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 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.
Head of School
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.
Sarah Griffin
Principal and Elementary Teacher
Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Communication and Culture in 2009, followed by a BEd in 2011 and is currently enrolled in a MEd program - all at the University of Calgary. She spent seven years teaching division two/upper elementary in various positions within the Calgary Board of Education. Sarah valued her experience teaching with the CBE, which enabled her to learn about connecting with many diverse individuals. Ms. Griffin has strengths teaching inquiry-based learning, creating individualized lessons and is excited to go back to her roots, as she spent her primary and early elementary educational years within a Montessori program. Sarah has a passion for hands-on learning and exploration within all areas of the curriculum, especially the integration of technology to help students with communication of cross-curricular understandings.
Principal and Elementary Teacher
Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Communication and Culture in 2009, followed by a BEd in 2011 and is currently enrolled in a MEd program - all at the University of Calgary. She spent seven years teaching division two/upper elementary in various positions within the Calgary Board of Education. Sarah valued her experience teaching with the CBE, which enabled her to learn about connecting with many diverse individuals. Ms. Griffin has strengths teaching inquiry-based learning, creating individualized lessons and is excited to go back to her roots, as she spent her primary and early elementary educational years within a Montessori program. Sarah has a passion for hands-on learning and exploration within all areas of the curriculum, especially the integration of technology to help students with communication of cross-curricular understandings.
Ariane Kamga-Youmbi
Administrative Assistant
Originally from Cameroon, Ariane completed a Master of Laws degree and spent years studying law and devoting her attention to health and the environment, specifically focusing on access to immigrant women’s health care. Following the birth of her first child Ariane came across the Montessori philosophy and immediately embraced the intuitive way in which Montessori fosters an environment to encourage the creativity, independence and confidence of the child. Despite the opportunity to pursue a PhD program at the University of Sherbrooke, Quebec Ariane chose to be involved in the education of the child and in 2013 started with the Montessori School of Calgary as a Primary Assistant and French support to Pauline Hogan our Montessori Advisor. Eventually she channeled her keen observation and detailed oriented skills to her current role as Administrative Assistant. Ariane lives Montessori both at school and at home with her husband and 3 young children.
Administrative Assistant
Originally from Cameroon, Ariane completed a Master of Laws degree and spent years studying law and devoting her attention to health and the environment, specifically focusing on access to immigrant women’s health care. Following the birth of her first child Ariane came across the Montessori philosophy and immediately embraced the intuitive way in which Montessori fosters an environment to encourage the creativity, independence and confidence of the child. Despite the opportunity to pursue a PhD program at the University of Sherbrooke, Quebec Ariane chose to be involved in the education of the child and in 2013 started with the Montessori School of Calgary as a Primary Assistant and French support to Pauline Hogan our Montessori Advisor. Eventually she channeled her keen observation and detailed oriented skills to her current role as Administrative Assistant. Ariane lives Montessori both at school and at home with her husband and 3 young children.
Stamatina Wlock
Elementary Guide (on sabbatical)
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. She became a Primary Guide in 2001 and began her AMI Elementary training that same year. Stamatina continued to work as a Primary Guide until 2004 when she became MSofC’s Elementary Guide. In 2007 her Montessori work came full circle when one of her initial students from the Primary Program completed upper elementary program under Stamatina’s guidance. Ms. Wlock has two children in the MSofC program and while on sabbatical she serves as the AMI Montessori Advisor to our team.
Elementary Guide (on sabbatical)
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. She became a Primary Guide in 2001 and began her AMI Elementary training that same year. Stamatina continued to work as a Primary Guide until 2004 when she became MSofC’s Elementary Guide. In 2007 her Montessori work came full circle when one of her initial students from the Primary Program completed upper elementary program under Stamatina’s guidance. Ms. Wlock has two children in the MSofC program and while on sabbatical she serves as the AMI Montessori Advisor to our team.
Alex Whelan
Elementary Generalist and Phys Ed Teacher
Triggered by significant hockey injuries Alex developed a passion in the area of nutrition and athletics. This enthusiasm combined with his nature-loving and active lifestyle lead Alex to complete a Physical and Health Education degree at Queen’s University in 2013. The following year he graduated from Nippising University with a BEd and then taught in London, England where he discovered the uniqueness of students and how each student learns at his or her own pace. Alex quickly recognized that his values strongly resonate with the Montessori philosophy and understands the integral relationship between fitness, nutrition, and academic success. He is thrilled to incorporate these teachings into the curriculum and honoured to have joined the elementary team at the Montessori School of Calgary.
Elementary Generalist and Phys Ed Teacher
Triggered by significant hockey injuries Alex developed a passion in the area of nutrition and athletics. This enthusiasm combined with his nature-loving and active lifestyle lead Alex to complete a Physical and Health Education degree at Queen’s University in 2013. The following year he graduated from Nippising University with a BEd and then taught in London, England where he discovered the uniqueness of students and how each student learns at his or her own pace. Alex quickly recognized that his values strongly resonate with the Montessori philosophy and understands the integral relationship between fitness, nutrition, and academic success. He is thrilled to incorporate these teachings into the curriculum and honoured to have joined the elementary team at the Montessori School of Calgary.
Zineb Lahmar
Primary Assistant
Zineb hails from Morocco where she obtained two diplomas in both Science and Economics and then spent a number of years working in a Moroccan bank. She came to Canada in 2012 and one year later began working at the Montessori School of Calgary as a Primary Assistant. Zineb was deeply moved by the benefits of the Montessori methodology and welcomed the influence on the new life she and her husband began for their family. In 2013 Zineb received her Child Development Assistant certification from the Alberta government and in summer of 2015 she completed the AMI Assistant certification program in Toronto. Zineb has two children enrolled in the Elementary program.
Primary Assistant
Zineb hails from Morocco where she obtained two diplomas in both Science and Economics and then spent a number of years working in a Moroccan bank. She came to Canada in 2012 and one year later began working at the Montessori School of Calgary as a Primary Assistant. Zineb was deeply moved by the benefits of the Montessori methodology and welcomed the influence on the new life she and her husband began for their family. In 2013 Zineb received her Child Development Assistant certification from the Alberta government and in summer of 2015 she completed the AMI Assistant certification program in Toronto. Zineb has two children enrolled in the Elementary program.
Semou Diene
Primary Assistant
Semou has over eight years' experience as an educator in early childhood, elementary and high school education. She holds a BA in education and French literature from the University of Dakar (Senegal) since 2008. Semou loves working with students and conducting educational as well as social activities to help them expand their personal growth and development toward their role in society. She recently completed her Montessori Classroom Assistant’s Certificate and is passionate about the Montessori approach to education for its efficiency and suitability in helping children develop their imagination and social interaction through cognitive and recreational activities. Mme. Diene is fluent in French and joined the Montessori School of Calgary in 2016 as a Primary Assistant where her enthusiasm and excitement continues to show in her work with our children and families!
Primary Assistant
Semou has over eight years' experience as an educator in early childhood, elementary and high school education. She holds a BA in education and French literature from the University of Dakar (Senegal) since 2008. Semou loves working with students and conducting educational as well as social activities to help them expand their personal growth and development toward their role in society. She recently completed her Montessori Classroom Assistant’s Certificate and is passionate about the Montessori approach to education for its efficiency and suitability in helping children develop their imagination and social interaction through cognitive and recreational activities. Mme. Diene is fluent in French and joined the Montessori School of Calgary in 2016 as a Primary Assistant where her enthusiasm and excitement continues to show in her work with our children and families!
Sophie Gao
Primary Guide
Ms. Sophie Gao, graduated with a master’s degree in Information Management from Wuhan University in China in 2007. She completed her AMI Montessori Primary credential at the Montessori Training Centre Northeast in Hartford, Connecticut and has used her strong bilingual background to work internationally in the Montessori community. Driven by curiosity and passion for the Montessori pedagogy, Sophie also embarked upon AMI elementary training through the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee. She is a voracious reader and can often be found with her nose in one of Dr. Montessori’s books! Ms. Gao has a great sense of humour and is thoughtful, warm and nurturing and has a child in our elementary program!
Primary Guide
Ms. Sophie Gao, graduated with a master’s degree in Information Management from Wuhan University in China in 2007. She completed her AMI Montessori Primary credential at the Montessori Training Centre Northeast in Hartford, Connecticut and has used her strong bilingual background to work internationally in the Montessori community. Driven by curiosity and passion for the Montessori pedagogy, Sophie also embarked upon AMI elementary training through the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee. She is a voracious reader and can often be found with her nose in one of Dr. Montessori’s books! Ms. Gao has a great sense of humour and is thoughtful, warm and nurturing and has a child in our elementary program!
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.”
Kaitlyn Johnson
ECS Teacher
Ms. Johnson completed a BA in Linguistics with a minor in Speech Language Science prior to graduating from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Education degree. Her interest in the inner workings of language and her love of working with students led her to teaching. During her practicums she ensured that each students’ needs were met through individualized methods. Her volunteer time with preschool children is always an honour for Ms. Johnson as she enjoys observing their individual learning and growth. Kaitlyn’s personal ideals are closely aligned with Montessori values as she strongly promotes kindness, responsibility, and fueling the curiosity of students. Ms. Johnson is a committed life-long learner and is excited to engage in professional development to maintain current about how to best guide her students each day.
ECS Teacher
Ms. Johnson completed a BA in Linguistics with a minor in Speech Language Science prior to graduating from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Education degree. Her interest in the inner workings of language and her love of working with students led her to teaching. During her practicums she ensured that each students’ needs were met through individualized methods. Her volunteer time with preschool children is always an honour for Ms. Johnson as she enjoys observing their individual learning and growth. Kaitlyn’s personal ideals are closely aligned with Montessori values as she strongly promotes kindness, responsibility, and fueling the curiosity of students. Ms. Johnson is a committed life-long learner and is excited to engage in professional development to maintain current about how to best guide her students each day.
Maggie Volke
Elementary Guide
Maggie Volke started her Montessori journey many years ago in Regina and later pursued her primary training in Chicago. In 1999 she completed her Montessori elementary training at the Centre for Montessori Teacher Education of New York. She is a well-known and accomplished Montessorian having spent the past 20 years developing and teaching within Montessori programs in Calgary. Most recently Maggie team taught with an Alberta certificated teacher in the elementary program at River Valley School. Maggie has a keen sense of curiosity and as a life-long learner continues to pursue post-secondary studies through Athabasca University. Ms. Maggie feels “her greatest achievement has been raising four children who also attended Montessori.”
Elementary Guide
Maggie Volke started her Montessori journey many years ago in Regina and later pursued her primary training in Chicago. In 1999 she completed her Montessori elementary training at the Centre for Montessori Teacher Education of New York. She is a well-known and accomplished Montessorian having spent the past 20 years developing and teaching within Montessori programs in Calgary. Most recently Maggie team taught with an Alberta certificated teacher in the elementary program at River Valley School. Maggie has a keen sense of curiosity and as a life-long learner continues to pursue post-secondary studies through Athabasca University. Ms. Maggie feels “her greatest achievement has been raising four children who also attended Montessori.”