We had the good fortune of connecting with Anah Sison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Reflecting back, I had an experience when I was a young teacher. I had a student whose behavior was so intense (fits of anger, violent) and I was not equipped to handle it. Other parents were starting to get concerned for their children despite of all the efforts of our school’s support team was not also trained at that time. (Private School)

This young boy was needing help, and I did not have the training back then to handle and recognize the need behind the behaviors that this child was presenting. This boy eventually dis-enrolled.

Over the years, I have acquired the experience, the training and support that I needed to help a child in need, to support a class who is also learning from this experience, including parents and other adults who are involved in helping a child in his most important years of his life (formative years).

I started this business to coach teachers (young or old), parents, childcare providers on how to navigate these situations, understand the states of the brain, how to be composed in moments like these, and when to ask for help.

Statistics show that prekindergarten expulsions rate was 6.7 per 1000 enrolled prekindergarteners compared with rates for K-12 students at 2.1 per 1000 (3.2 times higher). Four year olds were expelled at a rate about 50 percent higher than three-year olds. Boys were expelled at a rate over 4.5 times that of girls. (https://www.cwla.org/preschool-children-have-a-higher-expulsion-rates-than-k-12/) These numbers are staggering, and I cannot imagine a child’s life starting this way, when it can be prevented.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Desertwell is about helping parents/teachers/school administrators apply best practices in Montessori with updated studies founded by newest brain research, and the science behind play, attachment and the effects of trauma.

I have a team of specialist, Treisha Wan M.A. CCC-SLP, is a speech language pathologist, ADHD Coach for kids and owner of a private practice, Illuminate Family Workshop and Dr. Alaina Puff, Ph.D., NCSP, is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and founder of FlowstateAZ, together we consult on all our lanes of expertise on how to best serve our community.

A decade of teaching and administrative experience is what got me here. Sitting with a child, walking through families who possibly, for the first time, are learning that their child may have a diagnosis, mentoring a teacher who is new to the field… these are few experiences that highlights years of hard work so I can share my knowledge to someone who is willing to take that next step of learning. The yield of being open to be coaching is massive. The skills I have acquired through practice with children, I have applied with adults and situations that I find difficult.

Our approach is not how to fix other first, it is understanding oneself first, so we can be better for the other person. All based on the work of Becky Bailey, Dan Siegel. This is brain-based approach in congruence to the Montessori philosophy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I will start with a breakfast in LGO or Postino in Arcadia. Hike at the Hole in Wall or a walk in Desert Botanical Garden.
If there is a Farmer’s Market on Central, I will take her there too.

Have lunch in Glaii Baan.
Shop in local shops, either in Mercantile (Old Town Scottsdale) or walk around there.

Happy hour or dinner at Valentine’s.
Desert: Local donuts/ Snob Pie.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Desert Garden Montessori (DGM) is a school that grew me personally and professionally, especially the Primary and iTeam. My mentor, Peggy Shupp for living the Montessori principles to heart. She has guided me through boundaries and grace; respect and playfulness; navigating these tensions in a beautiful way. Crystal Lindquist, iTeam, your coaching on Conscious Discipline changed my lens on how to view any behaviors, whether it is coming from a child or adult. It is life-changing!

Shetal Walters, Executive Director of DGM, her vision, bravery and her genuine love for community birthed the school we love being a part of.

My parents who valued people more than things. You showed me a life full of vibrance and service. I will be forever grateful.

Website: www.desertwellmontessori.com

Instagram: @desertwellmontessori

Image Credits
@eleanor.photo (photo credit) – Eleanor

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.