Meet Shetal Walters | Owner and Executive Director

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

Hi Shetal, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Desert Garden Montessori began in 1996 through the interest of a small group of parents. When I became a mom, I was looking for a school that will meet the needs of the whole child, not just academic but the whole being. Montessori was the way for me, but there were not a lot of Montessori schools back then.  We held our first session in a home-based environment (my living room), and over the course of three years expanded into three homes and served 40 families. We continued to listen to the community, and created an environment that is filled with authentic connection, not just for the students but also for the staff and families. Because of increased community interest, the program was expanded to include full-day programs, a toddler program, as well as late day school to meet the needs of the families involved. In March of 1999 we moved into our current facility, which was designed specifically for Montessori.

It definitely sprung from a heart of a mom who wants the best for her children. It is the same heartbeat that makes our school unique as we always want to put the children first.

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?
Desert Garden Montessori’s innovative educational approach is both unconventional and forward-thinking, uniquely cultivating students to acquire essential practical life skills that foster a lifelong love for learning. Here are some of the highlights/program that make us unique:

1. Organic Lunch Program – We take pride in our organic, award-winning lunch program. With freshly-prepared hot meals and snacks created daily in our on-site kitchen
2. Wellness Wheel for Life Initiative – Integrative Wellness is part of our core values. The Wellness Education is part of our Wellness Wheel for Life initiative, and it comprises our Organic Kitchen, Garden Market, Sustainability, Wellness Cafe and Wellness Education Curriculum.
3. Sustainability Program – It allows for each child to connect with nature and their local ecosystem through dynamic, natured-based lessons, STEM-related activities, and hydroponic gardening. In addition, we work hand-in-hand with the Edible Education Program, which allows for another perspective on the core topics we explore.
4. Community – Our community is special. Everyone brings their own unique self, and is able to express, grow and contribute to the greater needs of the school. I love highlighting service as well, our students have a sense of responsibility, not only to themselves but to our local community. We have service initiatives that we partner with Phoenix Friendly House, Senior Houses, SRP, etc.

Getting here is definitely a journey, a tapestry of people and meaningful connections has brought us to where we are. When faced with challenges, we are not afraid to keep going, pause or ask for help. I can confidently say that we are not done yet, and we will keep growing, take relevant needs and help our students prepare for the real world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To my home and my kitchen table and cook for them, notice them, talk to them, break bread together and relish the joy of getting to know someone deeply and really see who they are. Connection is something I highly value, and cooking is something I really enjoy doing for the people I care about.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A huge part of who I am is because of my parents and the way they raised me. They valued love and creating community, service and to work with passion. They instilled a sense of social responsibility to serve rather than title or status. I appreciate that about them, and they modeled that beautifully. It is a constant source of inspiration.

My husband, a steadfast supporter who has stood by me through thick and thin, offering unconditional love and encouragement for all my dreams and endeavors.

My children and extended family, they are a constant source of inspiration, motivating me each day to persevere, believe, work passionately, and keep living a life of purpose and service towards the community we serve.

My spiritual connection with God, which, though not universally highly regarded, serves as a guiding force. By quieting my mind and listening, I find direction in the heartbeat that guides me, responding to what is asked of me and understanding my purpose on this earthly journey.

Website: www.desertgardenmontessori.org

Instagram: @dgmontessori and @wellnesswheellife

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesertGardenMontessori/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DGMontessori

Other: https://vimeo.com/dgmvideo