About Donna

Professional Bio

Donna Milani Luther is a nationally and internationally recognized creative educator, school leader, and arts innovator.

Recently retired after 29 years as Head of Inly School in Scituate, MA—a progressive Montessori+ institution for toddlers through 8th grade.

Founder and Executive Director of Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts, a free, immersive camp for underserved youth.

Faculty member at the Creative Education Foundation, teaching creativity, leadership, and arts integration globally.

Adjunct faculty at Lesley University, teaching in the Creative Arts in Learning graduate program.

Donna coined the term "Montessori Plus"—a model that combines Montessori pedagogy with real-world experiential learning, creativity, and the arts.

Believes in learning as a heroic journey, inspired by Joseph Campbell's narrative arc: struggle, breakthrough, transformation.

Advocates for student agency, emotional safety, and curiosity-led education: "Structure that leads to freedom" is her guiding mantra.

Prioritizes reflection, risk-taking, collaboration, and joyful learning.

Enrollment doubled (140 to 340+ students).

Campus expanded from 3 to 14 acres.

Built the Meehan Family Artsbarn and Da Vinci Studio.

Created the "i-4" Innovation Framework: Inquire, Imagine, Invent, Implement.

Embedded public speaking, student-led internships, outdoor education, and entrepreneurship into curriculum.

Built robust arts and theatre programs impacting over 200 students each year.

Founded in 2000; serves underserved youth aged 12–17 from across the U.S.

Uses the arts as a tool to build confidence, leadership, emotional intelligence, and resilience.

Offers a 9-day immersive experience followed by a two-year leadership program.

Has impacted thousands of teens through transformative performances, mentorship, and a lifelong community.