Grano Montessori Studio

Music, movement, play, and community—all in one morning. 🎶

Our Fall Music & Play session is designed for children from birth to about 4 years old and the grown-ups who love them. Each class begins with 30 minutes of joyful, interactive music with our very own Hillary Harpold, where children can sing, move, explore rhythm, and build confidence through shared musical experiences.

After music, stay for an hour of open play in our thoughtfully prepared Montessori environment. It’s a chance for children to continue exploring while grown-ups slow down, connect with other families, and build meaningful community.

Whether you’re joining us with a brand-new baby or an energetic preschooler, Music & Play offers a welcoming space to learn, play, and grow together. We can’t wait to make music with you this fall!

Every child develops in their own unique way—and sometimes having a pediatric occupational therapist in your corner can make all the difference.

Guided Play: A Pediatric OT-Led Playgroup is a welcoming group for children from birth to 7 years old and their adults. Whether you have questions about sensory regulation, motor development, daily routines, feeding, play, or simply want to learn more about supporting your child’s development, this group is for you.

✨ No OT experience or referral is needed. This is not just for families receiving occupational therapy—it’s for any family looking to learn, connect, and grow through play.

Each session includes thoughtfully prepared play experiences for children while caregivers have the opportunity to observe, ask questions, and gain practical strategies from pediatric occupational therapist Jessica Flanigan, MOT, OTR.

Topics and discussions will be tailored to the interests and needs of the families attending, creating a supportive space that blends child development, occupational therapy expertise, and caregiver education.

To make it easier to join us, we’re offering two groups this fall:
🌞 Morning session - Thursdays 9:30-11am
🌙 Evening session - Thursdays 5-6:30pm

Come play, connect, and leave with ideas and confidence you can carry into everyday life.

Parenthood was never meant to be navigated alone.

The Parenting Well: New Parent Group is a supportive, judgment-free group for expecting parents and families through 18 months postpartum, led by licensed mental health counselor and perinatal specialist Julianna Holmes.

Each week, parents gather for thoughtful conversation and connection while babies and young children explore the studio alongside them. Together, we’ll discuss the real experiences of early parenthood—from emotional wellbeing and identity shifts to feeding, sleep, relationships, and everything in between.

Whether you’re preparing to welcome your baby or finding your footing in the first months of parenthood, you’ll find encouragement, community, and a space where both you and your child are welcome.

You don’t have to do this alone—we’d love to have you join us.

Move, breathe, connect, and play.

Yoga & Play is a gentle space created just for postpartum parents and their little ones. Each session begins with a 30-minute gentle postpartum yoga flow, designed to help you reconnect with your body, release tension, and find a moment of calm in the midst of early parenthood.

After yoga, enjoy an hour of play in our thoughtfully prepared studio. While your child explores, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with other parents, share conversation, ask questions, and build community in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Whether you’re looking to move your body, meet other families, or simply enjoy a slower afternoon together, Yoga & Play offers space to care for both you and your child.

Our Montessori Adult & Child Playgroups are at the heart of Grano Montessori Studio. I’ve worked hard to create a space and community over the past 4 years to support both the children and the adults that attend these groups.

Each group meets for 90 minutes each week and the early fall session runs for 7 weeks. You’ll also receive an informational email each week on our discussion topic.

👶 Baby Playgroup (Tuesdays 11am-12:30pm)

A gentle space for babies and their grown-ups to explore, connect, and build community. Together, we’ll focus on early development, responsive caregiving, and creating a prepared environment that supports your baby’s natural growth.

🧒Toddler Playgroups (Tuesday mornings 9-10:30am OR Wednesday afternoons 2:30-4pm)

Designed for busy toddlers who are eager to move, explore, and do things independently! Children enjoy a thoughtfully prepared Montessori environment while caregivers gain practical insights into child development and connect with other families in the same stage of life.

Whether you’re joining us with your first baby or toddler, or a returning family, our playgroups offer a welcoming community where both children and grown-ups can learn, grow, and thrive together.

Find registration at www.granomontessori.com/register

Looking for connection, community, and meaningful experiences for you and your little one? Here’s a look at what’s happening at Grano Montessori Studio this fall and I’m happy to announce that registration is OPEN!

🌿 Montessori Adult & Child Playgroups
Our signature offering! Explore a thoughtfully prepared Montessori environment while your child builds independence and confidence through play. Caregivers enjoy community, discussion, and support alongside their child.

🎵 Music & Play
A joyful combination of music, movement, and open-ended play that nurtures early development while creating meaningful moments of connection between children and their grown-ups.

🧸 Guided Play: A Pediatric OT-Led Playgroup
Children explore sensory-rich play while caregivers receive practical guidance from a pediatric occupational therapist on topics like sensory regulation, everyday routines, motor development, and more.

💛 The Parenting Well
A supportive parent-and-child group led by a licensed mental health counselor and perinatal specialist. While children play in our prepared environment, caregivers connect through conversations about emotional wellbeing, parenting, and the transition into family life.

Find more details at www.granomontessori.com/register

No matter where you are in your parenting journey, there’s a place for you here. We can’t wait to welcome your family to the Studio!

Meet our Team! When I started Grano Montessori (before Studio was added) back in 2022, I never would have thought I’d be introducing a team! What a joy it is to work with these lovely, talented, and extremely intelligent women who love supporting children and families.

Take a moment and get acquainted with everyone in preparation for registering for our fall offerings!

Hi, I’m Amanda! 👋

I’m the owner and founder of Grano Montessori Studio, which I’ve been growing since 2022 to create a welcoming community where children and their adults can learn, play, and connect.

I’ve been inspired by the Montessori philosophy since 2007. After years teaching children ages 3–6, I now focus on supporting parents and young children through Montessori playgroups, family education, and community.

I hold an AMS Early Childhood credential, a Master’s in Montessori Education, and additional certifications as a Certified Lactation Counselor, Full Spectrum Doula, and DIR Floortime practitioner. As both an educator and a parent, I’m passionate about making Montessori approachable, practical, and meaningful for families while creating spaces where everyone feels supported, connected, and inspired.

Meet Hillary! 💛

Hillary is Grano Montessori’s Music Guide, Exploration & Play Facilitator, and Birth Story Workshop Facilitator. She has been part of the Grano Montessori community since early 2023, helping create warm, welcoming spaces where children and families can learn, play, and connect.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education, Hillary brings both expertise and joy to every class. Whether she’s leading songs, setting up messy sensory invitations, or co-facilitating Birth Story Writing Workshops, Hillary delights in helping children and families connect, create, and grow together.

Meet Amara! ✨

Amara is a Birth Story Workshop Facilitator at Grano Montessori, where she co-leads workshops that invite parents to reflect on, write, and honor their birth experiences. She was also one of the very first families to join Grano Montessori playgroups when they began in 2022, making it especially meaningful to now be part of the team.

Amara holds a Ph.D. in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education from the IU School of Education and has spent many years working in international education. As a writer and mother herself, she is passionate about creating a welcoming space where every parent's story is valued and worth telling.

Meet Jessica! 🌿

Jessica is Grano Montessori Studio’s Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Guided Play Group Facilitator. She is passionate about helping children and families thrive through play, supporting meaningful participation in everyday life with a child-led, strengths-based approach.

Jessica earned her Bachelor's degree from Indiana University and her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Indianapolis. She brings years of pediatric experience, including eight years practicing in Alaska, along with advanced training in feeding, sensory processing, DIR Floortime, trauma-informed care, and more. She believes children learn best through play, and she loves partnering with families to build confidence, connection, and joyful everyday experiences.

Meet Julianna! 💚

Julianna is Grano Montessori's facilitator for The Parenting Well Groups, where she creates a welcoming, judgment-free space for new parents to connect, reflect, and grow in community. She is passionate about supporting families through the transition to parenthood and believes meaningful connection is an essential part of well-being.

Julianna is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) provider. With a background in community mental health and specialized training through Postpartum Support International, she brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her work. She is honored to walk alongside families as they navigate the joys and challenges of early parenthood.

Our next Birth Story Writing Workshop is on the calendar! Join us on Saturday, August 29th. It’s in our new special one-day format from 1pm-3:30pm. Amara and Hillary create such a welcoming space for you to spend some time reflecting, writing, and sharing.

Our Birth Story Writing Workshops offer a gentle, supportive space to reflect on and document your birth experience. Through guided prompts, quiet writing time, and optional sharing, you’ll be invited to process your story in a way that feels grounded and respectful. No matter how long ago you gave birth, you are invited to join this workshop.

Comment below or message me if you have any questions! Register at www.granomontessori.com/register