Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emily Canibano. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Emily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?
If I could change the education system, the first thing I would address is the lack of individualization in public education. Far too often, students are expected to fit into a standardized curriculum that doesn’t account for their unique learning styles, strengths, or challenges. The cookie-cutter approach to education, where all students are expected to meet the same benchmarks at the same pace, does a disservice to those who need more tailored support or advanced challenges. This one-size-fits-all model not only limits academic potential but also fails to foster a love of learning for many students.
Teachers, who are often underpaid for the level of skill and dedication they bring to their roles, are frequently burdened with high demands, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of resources. They are expected to meet the needs of every student, but without sufficient support or autonomy to individualize instruction, it becomes a near-impossible task. And with budgets stretched thin, the shortage of highly qualified support staff—like special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and counselors—only exacerbates the problem, especially for students with higher-than-average needs.
Another issue that must be addressed is the reliance on the “least restrictive environment” (LRE) policy. While the intention is to keep students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms, this can sometimes lead to dangerous and disruptive situations. The vagueness of this policy has allowed students who pose safety risks to both peers and staff to remain in general education settings, where their behavior escalates. I’ve witnessed students who, due to insufficient supports, have torn up classrooms, physically attacked staff, or even endangered other students. But because of the policy, schools are reluctant to remove them unless there is a permanent bodily injury involved. This creates a cycle of chaos where teachers and students are put in harm’s way.
Moreover, the lack of community support for schools is a significant barrier. Too often, schools are expected to function as catch-all institutions, dealing with issues far beyond academics, such as food insecurity, mental health crises, and behavioral problems—issues that should be addressed by external services but are instead shouldered by overworked, underpaid educators. The absence of adequate community resources means that teachers must play the role of social workers, counselors, and even security personnel at times.
The entire system needs a radical shift, from more funding for individualized support and better compensation for educators, to clearer and more supportive policies that prioritize both student safety and well-being. It’s time to move beyond vague regulations and implement practical, humane solutions that account for the real needs of both students and teachers.
Emily, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Emily Canibano, and I’m the owner of Olive Branch School Montessori, a school that focuses on providing a nurturing, individualized learning experience for children. My education journey began with my own children and a deep-seated belief that every child deserves to be seen and understood for who they truly are. Early on, I realized that traditional educational models often fail to meet the diverse needs of students, especially when it comes to fostering, recognizing, and nurturing independence, critical thinking, and creativity. This realization led me to Montessori education, which emphasizes self-directed learning and respects the unique pace and interests of each child. My family includes five children, and each is a unique learner, some with more “spicy” brains than others. Each of my children has benefitted in their own way from their time in Montessori environments.
At Olive Branch School, we provide a Montessori-based curriculum that encourages hands-on learning, collaboration, and the development of life skills. We serve children from early childhood through elementary school, offering an environment where students are empowered to explore, learn, and grow in a way that feels natural and engaging. We provide an alternative to cookie-cutter education by creating a space where each child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The problem I aim to solve is the lack of personalization in many educational settings. Too often, children are forced into rigid frameworks that don’t account for their individual needs, learning styles, or interests. At Olive Branch, we recognize the importance of fostering a love of learning that is rooted in curiosity and exploration. We also help parents navigate the challenges of finding the right educational environment for their child, offering a safe and supportive place where they can feel confident that their child’s development is being nurtured holistically.
What sets Olive Branch apart is our commitment to truly understanding each child and meeting them where they are, not where they “should” be. Our dedicated team of educators is trained in Montessori methods and is passionate about creating a classroom atmosphere where children are treated with respect, autonomy, and kindness. We focus on building strong relationships with both students and families, creating a sense of community that extends beyond the classroom.
What I’m most proud of is the positive impact we’ve had on our students and their families. Seeing children develop into confident, compassionate, and independent learners is incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud of the community we’ve built at Olive Branch—one that is rooted in mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared belief in the transformative power of education.
For anyone considering Olive Branch, I want you to know that we provide a personalized learning experience that honors each student’s unique strengths and challenges. Our goal is not just to educate but to inspire children to become lifelong learners and curious, empathetic human beings. We are here to support you and your child on this beautiful journey of discovery.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Owning a yoga studio in a Chicago suburb was a deeply rewarding experience. The studio became a place where families could come together, with a special focus on supporting women in the birthing years and their babies. I poured my heart into creating a space where wellness, mindfulness, and community were central. But as my own family grew, I began to feel a shift—not just in my personal life, but in my professional direction as well.
As my children neared school age, I found myself increasingly frustrated by the lack of educational options that aligned with my values. I wanted a learning environment that respected each child’s unique pace, fostered independence, and encouraged creativity. This desire for a more personalized and holistic approach to education led me to Montessori, which I quickly realized shared the same core values that had always been at the heart of my work in wellness.
The shift wasn’t just driven by my family’s educational needs, though. The fitness market, particularly in the suburbs, became oversaturated over time. What was once a unique and much-needed resource was now part of a competitive landscape. It was no longer the right space for me to make the kind of long-term impact I envisioned.
Before I even opened my yoga studio, my background was in secondary education. After moving to Portland, Oregon, I decided to further my education, earning a Master’s in Education (M.Ed) with a focus on Early Childhood Education and Montessori Primary studies. This experience reignited my passion for education, but now from a different perspective—one that focused on how children learn best in their early years. Montessori, in particular, spoke to me because of its child-centered philosophy and emphasis on independence, critical thinking, and respect for the individual learner.
As I reflected on my journey, I realized that my true calling was to bring this Montessori philosophy to life. I wanted to create a school where children could thrive in an environment that respected their natural curiosity and fostered a love of learning. It felt like the perfect blend of my background in education and my desire to create positive change, this time through early childhood education.
Pivoting from running a yoga studio to opening a Montessori school was a big leap, but it felt like a natural progression. I saw the opportunity to create something meaningful, not just for my own children, but for the families in my community who were seeking an educational approach that was different from traditional schooling. At Olive Branch School Montessori, I’m proud to offer a space where children are treated as unique individuals and are encouraged to learn at their own pace, with respect for their developmental needs and natural interests.
The transition was not without its challenges, but it has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Today, I’m most proud of the community we’ve built at Olive Branch—a place where children are empowered to be independent, compassionate, and lifelong learners. And just as importantly, I am honored to share an educational philosophy with parents who are looking for something more than the status quo—a space where their children’s growth and well-being are at the center.
For me, this pivot wasn’t just about a career change; it was about creating the change I wanted to see in the world of education—one that honors the unique potential of each child. It’s a reminder that life’s most meaningful shifts often come when we’re willing to follow our values and trust that the next step is part of a bigger journey.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most defining moments of resilience in my journey came after the births of my fourth and fifth children; I quickly found myself facing a harsh reality that many parents in the workforce know too well: the lack of adequate maternity leave and the pressing financial and professional need to return to work.
At that time, we had been open for four years. I knew that to keep moving forward in my career, I couldn’t afford to take a prolonged break. The decision to return to work so soon after giving birth wasn’t easy. I had to balance the overwhelming desire to stay with my newborn and the reality of owning my own business.
It wasn’t just about personal ambition—it was also about necessity. Many early childhood education centers, especially those that used specialized curricula like Montessori, were facing a serious shortage of qualified teachers. The job market was competitive, and there were fewer trained educators than there were positions available. Returning to work, despite the emotional and physical challenges of adjusting to new motherhood, was crucial for both my business and my financial stability.
I remember feeling torn between the need to nurture my baby and the professional drive to continue my studies and build a career that would ultimately allow me to create meaningful change in the field of education. The resilience came in the form of finding balance—owning my own business meant that two days after giving birth I could bring my newborn into my classroom with me, even if we couldn’t be strictly alone nurturing our bond, we were together. There were sleepless nights, early mornings, and moments when I questioned my ability to do it all. But I kept reminding myself of my greater purpose: I wanted to create a more supportive and personalized educational environment for children and to do that, I needed to push through the challenges.
Looking back, that period tested my resilience in ways I hadn’t imagined. It also gave me a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges within the early childhood education sector. The shortage of qualified educators isn’t just a matter of supply and demand—it’s a reflection of how underappreciated and underpaid the field is, particularly for women who are also balancing family life. It was that experience that fueled my desire to not only contribute to the solution but to create a space that supported both educators and children in meaningful, sustainable ways.
Ultimately, the need to return to work so soon after giving birth was a catalyst for the work I do today. It strengthened my commitment to creating a Montessori school that is not only rooted in educational excellence but also supportive of the families and educators who make it all possible. My journey as a mother and educator is a reminder that resilience is not just about overcoming personal obstacles—it’s about pushing forward to create change in an imperfect system.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://obsmontessori.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obsmontessori/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivebranchschool
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilycanibano/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@olivebranchschool8648
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/olive-branch-school-portland
