Understanding children begins with listening—not only to what they say, but also to what their behavior is trying to tell us. This message resonated throughout the Positive Discipline – An Hour Talk held at CKS College Southmont Campus on Friday, August 14, 2026, bringing together parents, guardians, and educators for an engaging conversation on one of the most important challenges faced by adults: how to guide children with firmness, respect, and understanding.
The special event featured distinguished Montessori educators and leaders from the American Montessori Society (AMS), Dr. Darla Miller and Dr. Jesmine Lok, who shared their knowledge and experiences in working with children, families, and educators.
The guests were warmly welcomed to CKS College Southmont by Vice President Luzviminda Sim, Montessori Director Michelle Ulgasan, and Administrative Affairs Director Robert Bhojwani, together with members of the CKS College Southmont community.
Dr. Darla Miller is an experienced Montessori educator and leader with a background in Montessori education, school leadership, and professional development. Dr. Jesmine Lok is a Montessori educator and leader with extensive experience in Montessori education, teacher education, and school development. She has also been actively involved in advancing Montessori education in Asia.
The one-hour talk provided an opportunity for participants to share real-life situations they encounter at home and in the classroom. Parents, guardians, and educators raised questions about challenging behaviors, setting boundaries, and helping children develop independence and responsibility. Dr. Miller and Dr. Lok responded with practical perspectives and strategies grounded in respect and an understanding of the child. The discussion emphasized that discipline is not simply about making children obey. It is about teaching, guiding, and helping children gradually develop the skills to manage themselves.
The event was held on campus and streamed simultaneously through a Zoom meeting, allowing members of the wider community to take part in the conversation.
This gathering was more than a talk on discipline. It was a meaningful opportunity for families, educators, and Montessori leaders to come together, exchange ideas, and deepen their understanding of how children can be guided with respect, compassion, and purpose.
Beyond the Talk, Dr. Miller and Dr. Lok had the opportunity to experience the Montessori environment at CKS College Southmont firsthand. They visited the Montessori Department and observed classes in progress, giving them a closer look at how Montessori principles are put into practice in the classroom. They also conducted an ocular visit of the school’s facilities and were shown the venue that will host the AMS Asia Conference 2027.
Their visit continued at CKS College Padre Algue Campus, where they were warmly welcomed by Montessori Director Marilyn Tansiongkun and the rest of the faculty. The guests were toured through the classrooms and facilities, offering another look at the Montessori programs and learning environments at the Manila campus.
The visits to both campuses allowed Dr. Miller and Dr. Lok to connect with the CKS Montessori community and see firsthand the commitment of its educators to creating prepared, nurturing, and purposeful environments for children.
CKS College Southmont is honored to host the upcoming AMS Asia Conference 2027, which will bring together Montessori educators and leaders from across Asia and beyond. The conference will provide a platform for educators to share expertise and experiences, explore innovations, and engage in meaningful conversations about education, child development, and the evolving needs of children and schools.
As the School prepares to welcome the Montessori community for the AMS Asia Conference 2027, the visit of Dr. Miller and Dr. Lok marks another meaningful step toward strengthening connections and collaboration within the Montessori community in the Philippines, across Asia, and beyond.
Chinese Version
Understanding children begins with listening—not only to what they say, but also to what their behavior is trying to tell us. This message resonated throughout the Positive Discipline – An Hour Talk held at CKS College Southmont Campus on Friday, August 14, 2026, bringing together parents, guardians, and educators for an engaging conversation on one of the most important challenges faced by adults: how to guide children with firmness, respect, and understanding.
The special event featured distinguished Montessori educators and leaders from the American Montessori Society (AMS), Dr. Darla Miller and Dr. Jesmine Lok, who shared their knowledge and experiences in working with children, families, and educators.
The guests were warmly welcomed to CKS College Southmont by Vice President Luzviminda Sim, Montessori Director Michelle Ulgasan, and Administrative Affairs Director Robert Bhojwani, together with members of the CKS College Southmont community.
Dr. Darla Miller is an experienced Montessori educator and leader with a background in Montessori education, school leadership, and professional development. Dr. Jesmine Lok is a Montessori educator and leader with extensive experience in Montessori education, teacher education, and school development. She has also been actively involved in advancing Montessori education in Asia.
The one-hour talk provided an opportunity for participants to share real-life situations they encounter at home and in the classroom. Parents, guardians, and educators raised questions about challenging behaviors, setting boundaries, and helping children develop independence and responsibility. Dr. Miller and Dr. Lok responded with practical perspectives and strategies grounded in respect and an understanding of the child. The discussion emphasized that discipline is not simply about making children obey. It is about teaching, guiding, and helping children gradually develop the skills to manage themselves.
The event was held on campus and streamed simultaneously through a Zoom meeting, allowing members of the wider community to take part in the conversation.
This gathering was more than a talk on discipline. It was a meaningful opportunity for families, educators, and Montessori leaders to come together, exchange ideas, and deepen their understanding of how children can be guided with respect, compassion, and purpose.
Beyond the Talk, Dr. Miller and Dr. Lok had the opportunity to experience the Montessori environment at CKS College Southmont firsthand. They visited the Montessori Department and observed classes in progress, giving them a closer look at how Montessori principles are put into practice in the classroom. They also conducted an ocular visit of the school’s facilities and were shown the venue that will host the AMS Asia Conference 2027.
Their visit continued at CKS College Padre Algue Campus, where they were warmly welcomed by Montessori Director Marilyn Tansiongkun and the rest of the faculty. The guests were toured through the classrooms and facilities, offering another look at the Montessori programs and learning environments at the Manila campus.
The visits to both campuses allowed Dr. Miller and Dr. Lok to connect with the CKS Montessori community and see firsthand the commitment of its educators to creating prepared, nurturing, and purposeful environments for children.
CKS College Southmont is honored to host the upcoming AMS Asia Conference 2027, which will bring together Montessori educators and leaders from across Asia and beyond. The conference will provide a platform for educators to share expertise and experiences, explore innovations, and engage in meaningful conversations about education, child development, and the evolving needs of children and schools.
As the School prepares to welcome the Montessori community for the AMS Asia Conference 2027, the visit of Dr. Miller and Dr. Lok marks another meaningful step toward strengthening connections and collaboration within the Montessori community in the Philippines, across Asia, and beyond.
Chinese Version