Our Team

Julia Volkman, Founder/President

Julia has been teaching children and mentoring teachers in private and public schools since 1997. She is a Faculty member of the Brain Health Initiative, a guest lecturer for Harvard University's Neuroscience of Learning course, an educational researcher, and a teacher mentor consulting with public and private schools across the nation. 

Among other things, she was the founding teacher trainer and primary consultant for the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS), a columnist for the Public School Montessorian (now Montessori Public), and as the teacher’s representative on the Advisory Panel for the Annenberg Foundation's course Neuroscience & the Classroom (developed in conjunction with the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics). Ms. Volkman earned her AMI 3 to 6+ diploma from the Montreal Montessori Training Centre (a bilingual program) and her Master’s degree from Harvard University. Her graduate research on early literacy won the Harvard Dean’s prize for outstanding research. Her work focuses on transforming education into a transdisciplinary, scientific pedagogy grounded in mind, brain, and education. 

Ms. Volkman regularly speaks at conferences and schools around the world. If you would like information on inviting Ms. Volkman to speak at your event, contact us.

Ken Archer, Partnership Development/CMO

Ken is a versatile marketing executive with over 20 years of experience spanning education, consumer, and the technology industries. His expertise includes strategic marketing leadership, marketing, and sales operations. Throughout his career, working both independently and at Big 4 consultancies, he has overseen high-profile and partnership-based campaigns incorporating leading messaging practices, implementing supportive technology and AI to drive results for organizations of every size. His expertise includes account-based marketing, content strategy, sales/marketing team development, with an extensive record in crafting compelling narratives across the full range of multimedia. Holding advanced degrees from the London School of Economics, Trinity University, and international studies in Japan, Ken is also a long-running tutor for those who have fallen behind in educational performance.

Susan Honeywell, Sales Operation Coordinator

Susan Honeywell has over 25 years of experience in educational publishing, specializing in project management and book publishing. She has a strong background in process and workflow development, ensuring the efficient production of educational materials. In addition to her publishing expertise, Susan has extensive experience in customer service, having worked in front-facing roles that required strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Her background also includes sales, where she effectively collaborates with clients and stakeholders to support their needs. With a passion for education and a commitment to excellence, Susan brings a well-rounded skill set that bridges educational publishing, customer service, and sales.

Kim Whitaker, Production Director

Kim has over a decade of teaching, education, and research experience. She has taught in both public and private schools in special education and general elementary education. While she was teaching, she worked on the Harvard Early Learning study as a data collector and assessor. Her experience in education makes her particularly skilled at supporting customers and aiding in the design of Maitri products. She has years of experience in managing others and has an unique ability for bringing out the best in her team. 

José Diaz, Production Specialist

José has been working in precision hand-work, inventory management, and assembly since 2011. He is skilled at using an array of to-scale production equipment and has  studied maintenance and equipment management with world-class manufacturers. He specializes in efficiency and quality control. 

 

Katie Faust-Little, Sewing Specialist

Katie has been designing garments and sewing since 2019. She earned her degree in historical sewing from Hampshire College. For her final project, she built a Shakespearian gown from the ground up with a mix of machine sewing, hand sewing, and embroidery. She has experience in all forms of sewing and alteration with a focus on detailed craftsmanship.