Jane Campbell
Mother of Two, Grandmother of Five, Great-Grandmother of One
Founder, Montessori Services Services and For Small Hands
We had the privilege to sit down with a trailblazing entrepreneur and inspiring leader in the Montessori products space, Jane Campbell.
Jane is a woman who dives in and gets the job done.
A native Californian who began her Montessori teaching career with AMI Training in Philadelphia, she remembers days of hand drawing her albums with mostly fond memories.
Like so many successful entrepreneurs, a problem she didn’t set out to solve somehow took hold and became her calling. After four years of teaching, and with her first child on the way, she decided not to return to the classroom and Montessori Services was born (along with her first son) in 1976.
During her time in the classroom, Jane had struggled to find all of the materials she needed and searched countless charity thrift shops for the baskets, boxes, and other items required to properly set up the prepared environment and especially practical life lessons. One item in particular was an ongoing challenge: small folding cloths needed a receptacle and the first item Montessori Services started with was a cardboard, custom-made handkerchief box for the folding cloths. This proved to be just the beginning of forty years of success of sister brands Montessori Services and For Small Hands.
In those early days, Montessori Services was a nimble “put one foot in front of the other” company based from Jane’s kitchen table. Local individuals helped meet the needs of teachers and families all over. Some of the original materials were made by hand – a local craftsman made the screw board until he couldn’t keep up with all the orders pouring in. For Small Hands was the second brand that Jane launched when it became clear that families also were keen for Montessori materials for use in their homes.
Jane has raised two children with deep Montessori roots, and as her son Joe commented, “Out of all my Montessori experiences, having a trained Montessorian for a mother was the greatest gift.” Joe now runs the Parent Child Press, an active publishing company and the newest division of the company. Jane’s other son, Jeremy, is also a member of the company and supports the website and online catalog.
Favorite Product at Montessori Services: There are so many, but the ones we created with other Montessorians are special. Collaborating is the best!
Most unexpected moment as an entrepreneur: That we were able to buy Parent Child Press.
What is bringing you joy currently? My family is my greatest source of joy – two sons, five grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter! My work also brings me great joy. More recently, however, I find that sometimes there’s just a bit too much of it.
What does the future hold for you and Montessori Services? Alas, I have no crystal ball. I want to remain active in the business as long as I’m able and can be productive. Joe frequently prods me to join the 21st century! I’m trying. I hope Montessori Services will continue to serve teachers, schools, and children for many, many years.
Jane with Cloud Montessori founders, Cheryl and Aliyya.