You Are Not Alone.
How we support Healthcare Professionals and Caregivers
What is Montessori for Alzheimer’s?
Many people associate Montessori with childhood education. Young students thrive in this human-centred approach to learning, with a focus on dignity and independence. When these principles are applied to those affected by Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders, the impact is equally profound.
Montessori for Alzheimer’s is an approach designed to improve the daily lives of people living with cognitive disorders. It focuses on preserved abilities and provides practical strategies to foster engagement, autonomy, and connection.
Our team educates family caregivers and healthcare professionals in putting these principles into practice.
Meet our Experts:
Marc Norris, Director & Trainer
Every day in dementia care comes with its own challenges, from small frustrations to moments that test patience and understanding. Marc Norris knows what it feels like to face these moments and has dedicated his career to helping caregivers and professionals find practical ways to create calm, connection, and purpose in their routines.
With a Master’s in andragogy, a background in special education, and certification as an ADHD coach, Marc spent over 15 years teaching and guiding students, as well as coordinating first-year internships at CÉGEP du Vieux-Montréal. After retiring from teaching, he focused on social gerontology and pursued intensive training in the Montessori method for adults with memory disorders under Cameron Camp and Jérôme Erkes.
Marc has worked directly with families and care professionals through initiatives like the Respire Day Centre for adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s and Memory Cafés, where those affected can share their experiences and emotions. Today, he offers training courses designed to provide practical tools and strategies to make daily care environments more positive for everyone involved.
Josée Fortin, Trainer
Josée Fortin understands how care can stretch your patience and energy, whether you are supporting a family member or working in a professional setting. Her experience as both a caregiver and an educator has given her firsthand insight into the challenges of maintaining connection, engagement, and dignity in daily care.
Born in Quebec, Josée holds a DEC in Arts and Letters (major in Theatre), a Bachelor of Arts including cultural animation, and a certificate in psychosocial intervention. She began her career supporting children and families through Dr. Julien’s Children’s Home and the Passe-Partout organization in Montreal before moving to the Yukon, where she has spent over 15 years as an educator and cultural mediator at the Yukon Montessori School.
Her interest in applying the Montessori method to the elderly grew as she cared for her own in-laws. Trained by the Montessori Alzheimer Centre in 2020, she now leads workshops and activities adapted for seniors experiencing loss of autonomy. She brings her multidisciplinary artistic background to create meaningful, engaging experiences. Josée holds multiple certifications from the International Montessori Association and continues to deepen her practice with diverse communities through cultural and creative interventions.
The Principles of the Adapted Montessori Approach
Build on remaining abilities and support preserved capacities
Use visual aids and cues to compensate for memory challenges
Offer choices to maintain control over daily life
Keep people engaged in familiar environments and their community
Adapt activities to match interests and abilities
Adjust the physical and social environment to support potential
Modify communication to reduce frustration and reactive behaviours
Use non-verbal and sensory strategies to strengthen connection
We appreciate your kind words...
"This presentation for caregivers allowed me to reconnect with the human side of the psychosocial approach. At a time when know-how seems to have taken precedence over time, the presentation fostered a return to interpersonal skills through human connection, emphasizing "being with" rather than "doing for." A truly insightful discussion with my partner followed our participation in this webinar. A huge THANK YOU for sharing the realities of the daily lives of people with hearts of gold."
— Claude-Marc Bardier, Speaker
Association Aidants Naturels Bas-Richelieu
The Impact of the Approach
For the person with cognitive disorders:
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Supports autonomy and everyday skills
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Maintains self-esteem and communication abilities
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Enhances quality of life and engagement
For families and caregivers:
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Reduces frustration and feelings of helplessness
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Improves communication and relationships
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Promotes confidence and satisfaction in care
For healthcare settings:
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Strengthens relationships between staff and residents
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Reduces reactive behaviours and reliance on medication and restraints
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Increases job satisfaction and fosters a supportive culture
For nearly 10 years, the Montessori Alzheimer Centre has been helping caregivers, families, and care settings apply these principles through training, workshops, and certifications. Our approach uses meaningful activities, adapted environments, and communication strategies to make daily care more calm and relational. Like most individuals who attend our training, we believe dementia care deserves a better path forward. Register for a session to expand your knowledge, skills and impact on daily care.