Our Team
Patti van Zeyl
Head of School
With a BEd from the University of Calgary and 15 years' experience in the area of post-secondary enrollment services and advancement Patti assumed the leadership post as our Head of School and Principal at the Montessori School of Calgary in Summer of 2016. Her connection to Montessori dates back to 1995 when she registered her first of five children in our Primary program. She assisted in founding the school's Parent Advisory Committee, served on the team of parents and community members cultivating funds to build the new playground in 2013 and was actively involved as a member of the MSofC Board of Directors.
Head of School
With a BEd from the University of Calgary and 15 years' experience in the area of post-secondary enrollment services and advancement Patti assumed the leadership post as our Head of School and Principal at the Montessori School of Calgary in Summer of 2016. Her connection to Montessori dates back to 1995 when she registered her first of five children in our Primary program. She assisted in founding the school's Parent Advisory Committee, served on the team of parents and community members cultivating funds to build the new playground in 2013 and was actively involved as a member of the MSofC Board of Directors.
Danielle Bechard
Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Danielle graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 2012. Originally from Vancouver Island, she has lived all over Canada, but has made Calgary her home since 2013. She has worked in diverse educational settings including an early intervention program, elementary classrooms, university programs and home-based programming for children with special needs. Most recently, she was lead teacher at a parent co-operative preschool, where she was actively involved in coordinating school operations alongside parent volunteers. This experience led her to join the administrative team at MSofC in 2020. While still new to Montessori, Danielle completed the AMI Montessori Orientation course in early 2021 and enjoys opportunities to spend time in the classrooms at MSofC.
Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Danielle graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 2012. Originally from Vancouver Island, she has lived all over Canada, but has made Calgary her home since 2013. She has worked in diverse educational settings including an early intervention program, elementary classrooms, university programs and home-based programming for children with special needs. Most recently, she was lead teacher at a parent co-operative preschool, where she was actively involved in coordinating school operations alongside parent volunteers. This experience led her to join the administrative team at MSofC in 2020. While still new to Montessori, Danielle completed the AMI Montessori Orientation course in early 2021 and enjoys opportunities to spend time in the classrooms at MSofC.
Chelsea Hubble
Elementary Teacher
Chelsea graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Education in 2020. Originally from a family farm outside of Taber, Chelsea lived in Saskatoon for several years before returning to Southern Alberta to be closer to family. She has worked in a variety of classroom settings including multi-grade classrooms, elementary and middle school. With a passion for student-led learning, mathematics and literacy, Chelsea incorporates hands-on and real life experiences to engage students in learning. Chelsea is beginning Montessori training and is excited to learn more about the Montessori approach. With a passion for hiking and nature, Chelsea can often be found outside with her fiancé and corgi. Chelsea is excited to step into her new role as the Upper Elementary teacher here at MSofC and to grow alongside the amazing staff and students at the school.
Elementary Teacher
Chelsea graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Education in 2020. Originally from a family farm outside of Taber, Chelsea lived in Saskatoon for several years before returning to Southern Alberta to be closer to family. She has worked in a variety of classroom settings including multi-grade classrooms, elementary and middle school. With a passion for student-led learning, mathematics and literacy, Chelsea incorporates hands-on and real life experiences to engage students in learning. Chelsea is beginning Montessori training and is excited to learn more about the Montessori approach. With a passion for hiking and nature, Chelsea can often be found outside with her fiancé and corgi. Chelsea is excited to step into her new role as the Upper Elementary teacher here at MSofC and to grow alongside the amazing staff and students at the school.
Oleg Kovalchuk
Elementary Guide
Oleg Kovalchuk is a dedicated educator currently leading the Lower Elementary 'Fern Room' class at the Montessori School of Calgary. With an extensive academic background that includes a Bachelor of Education, Masters of Education, Montessori Diploma, and a Practical Nursing Diploma, Oleg brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the classroom. With over a decade of teaching experience in both public and private schools in Europe and Canada, Oleg's expertise is deeply rooted in fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. His prior experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) also adds a compassionate dimension to his teaching style, ensuring the holistic well-being of his students. Beyond the classroom, Oleg is a devoted father of four and cherishes family values. In his free time, he finds solace in the pages of books, connecting with nature, exploring new destinations through travel, and sharing his passion for aviation and animals with his students.
Elementary Guide
Oleg Kovalchuk is a dedicated educator currently leading the Lower Elementary 'Fern Room' class at the Montessori School of Calgary. With an extensive academic background that includes a Bachelor of Education, Masters of Education, Montessori Diploma, and a Practical Nursing Diploma, Oleg brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the classroom. With over a decade of teaching experience in both public and private schools in Europe and Canada, Oleg's expertise is deeply rooted in fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. His prior experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) also adds a compassionate dimension to his teaching style, ensuring the holistic well-being of his students. Beyond the classroom, Oleg is a devoted father of four and cherishes family values. In his free time, he finds solace in the pages of books, connecting with nature, exploring new destinations through travel, and sharing his passion for aviation and animals with his students.
Zandalee Lieske
Classroom Assistant
Zandalee graduated from the MacEwan University Early Learning and Child Care Diploma program in 2017. After returning to Calgary, she worked with Palliser Regional Schools as an Educational Assistant. Her experience in elementary schools and other settings during her time at MacEwan has allowed her to gain a great understanding for the developing child and a curiosity for various methods including Montessori. In Summer 2019, Zandalee completed the AMI assistant’s course, Montessori 101, at the Foundation for Montessori Education in Toronto.
Classroom Assistant
Zandalee graduated from the MacEwan University Early Learning and Child Care Diploma program in 2017. After returning to Calgary, she worked with Palliser Regional Schools as an Educational Assistant. Her experience in elementary schools and other settings during her time at MacEwan has allowed her to gain a great understanding for the developing child and a curiosity for various methods including Montessori. In Summer 2019, Zandalee completed the AMI assistant’s course, Montessori 101, at the Foundation for Montessori Education in Toronto.
Glory Bryant
Primary Guide
Ms. Glory graduated from the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus, formally OUC in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and later completed a Bachelor of Education degree in 2004. Her first teaching role was at a Montessori school in Summerland, B.C. From this point forward she knew she felt at home in a school incorporating the Montessori philosophy and was inspired to teach in various schools after moving to Calgary in 2009. In June 2022, Glory graduated from the AMI Primary Guide Diploma program in Portland, Oregon. She is incredibly grateful for this opportunity, which has brought a deeper understanding of both the methodology and practice of the Montessori way. Glory is a fan of the great outdoors and loves working with children. She enjoys contributing to the MSofC community of learners and believes every day is a new day with a chance for a fresh start when working with children.
Primary Guide
Ms. Glory graduated from the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus, formally OUC in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and later completed a Bachelor of Education degree in 2004. Her first teaching role was at a Montessori school in Summerland, B.C. From this point forward she knew she felt at home in a school incorporating the Montessori philosophy and was inspired to teach in various schools after moving to Calgary in 2009. In June 2022, Glory graduated from the AMI Primary Guide Diploma program in Portland, Oregon. She is incredibly grateful for this opportunity, which has brought a deeper understanding of both the methodology and practice of the Montessori way. Glory is a fan of the great outdoors and loves working with children. She enjoys contributing to the MSofC community of learners and believes every day is a new day with a chance for a fresh start when working with children.
Kelly Boechler
Primary Assistant
Kelly is a graduate of Mount Royal University’s Early Childhood Education program. Originally from Brandon, Manitoba, Kelly moved to Calgary in 1995 and has called YYC home ever since. She has over 20 years’ experience teaching preschool children, while regularly expanding her knowledge through continuing education. Kelly joined MSofC in 2020, combining her new experiences in Montessori with her experience as an educator and a creator of academic, music, and movement programming. Kelly’s energetic, encouraging, and patient presence has fit in well at MSofC and in 2022, she completed the requirements for the 3-6 assistant certification through Foundation For Montessori Education. Kelly loves her dogs, nature, and being active. She enjoys spending time with friends, and going places with her husband and son.
Primary Assistant
Kelly is a graduate of Mount Royal University’s Early Childhood Education program. Originally from Brandon, Manitoba, Kelly moved to Calgary in 1995 and has called YYC home ever since. She has over 20 years’ experience teaching preschool children, while regularly expanding her knowledge through continuing education. Kelly joined MSofC in 2020, combining her new experiences in Montessori with her experience as an educator and a creator of academic, music, and movement programming. Kelly’s energetic, encouraging, and patient presence has fit in well at MSofC and in 2022, she completed the requirements for the 3-6 assistant certification through Foundation For Montessori Education. Kelly loves her dogs, nature, and being active. She enjoys spending time with friends, and going places with her husband and son.
Nathalie Gilbert
Primary Guide
Nathalie was born in Montreal with Calgary becoming home in 1986. She graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1996 and worked as a French teacher, assistant and finally as a Montessori directress for Calgary Montessori School. As an assistant Nathalie enrolled in the AMI summer program in Portland and completed her training in 2005. She has worked in Shanghai, Morocco and mostly in Hong Kong at the International Montessori School. While in SE Asia Nathalie began new hobbies including sailing and kayaking and is excited to return to Calgary to be close to her son and his new family. Her favourite quote from Dr. Maria Montessori is now Nathalie’s motto, “Help me to help myself.”
Primary Guide
Nathalie was born in Montreal with Calgary becoming home in 1986. She graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1996 and worked as a French teacher, assistant and finally as a Montessori directress for Calgary Montessori School. As an assistant Nathalie enrolled in the AMI summer program in Portland and completed her training in 2005. She has worked in Shanghai, Morocco and mostly in Hong Kong at the International Montessori School. While in SE Asia Nathalie began new hobbies including sailing and kayaking and is excited to return to Calgary to be close to her son and his new family. Her favourite quote from Dr. Maria Montessori is now Nathalie’s motto, “Help me to help myself.”
Stephanie St. John
Primary Assistant
Stephanie grew up in Burlington, Ontario and graduated from Western University in 2012 with a degree in Health Sciences/English Language and Literature. She then completed a post-graduate certificate through Mohawk College in Autism and Behavioural Science in 2014. For ten years, Stephanie worked in the field of ABA, teaching children with autism important skills to improve their communication, independence, and quality of life. She pursued her Master of Professional Education in ABA while working in the field, which she completed in 2021. Stephanie first heard about Montessori from a colleague while working at the International School of Panama. She drew parallels between the Montessori philosophy and the aspects she liked most about her work, intriguing her to learn more. Stephanie recently moved to Calgary and is pursuing the AMI 3-6 Montessori Assistant course to be completed this year. As someone who considers herself a lifelong learner, she enjoys supporting young learners to follow their interests and to be excited about their work. In her free time, Stephanie likes to read, cook, and practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Primary Assistant
Stephanie grew up in Burlington, Ontario and graduated from Western University in 2012 with a degree in Health Sciences/English Language and Literature. She then completed a post-graduate certificate through Mohawk College in Autism and Behavioural Science in 2014. For ten years, Stephanie worked in the field of ABA, teaching children with autism important skills to improve their communication, independence, and quality of life. She pursued her Master of Professional Education in ABA while working in the field, which she completed in 2021. Stephanie first heard about Montessori from a colleague while working at the International School of Panama. She drew parallels between the Montessori philosophy and the aspects she liked most about her work, intriguing her to learn more. Stephanie recently moved to Calgary and is pursuing the AMI 3-6 Montessori Assistant course to be completed this year. As someone who considers herself a lifelong learner, she enjoys supporting young learners to follow their interests and to be excited about their work. In her free time, Stephanie likes to read, cook, and practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Teresa Sabiston
Primary Guide
Originally from Ireland, Teresa obtained her BEd in Limerick and a few years later, her AMI Primary diploma from Sion Hill Training Centre, Dublin. Teresa relocated to Ottawa in 1987 with her Canadian husband and taught at Montessori schools in Ottawa and Sudbury before moving to Calgary with her husband and three young children in 1998. A passionate, life-long learner, Teresa went on to obtain a MEd in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at the University of Calgary, graduating in 2009. Teresa has enjoyed a lengthy career in Calgary as a Montessori Guide and is a strong advocate for Montessori education. Teresa’s other main passion is music education; she has worked at Mount Royal Conservatory as an Orff instructor on a part-time basis for over a decade. She enjoys yoga and hiking as well as frequenting art galleries and coffee shops with her husband.
Primary Guide
Originally from Ireland, Teresa obtained her BEd in Limerick and a few years later, her AMI Primary diploma from Sion Hill Training Centre, Dublin. Teresa relocated to Ottawa in 1987 with her Canadian husband and taught at Montessori schools in Ottawa and Sudbury before moving to Calgary with her husband and three young children in 1998. A passionate, life-long learner, Teresa went on to obtain a MEd in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at the University of Calgary, graduating in 2009. Teresa has enjoyed a lengthy career in Calgary as a Montessori Guide and is a strong advocate for Montessori education. Teresa’s other main passion is music education; she has worked at Mount Royal Conservatory as an Orff instructor on a part-time basis for over a decade. She enjoys yoga and hiking as well as frequenting art galleries and coffee shops with her husband.
Remelyn Balinte
Primary Assistant and After School Care Assistant
“It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work it.” Dr. Maria Montessori
Hailing from the pearl of the orient, the Philippines, Remelyn is a licensed Secondary Educator, with a major in Physical Sciences and finished her degree in 2001 at Saint Louis University, Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines. In 2003, she got the opportunity to work and tutor children in Taiwan for over two years. In 2005, she was able to work in Canada with families who needed support for their children. In 2009, she was blessed with a beautiful son! And because of him, she wanted to learn more about guiding young children. She expanded her journey of teaching by pursuing the Early Childhood Education Assistant course at Evergreen College, Mississauga, Ontario. While working as an assistant in a Montessori school, she became curious and interested in the pedagogy, and in 2013 she got her Diploma as an AMI Montessori Casa Guide from the Foundation for Montessori Education in Toronto, Ontario. She shared and practiced the beauty of Montessori pedagogy in different daycares in pursuit of one day working with an AMI accredited school. In October 2018, she was warmly welcomed by Montessori School of Calgary. Aside from being a busy mom, as an Igorota she loves to explore the beautiful cordilleras of Canada!
Primary Assistant and After School Care Assistant
“It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work it.” Dr. Maria Montessori
Hailing from the pearl of the orient, the Philippines, Remelyn is a licensed Secondary Educator, with a major in Physical Sciences and finished her degree in 2001 at Saint Louis University, Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines. In 2003, she got the opportunity to work and tutor children in Taiwan for over two years. In 2005, she was able to work in Canada with families who needed support for their children. In 2009, she was blessed with a beautiful son! And because of him, she wanted to learn more about guiding young children. She expanded her journey of teaching by pursuing the Early Childhood Education Assistant course at Evergreen College, Mississauga, Ontario. While working as an assistant in a Montessori school, she became curious and interested in the pedagogy, and in 2013 she got her Diploma as an AMI Montessori Casa Guide from the Foundation for Montessori Education in Toronto, Ontario. She shared and practiced the beauty of Montessori pedagogy in different daycares in pursuit of one day working with an AMI accredited school. In October 2018, she was warmly welcomed by Montessori School of Calgary. Aside from being a busy mom, as an Igorota she loves to explore the beautiful cordilleras of Canada!
Sarah Griffin
Resource Teacher
Sarah Griffin is a seasoned educator with 12 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools. Holding a Bachelor of Education, Master of Education, Post Graduate Certificate in Special Education and Alberta Leadership Certification, Sarah Griffin brings a wealth of expertise to our team. With a fervent passion for inquiry-based, hands-on education within a Montessori framework, she has consistently fostered engaging learning environments. In addition, Sarah completed the AMI Foundations course through Montessori Northwest in Portland, Oregon. Balancing her professional commitment with family life, Sarah is a devoted spouse and parent to her young son Iver. She will focus on enhancing student and teacher support at MSofC.
Resource Teacher
Sarah Griffin is a seasoned educator with 12 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools. Holding a Bachelor of Education, Master of Education, Post Graduate Certificate in Special Education and Alberta Leadership Certification, Sarah Griffin brings a wealth of expertise to our team. With a fervent passion for inquiry-based, hands-on education within a Montessori framework, she has consistently fostered engaging learning environments. In addition, Sarah completed the AMI Foundations course through Montessori Northwest in Portland, Oregon. Balancing her professional commitment with family life, Sarah is a devoted spouse and parent to her young son Iver. She will focus on enhancing student and teacher support at MSofC.
Claire Butler
Music Specialist
Originally from the North-East of England, Claire has lived in Calgary since 2012. She is a versatile musician and educator with over 25 years working with children in various settings. As a music specialist, Claire has worked in many Montessori preschools and gives workshops to teachers to help them enhance music in the classroom. After studying at the Royal College of Music in London UK, Claire pursued a career in music teaching and performing. To accompany her teaching hours, Claire accompanies Calgary Girls Choir and Cum Vino Cantus choir. Claire is also a busy mom and her daughter is enrolled in MSofC's Elementary program.
Music Specialist
Originally from the North-East of England, Claire has lived in Calgary since 2012. She is a versatile musician and educator with over 25 years working with children in various settings. As a music specialist, Claire has worked in many Montessori preschools and gives workshops to teachers to help them enhance music in the classroom. After studying at the Royal College of Music in London UK, Claire pursued a career in music teaching and performing. To accompany her teaching hours, Claire accompanies Calgary Girls Choir and Cum Vino Cantus choir. Claire is also a busy mom and her daughter is enrolled in MSofC's Elementary program.
Aida Pascua
Outdoor Recess Supervisor and After School Care Assistant
Aida graduated from a Midwifery program in the Philippines in the year 1976. In 2002, she came to Canada and began working as a caregiver, and since then has gained 22 years of experience working with children from newborns to toddlers and preschool. Aida also graduated from the Health Care Aide program at ABM College in Calgary in 2012. She recently joined the team at Montessori of Calgary and enjoys looking after the safety and well-being of the children during recess time and in after school care.
Outdoor Recess Supervisor and After School Care Assistant
Aida graduated from a Midwifery program in the Philippines in the year 1976. In 2002, she came to Canada and began working as a caregiver, and since then has gained 22 years of experience working with children from newborns to toddlers and preschool. Aida also graduated from the Health Care Aide program at ABM College in Calgary in 2012. She recently joined the team at Montessori of Calgary and enjoys looking after the safety and well-being of the children during recess time and in after school care.
Rachel Angebrandt
Outdoor Recess Supervisor and After School Care Assistant
Outdoor Recess Supervisor and After School Care Assistant