Darlene Abernathy‑Neely, M.Ed. Faculty in College of Education

Darlene Abernathy‑Neely is a nationally respected Montessori educator, consultant, and leadership coach whose career spans more than three decades of advancing equity‑centered, community‑rooted Montessori education across the United States. Her work is grounded in a deep belief in human potential, the dignity of every learner, and the transformative power of well‑prepared adults and environments, principles that also guide her consulting practice, Montessori Essence montessoriessence.com.

Darlene began her Montessori journey as a co‑founding teacher at Hull‑Jackson Montessori, Nashville’s first public Montessori school, where she served for 18 years as a classroom guide, mentor teacher, and instructional leader. Her work at Hull‑Jackson helped establish one of the nation’s early models for public Montessori in an urban, culturally diverse community.

She later became a co-founder, lead 3-6 guide and Academic Dean of NIA House Montessori School, an intentionally diverse, equity‑driven Montessori program in Nashville known for its commitment to identity, community, and culturally responsive practice. At NIA House, she led program design, educator preparation, and family partnership initiatives that continue to shape the school’s thriving community.

Darlene is also a co-founder of the Montessori Teacher Education Program at Belmont University, where she helped design and teach coursework that prepared new Montessori educators with both philosophical depth and practical skills for a decade. In addition, she also served as a Montessori teacher trainer through the Brentwood Montessori Training Program, supporting adult learners in developing strong instructional practice and authentic Montessori implementation.

Most recently, Darlene served as a Senior Leadership Designer with Bezos Academy, partnering with school leaders across the country to design, open, and sustain Montessori programs in under‑resourced communities. Her work included leadership coaching, professional development, and fidelity‑focused implementation support, efforts that expanded access to high‑quality Montessori education for children and families who have historically been underserved.

Through Montessori Essence, her consulting and professional development practice, Darlene continues to support schools, leaders, and educators through coaching, program design, culturally responsive training, and community‑centered implementation strategies. Her work is characterized by clarity, warmth, and a commitment to creating environments where children and adults feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.

Darlene brings to Sarasota University a rich blend of public school experience, school founding, adult educator preparation, and national leadership development, along with a deep commitment to expanding access to authentic Montessori education for all communities.