About
Our Story
Peanut Montessori provides a holistic education based on principles from Maria Montessori; inviting young children to learn at their own pace in a calm and nurturing environment.
The program was created by Nina Robinson, a Montessori child herself, whom after years educating preschool aged children recognized how impactful these principles are when taught to students at an even younger age. We focus on infants & toddlers as they are in such an impressionable age to begin learning practical life skills.
We welcome you to learn more about our Infant, Toddler, and Primary programs and read current parent testimonials along with following along through our social media channels!
Nina Robinson
Founder & Head of SchoolNina Robinson is a Certified Montessori Teacher (MACTE) and a proud Indiana University graduate. She possesses experience from numerous Montessori based curriculums throughout Central Indiana and created Peanut Montessori offering a diverse perspective from each. She is a mother to two children at Peanut Montessori and Broad Ripple resident. herself.
Adriane Farmwald
Director of Operations & Toddler Program DirectorAdriane graduated from George Mason University with a BA in Early Childhood Development. She worked with 1 st grade for a while, but realized her love was teaching younger children. She worked for 3 years in a traditional preschool with 3-year-olds. She veered from the teaching profession for many years and returned after sending her own daughter to Peanut Montessori. She began working at Peanut in October of 2021 and can’t see herself anywhere else.Adriane looks forward every day to greeting all the children and families. The connection and community she has found at Peanut is unmatched. Adriane looks forward to growing and continuing to learn and guide others through the Montessori philosophy. Adriane loves to spend her free time with her family exploring parks, visiting every library (42nd and College is home base) and baking.
Maddy Willis
Primary Program Director & Lead GuideMaddy is a mother, a wife, and a passionate Early Childhood educator. Maddy graduated from IUPUI with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. After graduation she taught Kindergarten for two years, and in 2019 she transitioned from the traditional classroom to a public Montessori school where she taught Primary for five years. Maddy is a MACTE certified Montessori Guide, a certified yoga and SEL facilitator, and also has her Master’s in Early Childhood Education. Maddy found Peanut in 2024 after she had her first child and struggled to find reliable childcare that aligned with the way she was wanting to parent her own child. Maddy is passionate about the Montessori philosophy and enjoys learning from her students in the classroom every day. In her free time, Maddy enjoys hiking with her family, reading, and spending time outside.