Continuing education:

RIE Foundation Course Certificate | Interpersonal Neurobiology Training (By Dr. Dan Siegel) | Dreambirth Level 1 Practitioner Training

You Have Questions That Need Personalized Answers

Maybe you're wondering how to set up a Montessori bedroom that actually works for your space. Or your baby's sleep has the whole family exhausted. Perhaps you're trying to understand what your toddler is working on developmentally, or how to support a big transition coming up.

Generic advice from Instagram or parenting books can only go so far. Your family is unique—your child's temperament, your home setup, your values, your specific situation.

Our private consultations give you personalized guidance grounded in Montessori principles and attachment-based parenting, tailored to your family's real life.

Personalized Support on Your Schedule

Choose Your Specialist

Janani Bhuvaneswaran
AMI Montessori 0-6 Guide

I work with families on bringing Montessori home in practical, doable ways. Together, we can explore setting up spaces that support your child's independence, understanding what your child is working on developmentally, choosing activities and materials that match their current interests, and creating routines that flow naturally. If you're navigating the gap between Montessori school and home, or simply want to understand how to observe and follow your child's lead, I'm here to support you.


My areas of focus: Montessori environments, Montessori mindset, child development (0-6), observation skills, fostering independence, and cooperation.

Alyssa Fujita Karoui
Positive Parenting Educator & Sleep/Attachment specialist

I work with families on attachment, development, and creating calm, connected homes. Whether you're understanding your child's developmental stage, setting up Montessori-aligned spaces, navigating big emotions and transitions, or struggling with bedtime routines and separation anxiety, we can work through it together. I also support parents with sibling dynamics, family transitions, and setting a foundation for healthy relationships and secure attachment using the Circle of Security Parenting framework.

My areas of focus: Attachment and connection, child development, Montessori at home, sleep and rest, collaborative, noncoercive parenting.

Note: In-depth sleep consultation packages (with detailed analysis and ongoing support) coming soon. Current consultations can address bedtime struggles, routine questions, and general sleep concerns.

Not sure who to book? Email us at contact@bayareamontessoriplaygroup.com, and we'll help you choose!

How It Works

Before your call: Book your time and pay ($120/h). We'll send you a brief intake form so we can prepare and make the most of our time together.

During your consultation: We'll spend 60 minutes focused entirely on your situation. You'll get specific, actionable strategies tailored to your family's needs and values.

After we talk: You'll receive a written summary with your personalized action plan, resources, and next steps. And you can book follow-ups anytime you need additional support.

What I've loved most is how much time Alyssa and Janani took to really get to know us. They listened, observed, and thoughtfully suggested activities that reflected my son's needs and interests. You can feel how genuine their care and intention are in everything they do.
I've really enjoyed our conversations, the beautiful songs we sang together during circle time, the weekly flyers and newsletters that encouraged reflection on my parenting journey, and the wonderful reading materials shared to support us along the way. Looking forward to coming back in the spring.

Ozge, mom to a 16 months old

Working with Alyssa on our child's sleep was an incredibly professional and enriching experience. Alyssa is not only deeply knowledgeable, blending sleep science, attachment theory, and conscious parenting, but she is also kind, understanding, and an exceptional listener. She made it easy for us to open up and share our concerns, and her empathy and genuine care were evident throughout the process. I would highly recommend her to any parent seeking a thoughtful and effective approach to sleep challenges.

Cécylia, mom to a 3.5yo

★★★★★

★★★★★

What Parents Are Saying

What Makes Our Consultations Different

We bring together what often stays separate—Montessori philosophy, attachment theory, positive parenting approaches, and child development research. And we filter all of it through real-life practicality, because we're parents too. We've lived through the 3am wake-ups, the grocery store meltdowns, the conflicting advice from well-meaning relatives.

You won't find judgment here. Co-sleep or crib sleep. Breastfeed or formula feed. Work or stay home. We meet you exactly where you are, with respect for the choices you're making for your family. Our recommendations come from current research and AMI Montessori training, but they're designed to work in real Bay Area homes with real constraints and real life happening.

This is your consultation. You set the agenda, decide what feels right to implement, and move at your own pace. We're here to guide and support while you make the decisions that work for your family.

Is Private Consultation Right for You?

Private consultations work well when:

✓ You have specific questions that need personalized answers
✓ You're implementing Montessori at home and hitting roadblocks
✓ Your child's sleep is affecting the whole family
✓ You're dealing with challenging behaviors (tantrums, aggression)
✓ You want to start Montessori but don't know where to begin
✓ You've tried "all the things" but nothing's working
✓ You need support for a unique situation or transition
✓ You prefer one-on-one guidance over group settings
✓ You can't make the timing of our group programs

Our consultations work best when families are ready to try new approaches and implement changes together. We provide guidance, strategies, and support—the lasting change happens through your follow-through at home.

A few things to know: We're educators, not medical professionals. For serious mental health concerns, developmental diagnoses, or medical advice, we'll happily refer you to appropriate specialists who can provide that level of care.

And if you're looking for community connection alongside Montessori guidance, our Montessori Nest and Montessori Mornings group programs offer that peer support that can be so valuable during these early years.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose between Janani and Alyssa?

Choose based on your primary concern. If you're focused on Montessori at home, understanding development, supporting independence, or environment setup, book with Janani. If sleep issues, emotional regulation, attachment questions, transitions, or burnout are your main concerns, book with Alyssa.

Many families work with both at different times! If you're unsure, email us at contact@bayareamontessoriplaygroup.comand we'll help you decide.

What if I need to reschedule?

A: We get it—life with kids is unpredictable!

• 48+ hours notice: Free rescheduling, no questions asked

• 24-48 hours notice: 50% fee (credit toward future session)

• Less than 24 hours: Full session fee (one-time courtesy reschedule available)

Can I book multiple sessions?

Absolutely! Many families find it helpful to schedule a follow-up session 2-4 weeks after the first to check progress and refine strategies. Just book another session whenever you're ready.

What if my partner and I disagree on parenting approaches?

We welcome partners to join consultations at no extra charge. In fact, having both parents present often leads to better outcomes because you're building shared understanding and getting on the same page together.

Are consultations virtual or in-person?

All consultations are currently virtual via Zoom. This gives you flexibility in scheduling, lets you be in the comfort of your home, allows us to "virtually tour" your space if helpful, and means no commute time or childcare needed.

Do you work with families outside the Bay Area?

Yes! Since consultations are virtual, we work with families anywhere. Most of our consultation clients are in California, but we've helped families across the US and internationally.

What if my situation is really complex?

We work with all kinds of families and situations. If we feel your needs are beyond our scope—things like serious mental health concerns or medical issues—we'll be honest and refer you to appropriate specialists. But most of the time, we can help!

Can I buy a consultation as a gift?

Absolutely! Gift consultations are perfect for new parents, baby shower gifts, friends who are struggling, or parents returning to work. Email us at contact@bayareamontessoriplaygroup.com and we'll send you a gift certificate.

Book Your Consultation Today

Virtual via Zoom

You'll select your time slot and complete payment on the next page
Still have questions? Email us at contact@bayareamontessoriplaygroup.com
We typically respond within 24 hours!

Montessori environments, Montessori mindset, child development (0-6), observation skills, fostering independence, and cooperation.

Attachment and connection, child development, Montessori at home, sleep and rest, collaborative, noncoercive parenting.