This brief biographical sketch of Maria Montessori focuses on her philosophy of learning and her methods of teaching. Her holistic approach to education is discussed in the light of its impact on educational theories and practices in the early 1900s. Included in this discussion is a description of her theories, such as the developmental stages of children and the psychology of pedagogy. The positive applications and influence of Montessori's work is considered as well as some of the negative aspects of her theories. (JD)