life. It has completely changed the way I look at the world around me.
When I’m wearing my teacher hat, it means that whenever I walk into a store, I find myself viewing everyday objects through a lens of discovery and learning. A simple, beautiful basket immediately becomes the perfect container for organizing a new activity, and a pair of ordinary tweezers turns into a wonderful tool for a child to carefully transfer corn kernels from a cob to a bowl. It makes daily life interesting because normal, everyday items are suddenly transformed into endless opportunities for purposeful and joyful learning.
Both inside and outside of the classroom, the Montessori philosophy has taught me to truly value the uniqueness of every person I meet. It has also strengthened my commitment to patience and respect—two qualities I work hard to practice every day. Montessori helps me see each person’s individual strengths and potential, and that mindset guides how I connect with the world around me. I continue to learn all the time from the creative children and inspiring adults around me.
One Thing to Know — If someone knew nothing about Montessori, what is the one thing you’d want them to understand?
One Thing to Know — If someone knew nothing about Montessori, what is the one thing you’d want them to understand?
I would want them to know that a Montessori education is not only for gifted children, nor is it solely focused on academics. It is about nurturing the whole child—spiritually, emotionally, and academically.
Each child is viewed as an individual on their own journey. Their paths can look very different, and that is embraced and encouraged in a Montessori environment. Montessori meets every child where they are and helps them move forward.
While I did not have a Montessori experience as a child, I am so grateful to have been able to share it with others as an adult—and with my own children as well.
Toledo Campus
Perrysburg Campus
West Side Montessori is an independent, accredited Montessori school educating children from 6 weeks old through 8th grade (infant, toddler, preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, and middle school). We are one of the leading private schools in Toledo and the nation.
WSM does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic origin, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability in the administration of its admission policy, educational policy, or any school-administered program.
WSM does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic origin, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability in the administration of its admission policy, educational policy, or any school-administered program.