Katja Samati

Born and raised in Oakland, California, Katja grew up in a multicultural household with a commitment to living conscientiously. Eager to experience other regions of the country, she ventured out to Michigan for her undergraduate degree. She majored in Political Science and minored in Sociology with a concentration in Urban Affairs & Public Policy. She supported the planning and development of the Arcus Center for Social Justice at Kalamazoo College. Katja enjoyed living abroad in Rome, Italy, where she explored the arts, classics, and a new appreciation for long meals. Aside from her studies, Katja volunteered to support emergent readers, as well as with middle school girls in advancing their math skills to “Keep the doors open.”

Inspired by this work, Katja returned to her hometown after graduation to begin her teaching journey through Teach for America. While working in a conventional school, Katja earned a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential K-8 and a Master of Education in school system. Katja joined the Valley Montessori School in Livermore, California, where she came to appreciate the Montessori philosophy and methodology. While co-leading the Upper Elementary program, Katja earned her Montessori Elementary I and II Credentials from St. Mary’s College. What most captured her attention was the brilliance of Montessori’s math materials.

Along with experience as a classroom leader, Katja has observed and evaluated first and second year educators through The New Teacher Project. She has led outdoor education camps and backpacking trips for students aged 9-14. She is passionate about environmental stewardship, peace education, and youth empowerment. Katja finds joy in discovering along with her students and getting to witness the “Aha!” moment, when understanding clicks and self-satisfaction emerges. Katja has now settled in Austin, Texas with her family and her dog, Lady Bird. She has been named an Emerging Leader Fellow by the American Montessori Society and is looking forward to conducting her action research at Mariposa on the topic of permaculture education and community integration. If you ask her what her superpower is, she’ll tell you it’s the ability to find beauty in any moment.