Members of the Board
Stephana Bobey Poulsen, Chair
As an Architect practicing since 2006 Stephana brings to the Board a clear understanding of the importance of the physical environment in the development and wellbeing of all people, considerable collaboration skills, and a commitment to objectivity honed through years of delicately mixing art and science in the design world. Stephana first became fascinated by the developing child mind as a volunteer Brownie and Guide Leader with Girl Guides of Canada. 15 years of that leadership experience crystallized her understanding that the most successful activities; those where the lesson was best absorbed and was also the greatest fun, were the activities that were most closely inspired and led by each girl's own curiosity and desire to explore their world. This realization wasn't so far a stretch considering Stephana spent three years of elementary school in a Montessori based program and grades 10-12 at Bishop Carroll High School, a Calgary school focused on independent study, individual progress, and student directed schedules. Stephana's daughter and two sons have all completed the Primary program at Montessori School of Calgary and are in the Elementary program.
As an Architect practicing since 2006 Stephana brings to the Board a clear understanding of the importance of the physical environment in the development and wellbeing of all people, considerable collaboration skills, and a commitment to objectivity honed through years of delicately mixing art and science in the design world. Stephana first became fascinated by the developing child mind as a volunteer Brownie and Guide Leader with Girl Guides of Canada. 15 years of that leadership experience crystallized her understanding that the most successful activities; those where the lesson was best absorbed and was also the greatest fun, were the activities that were most closely inspired and led by each girl's own curiosity and desire to explore their world. This realization wasn't so far a stretch considering Stephana spent three years of elementary school in a Montessori based program and grades 10-12 at Bishop Carroll High School, a Calgary school focused on independent study, individual progress, and student directed schedules. Stephana's daughter and two sons have all completed the Primary program at Montessori School of Calgary and are in the Elementary program.
Lynsey Gibney, Director
Lynsey’s interest in working with young children ignited when she taught ballet at age 16. She noticed the power of movement when engaging children and that the youngest were most enthusiastic. These two concepts drew her to complete the AMI Primary Training program in Vancouver in 1998. Lynsey was hired at the Montessori School of Calgary that same year and continued until the birth of the first of three sons in 2006. All three boys attended a Montessori Primary program and she is now Parent Council Chair at their French Immersion school. She is absolutely thrilled with the opportunity to take part in a small but valuable role at MSofC as the school holds a soft place in her heart.
Lynsey’s interest in working with young children ignited when she taught ballet at age 16. She noticed the power of movement when engaging children and that the youngest were most enthusiastic. These two concepts drew her to complete the AMI Primary Training program in Vancouver in 1998. Lynsey was hired at the Montessori School of Calgary that same year and continued until the birth of the first of three sons in 2006. All three boys attended a Montessori Primary program and she is now Parent Council Chair at their French Immersion school. She is absolutely thrilled with the opportunity to take part in a small but valuable role at MSofC as the school holds a soft place in her heart.
Patti van Zeyl, Head of School and Principal
With a BEd from the University of Calgary and 15 years' experience in the area of post-secondary enrolment services and advancement Patti assumed the leadership post as our School Administrator 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.
With a BEd from the University of Calgary and 15 years' experience in the area of post-secondary enrolment services and advancement Patti assumed the leadership post as our School Administrator 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.
Jennifer Biegler, Secretary Treasurer
Jennifer developed an appreciation for a commitment to the Montessori philosophy through watching her two youngest children embrace and thrive in the Montessori environment. She is a CPA, CA (2005), holds a B.Comm from the University of Calgary and a Master Degree in Accounting from the University of Saskatchewan. While working in public practice, she participated in the audits of varied industries and has had specific exposure to various for-profit and not-for-profit entities including a Calgary region private school. After leaving public practice, she worked primarily in the Energy Services industry in an external Financial Reporting capacity. Jennifer is proud of the opportunity to contribute her time and expertise to MSofC and play a role in helping them to continue their trans-formative and important work with the students.
Jennifer developed an appreciation for a commitment to the Montessori philosophy through watching her two youngest children embrace and thrive in the Montessori environment. She is a CPA, CA (2005), holds a B.Comm from the University of Calgary and a Master Degree in Accounting from the University of Saskatchewan. While working in public practice, she participated in the audits of varied industries and has had specific exposure to various for-profit and not-for-profit entities including a Calgary region private school. After leaving public practice, she worked primarily in the Energy Services industry in an external Financial Reporting capacity. Jennifer is proud of the opportunity to contribute her time and expertise to MSofC and play a role in helping them to continue their trans-formative and important work with the students.
Chris Chung, Director