Denise Monnier is an advocate and advocacy coach, working towards public policy that supports universal access to Montessori education. After teaching in and leading Montessori communities for more than 15 years, she was deeply aware of the need for equity and access in high quality education. Denise gained policy knowledge and experience through founding an early childhood outreach program, and then turned to statewide and national advocacy. Denise was the head of school of Fox Valley Montessori School in Aurora, Illinois for 7 years. She is a past president and current executive director of the Association of Illinois Montessori Schools and the Director of State Advocacy for the Montessori Public Policy Initiative, and has a Masters Degree in Fine Art.