Priscilla Yuill

Founder, Certified Montessorian Early Childhood-Elememtary, M.Ed. Curriculum Instruction & Design

Hello homeschooling families! My name is Priscilla Yuill and I am the Founder and Program Director of Casa Ranch Montessori Homeschool Co-op, and mom of three sweet boys. I have been a passionate Montessorian for more than 10 years and a hands-on dedicated mother to my two young sons. I obtained my Early Childhood (3-6) American Montessori Society (AMS) credential in 2011 and my Elementary (6-12) Montessori credential in 2013 from England. Throughout this time, I have gained experience working in several South Florida Montessori schools and two schools in London. After becoming a mother, I was determined to fully embrace the Montessori philosophy in my home from positive parenting to creating the ideal environment where my children can be independent and thrive within their surrounding. Through my travels, I gained a good sense for quality education and was inspired to create an authentic nature-based Montessori environment for children. In 2019, I went back to school and graduated with a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Barry University in Miami, where I researched ways in which I could enrich the Montessori curriculum and discovered my life’s purpose; to develop my own program in the hopes inspiring change and true learning. Throughout the pandemic, I began homeschooling my boys, ran a summer camp, and today, a wonderful co-op with the help of like-minded families and talented, passionate educators. Since then, Casa Ranch has organically attracted families who wish to enrich & become a part of their children’s educational journey. Our team of certified educators and supportive parents have certainly contributed to the essence of our magical program, as it has nurtured children’s spirit and fostered each individual's talents and curiosities.

Furthermore, I am a huge advocate for the mental health and wellbeing of boys, and always searching for ways we can support struggling students, of any age or gender, who feel disconnected, misunderstood, and in desperate need of compassion, as well as, social, emotional, academic support from knowledgable and caring educators. Additionally, I believe all passionate Guides deserve a platform and safe space to explore their interests and things that excite them the most. I do not believe in limiting educators and their potentials, as it is a huge disservice to students. At Casa Ranch Montessori, Guides are given opportunities and room to grow, through opportunities to do so like time off for professional development or travel throughout the school year. The care of the “spirit of the teacher” is a necessary, paramount requirement to join our team. For many of us, learning how to deeply respect children requires a transformation of the societal conditioning that adults are in charge, know best, and are to be obeyed. Montessori described how Guides must systematically study themselves in order to "tear out [their] most deeply rooted defects, those in fact which impede [their] relations with children." (The Secret of Childhood). Establishing daily habits that promote self-awareness and inner harmony gives us greater capacity to be in the presence of children with all kinds of needs. Cultivating a peaceful inner life is the foundation for observing and interacting with children with calmness and respect, especially in a holistic environment, such as ours. Lastly, I’m inspired by this movement to revolutionize education; collaborating with other organizations and educators, who have also made it their life’s mission to educate by using alternative pedagogical approaches, as well as educating for sustainability; advocating for humanity, justice, and peace within our world. Thanks for taking the time to learn about our journey!