At Osiri University, stories like Margaret Florell’s remind us why we do what we do. With roots deep in Nebraska soil and a heart guided by curiosity, compassion, and community, Margaret is planting something extraordinary: a school grounded in nature, art, and Ubuntu, where young minds will be nurtured to flourish.
Margaret grew up on a farm and ranch in Gibbon, Nebraska, where she was homeschooled alongside her three siblings. Her childhood was a blend of cattle shows, violin practice, and cross-country travel, experiences that shaped her deep appreciation for nature and the arts. “That time in my life taught me about hard work, rhythm, patience, and the beauty of lifelong learning,” she reflects.
I owe my lifelong love of learning to my mom, who instilled in me the value of education from a young age. Her passion for knowledge and constant curiosity inspired me to see learning not just as a duty, but as a joyful, endless journey. I wouldn’t love learning, and now teaching, if it wasn’t for her unwavering example and encouragement.
Following her passion for how children think and learn, Margaret pursued a degree in elementary education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). It was there, in an art education class, that a spark was lit. “We read about different educational philosophies, and when I discovered the Montessori Method, I couldn’t believe how aligned it was with what I felt in my heart,” she says. “It sounded too good to be true.”
Then came the pandemic, and with it, a window of opportunity. Margaret returned to UNK for a master’s degree in Montessori education, eager to apply this child-centered approach in her traditional classroom. But what began as an interest soon evolved into a calling.
Today, Margaret is living that calling out loud. Together with two like-minded educators, including fellow Osiri student Mary Frink, she is opening a Montessori school, while also earning a second certification in early childhood Montessori education. Her goal is clear: to help children grow in environments that honor their natural development, creativity, and voice.
Margaret credits her journey to the strength of her support system. With a devoted husband, a one-year-old son, two dogs, and extended family nearby, she is surrounded by love, and bolstered by it. “We are truly blessed,” she says. “None of this would be possible without our families.”
When it came time to take her learning even deeper, Margaret didn’t hesitate to enroll at Osiri University. She was drawn by the reputation of her former professor, Kathie Sweet, and the high academic standards she knew would be upheld. But it’s not just the coursework that stands out, it’s the extraordinary support from faculty that has made all the difference.
As Director of the Osiri Montessori Teacher Education Program, Professor Kathie Sweet has gone far beyond her role as an online instructor. She has actively supported Margaret’s entrepreneurial journey, sharing valuable contacts, passing along leads on materials, and even accompanying her in person to view and purchase Montessori resources for sale.
At Osiri University, this level of mentorship is no exception. It’s part of a deep-rooted philosophy: when students get serious about their personal entrepreneurial projects, Osiri gets serious with them. Faculty don’t just teach, they walk alongside students as collaborators, advisors, and champions of their success.
What truly ties it all together for Margaret is Ubuntu: I am because we are. This African philosophy, which forms the foundation of Osiri’s Inclusive Education program, resonates deeply with Montessori ideals, and with Margaret’s personal values. “Ubuntu reminds me that none of us learns or grows alone. It shows up in the way I teach, raise my son, and connect with others,” she says.
From the Nebraska plains to Montessori classrooms filled with potential, Margaret is walking a path that reflects both where she came from and where she’s going. And at every step, Osiri University is walking with her.
Osiri University. Where Ubuntu Meets Purpose.
