Julie Mitaro, Founder of The Prepared Nest
I founded The Prepared Nest to gently support parents, grandparents, and caregivers who want to bring Montessori principles into their homes in meaningful, practical ways. A home is not a classroom—it is the child’s first and most important learning environment. Through The Prepared Nest website and social media, I share simple activities, thoughtful recommendations, and glimpses of daily life, all rooted in respect for the child and the beauty of intentional spaces.
As background, I am an AMI-trained Montessori educator, a former Primary Guide for ages 2.5 to 7, a parent of three grown children and now a grateful grandparent. Montessori captured my heart at age 19 when I was studying early childhood education at the University of Michigan. I was hired as an assistant in a Primary classroom led by an accomplished AMI Directress. From that year on, I knew I would never look at children and their development the same way.
I then made my way to the Toronto Montessori Institute and completed my AMI Primary training under the direction of highly regarded Montessorians, including Renilde Montessori, Maria Montessori’s granddaughter. At the time, I didn’t have the perspective to fully understand the impact of these ‘formative’ years in my Montessori career—I had been assisting and training with some of the most respected, talented and knowledgeable AMI Montessorians in the world, and it became a part of me.
The next few years were exciting! After leading my own Primary classes, I became a stay-at-home Montessori mom. I continued to come up with creative ways to foster our children’s natural development with Montessori principles guiding me. Creating calm, purposeful spaces for our children grew into a deeper love for designing homes that truly support family life. Over the years, our family experienced several home moves and major renovations, which I personally managed and designed—thoughtfully choosing healthful materials, repurposing what we could, and reimagining each space with intention. Through those experiences, I came to understand the impact our surroundings could have on our family.
After completing our largest home transformation, an interior designer friend invited me partner with her. Saying yes expanded my vision even further. Just as Montessori changed the way I see the child, interior design changed the way I see a home’s potential.
Today, as a member of the Interior Design Society, I focus on children’s spaces and family-centered design. Inspired by Dr. Maria Montessori’s call to “look at the child”, The Prepared Nest is here to encourage and inspire you. Confidence, independence and a love of learning begin at home—and small, thoughtful changes can make a beautiful difference.
“The child has a different relation to his environment from ours … the child absorbs it. The things he sees are not just remembered; they form a part of his soul. He incarnates in himself all in the world about him that his eyes see and his ears hear.” ~ Dr. Maria Montessori