Montessori isn’t just a teaching method – it’s a way of seeing people. What began with Dr. Maria Montessori’s work with children has since evolved into a compassionate approach for adults living with dementia. At its heart, it’s all about honoring the individual – their strengths, their choices, their story.

In a Montessori-inspired care environment, the focus shifts from what’s been lost to what’s still possible. It’s about building daily rhythms, inviting participation, nurturing independence, and creating small but meaningful moments of joy. Most of all, it’s about helping people stay grounded in themselves, in their relationships, and in the purpose that still lives within them.

There are 8 Principles at the core of Montessori:

• Principle 1: Creating person-focused care
• Principle 2: Fostering dignity and respect
• Principle 3: Promoting socialization
• Principle 4: Creating an environment to encourage independence
• Principle 5: Promoting independence and choice
• Principle 6: Ability and strength-focused care model
• Principle 7: Embracing the holistic development of the whole person
• Principle 8: Encouraging independence in activities of daily living

• Memory care professionals and CNAs
• Long-term care staff and caregivers
• Activity directors or life enrichment leaders
• Home care providers working with dementia clients
• Anyone looking to bring structure, independence, and dignity to dementia care

Montessori dementia care works because it meets people where they are. Instead of trying to control behavior or push routines, we help people move through their day with dignity. This approach brings life back into senior communities through:

And just as important – it changes the way you feel. Montessori Dementia Care training gives caregivers tools that actually help by reducing stress and reconnecting you to your “why.”

Step 1: Attend the MDCC Seminar with Trinity Dementia Training

Step 2: Receive a Certificate of Attendance from Trinity

Step 3: Apply for CMDCP certification through ICCDP.net → Select the “Grandfather Option”

Step 4: Submit payment and required documentation

Step 5: Application reviewed by ICCDP for certification eligibility (Certification is granted at the sole discretion of ICCDP based on qualifications submitted)

Sign up for the Montessori Concept in Dementia Care seminar, a one-day interactive training that meets one of the certification requirements to become a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP®) – offered through the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (ICCDP), a division of NCCDP.

Led by Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional Trainer™ (CMDCPT™) Loretta Shacklett, this seminar offers many strategies for applying Montessori principles in dementia care settings.​ You’ll learn:

» How to create structure and purpose in care environments

» Look for and build on a person’s strengths

» Use gestures, modeling, and visual cues to guide daily tasks

» Communication and demonstration strategies (e.g., gestures, mirroring, task breakdown)

» Think holistically – beyond just physical care

Note: After completing the Montessori Concept in Dementia Care Seminar and receiving your certificate of attendance, certification must be applied for separately through ICCDP.net under the Grandfather Option and includes an additional fee.

Attending the 7-hour in-person or virtual Montessori Dementia Care Professional Seminar is a requirement for certification as a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional (CMDCP®). In addition to the course cost, the ICCDP charges an application fee/certification fee. Please see ICCDP.net for more information. For eligibility requirements, training information, and ICCDP application instructions, please visit this link.

This certification is open to all healthcare professionals and front-line staff who work in healthcare settings.

Loretta Shacklett is the founder of Trinity Dementia Training LLC and Simplify Senior Living LLC. Her journey in this space began with caring for her own mother – an experience that formed her belief that quality care must start with education, compassion, and empathy. Since then, Loretta has dedicated her time to supporting caregivers and care teams by helping them feel more prepared, confident, and connected to those they serve.

Through her dementia training programs, she’s taught hundreds of caregivers how to meet each client with understanding and respect. Her background in life coaching and family counseling, coupled with first-hand experience as a caregiver, gives her the unique ability to connect with learners on both a personal and professional level. Loretta’s ultimate goal is to bridge the growing gap in dementia education by ensuring caregivers feel educated, empowered, and elevated in the care they provide.

“Every interaction matters. Every connection counts. Together, we can redefine how care is provided for those living with dementia—and it starts here.”

Certified Senior Advisor®
Certified Dementia Practitioner
Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional
Certified Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia Care Trainer
Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional Trainer

Did you know many home care companies will cover 100% of the cost for employees’ Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia training? Try reaching out to your HR department or speak with your boss! Interested in training your team? Let’s connect.