About Kaela Wright, MS, LLP:
Kaela Wright, MS, LLP is a licensed Master’s Level Psychologist, Co-Founder of Reflections Therapeutic Group, and mother of three dynamic girls. With 18 years of clinical experience, she specializes in Infant Mental Health and Developmental Psychology across the lifespan. Kaela has developed early childhood curriculum with Detroit Public Television and advanced developmental screening and early literacy through national nonprofit initiatives including Too Small to Fail and Help Me Grow, presenting her work both locally and nationally. She brings extensive clinical experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults, with a focus on how emotional, social, and neurodevelopmental factors influence learning, behavior, and regulation within educational and family systems. As a Montessori parent and advocate, Kaela values the Montessori approach to whole-child development and the role of prepared environments in supporting mental health.
About Montessori and Mental Health, Infancy to Adolescence:
This full-day workshop offers Montessori educators and administrators a clinically informed and practical exploration of children’s mental health and its intersection with Montessori education. The day begins with a keynote address examining current trends in children’s mental health, educator well-being, common childhood diagnoses, and emerging issues shaping mental health in educational spaces. Participants will explore how Montessori philosophy and prepared environments can support emotional regulation, resilience, and whole-child development. The workshop then moves into an interactive, small-group format focused on translating observation into action. Participants will engage in case-based discussion to better understand children’s behavior, including those who struggle with self-regulation or responses to traditional supports. Attention will also be given to interpreting parent behaviors and relational dynamics, with space for real-world examples and collaborative problem-solving. The afternoon session focuses on next steps, offering concrete guidance on communicating concerns with families, approaching sensitive conversations, and navigating ethical and effective referral pathways. Topics include when and how to refer, where to refer, and practical considerations related to insurance and Medicaid. Throughout the day, participants will be invited to view mental health as an integral part of Montessori practice and sustained connection.