Jane Wechsler grew up in New York City. She attended Bennington College, and moved to California, where she received her BA at U.S.C. and her M.A. at St. Mary’s College. She received her preschool American Montessori teaching credential in 1980, followed by her elementary Montessori credential for children ages 6–12. She is the founder and retired Head of School of the Montessori Family School, with sites in Berkeley and El Cerrito, which opened in 1981.

She began her teaching career in New York City, where she worked for Head Start under the leadership of Shirley Chisholm. She has taught children in Montessori elementary classes for more than 35 years. She continues to consult and train teachers all over the world, for both private and public schools. Jane is married with two sons. One son lives and works in the Bay Area and the other works and lives with his family in London. Jane is married to Bruce Gurganus, who is also an Elder. They are the happy grandparents of three beautiful little girls.