O.K., thanks. I must have confused the name with something else.
Her original work was to foster the development of the children of the poor in Rome (the "criminal class"), many of whom were considered mentally retarded. She believed in the innate dignity of the child: that children are drawn toward beauty, order, self-discipline, purpose, if they are given ample opportunities and a good environment. She continued with the same philosophy with the children of the poor in India.
Here's an interesting article on Montessori and Catholicism.