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 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 a variety of educational settings, including an early intervention program, elementary classrooms, and home-based programming for children with special needs. Most recently, she took great pride in lead teaching 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. While new to Montessori, Danielle is eager to become fully immersed in the approach and to observe the classrooms at MSofC in action.
Executive Assistant to 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 a variety of educational settings, including an early intervention program, elementary classrooms, and home-based programming for children with special needs. Most recently, she took great pride in lead teaching 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. While new to Montessori, Danielle is eager to become fully immersed in the approach and to observe the classrooms at MSofC in action.
Stamatina Wlock
Elementary Teacher
Stamatina Wlock graduated with a BA from the University of Lethbridge in 1998. She completed her AMI Primary training at the Montessori Training Centre of British Columbia in 1999 and started her career at the Montessori School of Calgary as a Primary Assistant the same year. In 2004 she completed her AMI Elementary training and became MSofC’s Upper Elementary Teacher. In 2007 her Montessori work came full circle when one of her initial students from the Primary program completed their Upper Elementary program under Stamatina’s guidance. Ms. Wlock has two children, her eldest is an MSofC alumna and her youngest is currently enrolled in Lower Elementary. Following a 2 year sabbatical where she completed her BEd at Ambrose University in 2020, she is happy to return to MSofC, teaching Lower Elementary as an Alberta Certified Teacher.
Elementary Teacher
Stamatina Wlock graduated with a BA from the University of Lethbridge in 1998. She completed her AMI Primary training at the Montessori Training Centre of British Columbia in 1999 and started her career at the Montessori School of Calgary as a Primary Assistant the same year. In 2004 she completed her AMI Elementary training and became MSofC’s Upper Elementary Teacher. In 2007 her Montessori work came full circle when one of her initial students from the Primary program completed their Upper Elementary program under Stamatina’s guidance. Ms. Wlock has two children, her eldest is an MSofC alumna and her youngest is currently enrolled in Lower Elementary. Following a 2 year sabbatical where she completed her BEd at Ambrose University in 2020, she is happy to return to MSofC, teaching Lower Elementary as an Alberta Certified Teacher.
Evan Eckstein
Elementary Assistant
After four years of teaching English in Japan to students ranging in age and ability from pre-primary to the adult level Evan returned to Canada and in 2010 while living in Whitehorse discovered Montessori by chance. Initially working as an Assistant in a toddler program he immediately kindled a passion for the Montessori philosophy and the following year pursued AMI Casa (Primary) training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego. Evan then fulfilled the role of Primary Guide at Montessori Borealis in Whitehorse and the following year covered a maternity leave at the Montessori School of Regina. Evan joined our team at Montessori School of Calgary in Summer 2016 and continues to guide students to develop the fullness of their individual potential. Evan holds a BA in English and Japanese from the University of Regina and considers it "an honour and a privilege to work with children and to be one of their guides on their journeys of growth, learning, and independence.”
Elementary Assistant
After four years of teaching English in Japan to students ranging in age and ability from pre-primary to the adult level Evan returned to Canada and in 2010 while living in Whitehorse discovered Montessori by chance. Initially working as an Assistant in a toddler program he immediately kindled a passion for the Montessori philosophy and the following year pursued AMI Casa (Primary) training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego. Evan then fulfilled the role of Primary Guide at Montessori Borealis in Whitehorse and the following year covered a maternity leave at the Montessori School of Regina. Evan joined our team at Montessori School of Calgary in Summer 2016 and continues to guide students to develop the fullness of their individual potential. Evan holds a BA in English and Japanese from the University of Regina and considers it "an honour and a privilege to work with children and to be one of their guides on their journeys of growth, learning, and independence.”
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.”
Zandalee Lieske
Primary 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.
Primary 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.
Ashley Vincent
Special Education Aide
Ashley graduated from Simon Fraser University in 2017, with a BA in Psychology and concentration in Applied Behaviour Analysis. She has worked in the special education field since 2011, with several years of experience in both the Surrey and Burnaby Public School Districts in BC. While gaining valuable experience working with students in various settings, she has found that the Montessori method aligns with her values and beliefs in providing children with the best education experience possible. She has recently continued her education with the North American Montessori Centre and is completing the certification for teaching 3-6 year old children. She is passionate in assisting children to accelerate their growth in meaningful ways, and providing positive opportunities for them to strive for independence, expanding their interests, and flourishing in their innate gifts.
Special Education Aide
Ashley graduated from Simon Fraser University in 2017, with a BA in Psychology and concentration in Applied Behaviour Analysis. She has worked in the special education field since 2011, with several years of experience in both the Surrey and Burnaby Public School Districts in BC. While gaining valuable experience working with students in various settings, she has found that the Montessori method aligns with her values and beliefs in providing children with the best education experience possible. She has recently continued her education with the North American Montessori Centre and is completing the certification for teaching 3-6 year old children. She is passionate in assisting children to accelerate their growth in meaningful ways, and providing positive opportunities for them to strive for independence, expanding their interests, and flourishing in their innate gifts.
Glory Bryant
ECS Teacher
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. 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.
ECS Teacher
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. 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.
Brenda Livingston
Educational Assistant
A graduate of the Educational Assistant program at Red Deer College, Brenda Livingston joined MSofC in 2018 and supports the diverse learning styles within our classrooms. Through her warm, calm and patient demeanour she connects with children and provides resources to adapt instruction to each individual’s unique learning needs. Brenda is a key member of our team with experience assisting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), speech language delays, anxiety, emotional and/or behavioural exceptionalities and students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In August 2020, Brenda completed the AMI Children’s House Assistants Course through Montessori Northwest, Portland. Brenda enjoys hiking and cross-country skiing with her family and thrives on being active and outdoors. She has two Montessori educated children and has an enthusiastic appreciation and understanding of the Montessori pedagogy.
Educational Assistant
A graduate of the Educational Assistant program at Red Deer College, Brenda Livingston joined MSofC in 2018 and supports the diverse learning styles within our classrooms. Through her warm, calm and patient demeanour she connects with children and provides resources to adapt instruction to each individual’s unique learning needs. Brenda is a key member of our team with experience assisting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), speech language delays, anxiety, emotional and/or behavioural exceptionalities and students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In August 2020, Brenda completed the AMI Children’s House Assistants Course through Montessori Northwest, Portland. Brenda enjoys hiking and cross-country skiing with her family and thrives on being active and outdoors. She has two Montessori educated children and has an enthusiastic appreciation and understanding of the Montessori pedagogy.
Kelly Boechler
Classroom 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 recently joined MSofC, 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. Kelly loves her dogs, nature, and being active. She enjoys spending time with friends, and going places with her husband and son.
Classroom 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 recently joined MSofC, 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. Kelly loves her dogs, nature, and being active. She enjoys spending time with friends, and going places with her husband and son.
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.
Irina Kalish
Primary Assistant
Irina holds a Master’s degree in Education (Russia Language and Literature) and prior to her move to Canada in 2019, practiced as a Russian literature and language teacher with middle and high school students. After arriving in Vancouver from Belarus, she followed her passion for education and child psychology by pursuing her dream of studying the AMI Montessori pedagogy. She was employed at the Vancouver Montessori School where she supported and learned from the children before settling in Calgary with her family. Irina takes an academic approach to her work and studies, combining her knowledge and strong intuition to serve and meet the needs of the children in her care.
Primary Assistant
Irina holds a Master’s degree in Education (Russia Language and Literature) and prior to her move to Canada in 2019, practiced as a Russian literature and language teacher with middle and high school students. After arriving in Vancouver from Belarus, she followed her passion for education and child psychology by pursuing her dream of studying the AMI Montessori pedagogy. She was employed at the Vancouver Montessori School where she supported and learned from the children before settling in Calgary with her family. Irina takes an academic approach to her work and studies, combining her knowledge and strong intuition to serve and meet the needs of the children in her care.
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 our 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 our elementary program.
Remelyn Balinte
Custodian and After School Care Assistant
Custodian and After School Care Assistant