Faculty & Staff
Maria Eva Chaffin
Founder and Director
María Eva Chaffin, originally from Venezuela, is the founder and director of Seeds of Life Montessori Academy in Sarasota, Florida. Married, mother of a 17-year-old son, and a lover of her three dogs, she has more than 25 years of teaching experience and over 15 years in the Montessori field. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education, a Master’s degree in Business Education, a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, and AMS Certification in Early Childhood Education (3–6).
She is a published co-author and has developed reference materials for Montessori guides, in addition to having translated Hatching the Cosmic Egg by Michael Dorer into Spanish. Internationally recognized for her expertise in inclusion and neurodiversity, she has been invited to present at Montessori conferences across the country and leads virtual trainings in both English and Spanish to support guides and administrators worldwide.
Above all, María Eva loves being a Montessori guide, and her passion for all children is inexhaustible. She is convinced that the Montessori Method is the best way for every child to learn and flourish.
