Meet TMI’s Montessori Trainers

Erin Smith

Assistants to Infancy Director of Training

Erin Smith has been working in Montessori environments since 2001, and as a classroom guide for sixteen years. She has worked as an Assistant, Nido guide, Toddler guide, Primary guide, Parent-Infant Class Facilitator and Instructional Coach. Erin is also an AMI Trainer at the Assistants to Infancy level and an A to I Consultant for AMI/USA. She has worked on AMI training courses in the United States, Europe and Asia

 Erin’s personal Montessori journey began at The Montessori Institute in Denver when she attended training in 2002-2003, learning from Judi Orion and Cha Cha Vidales. She went on to earn her Masters at Loyola University in Maryland in 2005. Erin completed her Primary training with Annette Haines in 2008. Upon entering AMI’s Training of Trainers program in 2010, Erin returned to TMI to support students and further her own learning, later joining the TMI faculty as a Trainer in 2018. 

Erin is honored to be working on behalf of TMI in the role of Trainer in Residence. TMI is an AMI Training Center with a long legacy and a bright future, and it is a pleasure to serve such a special organization.

Vinkle Thakkar

AMI 0-3 Trainer

Vinkle Thakkar’s Montessori interest was inspired by the confidence and independent thinking she observed in her siblings and cousins who went to a Montessori school.  The journey since then has been ongoing and evolving.  

Vinkle holds AMI diplomas for the 0-3, 3-6 and 6-12 levels and a Bachelor’s in Arts from the University of Mumbai, India.  After 21 years in the classroom and engagement with the children of different age groups, she is now an Instructional Coach at Near North Montessori School in Chicago, IL.  She is also an Auxiliary Trainer for the Association Montessori Internationale and the Montessori Institute in Denver, CO.