Our Team
Patti van Zeyl
School Administrator
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.
School Administrator
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.
Sandy Moser
Principal
Sandy Moser has over 20 years' experience in public and private education. She first received her AMI Elementary Diploma in Toronto followed by a BEd from York University in 1993 as well as her Ontario and Alberta Teaching Certificates. She is fluent in French and German. In 2002 Sandy moved to Calgary with her family and began working at the Montessori School of Calgary in the Lower Elementary program. In 2007 she became Principal and continues in this role today. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Primary and Elementary MSofC programs. Sandy believes in the Montessori philosophy that allows children to achieve their full potential. “Learning is a dynamic process in which the whole personality of the child must be actively engaged.” Mario Montessori Jr.
Principal
Sandy Moser has over 20 years' experience in public and private education. She first received her AMI Elementary Diploma in Toronto followed by a BEd from York University in 1993 as well as her Ontario and Alberta Teaching Certificates. She is fluent in French and German. In 2002 Sandy moved to Calgary with her family and began working at the Montessori School of Calgary in the Lower Elementary program. In 2007 she became Principal and continues in this role today. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Primary and Elementary MSofC programs. Sandy believes in the Montessori philosophy that allows children to achieve their full potential. “Learning is a dynamic process in which the whole personality of the child must be actively engaged.” Mario Montessori Jr.
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.
Pauline Hogan
Bambini Care Lead
Pauline completed a BEd degree from Worcester College of Higher Education in Worcester, England. In 1988 she received her AMI Montessori diploma from Sion Hill College in Dublin, Ireland. Before moving to Canada from the UK Pauline taught for 6 years in a traditional educational setting in Jersey. She has 30 years of teaching experience and began with the Montessori School of Calgary in 1991. Pauline's three children completed 9 years in our program. When asked what makes Pauline passionate about Montessori she responds with enthusiasm second to none, "The growth of a child is a beautiful thing to observe! In Montessori, we provide children with a carefully prepared environment that supports their natural development. What a privilege it is to witness life unfolding, to observe these young children growing and becoming more independent each and every day. Curiosity, intrigue, love of learning, joy... these are qualities that we see in our Montessori children. It is a pleasure to be part of this journey!"
Bambini Care Lead
Pauline completed a BEd degree from Worcester College of Higher Education in Worcester, England. In 1988 she received her AMI Montessori diploma from Sion Hill College in Dublin, Ireland. Before moving to Canada from the UK Pauline taught for 6 years in a traditional educational setting in Jersey. She has 30 years of teaching experience and began with the Montessori School of Calgary in 1991. Pauline's three children completed 9 years in our program. When asked what makes Pauline passionate about Montessori she responds with enthusiasm second to none, "The growth of a child is a beautiful thing to observe! In Montessori, we provide children with a carefully prepared environment that supports their natural development. What a privilege it is to witness life unfolding, to observe these young children growing and becoming more independent each and every day. Curiosity, intrigue, love of learning, joy... these are qualities that we see in our Montessori children. It is a pleasure to be part of this journey!"
Stamatina Wlock
Elementary Guide
Stamatina Wlock graduated with a BA from the University of Lethbridge in 1998. She completed her AMI Primary (Casa) training at the Montessori Training Centre of British Columbia (MTCofBC) in 1999 and started her career at the Montessori School of Calgary as a Primary (Casa) Classroom Assistant the same year. She became a Primary (Casa) Guide in 2001 and began her AMI Elementary training that same year. Stamatina continued to work as a Primary (Casa) Guide until 2004 when she became our Elementary Guide. In 2007 her Montessori work came full circle when one of her initial students from the Primary (Casa) Program graduated from her Upper Elementary class. Stamatina has two children in the MSofC program and is our lead Elementary Guide.
Elementary Guide
Stamatina Wlock graduated with a BA from the University of Lethbridge in 1998. She completed her AMI Primary (Casa) training at the Montessori Training Centre of British Columbia (MTCofBC) in 1999 and started her career at the Montessori School of Calgary as a Primary (Casa) Classroom Assistant the same year. She became a Primary (Casa) Guide in 2001 and began her AMI Elementary training that same year. Stamatina continued to work as a Primary (Casa) Guide until 2004 when she became our Elementary Guide. In 2007 her Montessori work came full circle when one of her initial students from the Primary (Casa) Program graduated from her Upper Elementary class. Stamatina has two children in the MSofC program and is our lead Elementary Guide.
Sarah Griffin
Elementary Teacher
Sarah graduated with a BCC in 2009, followed by a BEd in 2011 and is currently enrolled in a MEd program - all at the University of Calgary. She has spent the past 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.
Elementary Teacher
Sarah graduated with a BCC in 2009, followed by a BEd in 2011 and is currently enrolled in a MEd program - all at the University of Calgary. She has spent the past 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.
Alex Whelan
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 as Phys Ed Teacher at the Montessori School of Calgary in 2016.
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 as Phys Ed Teacher at the Montessori School of Calgary in 2016.
Laurie Robinson
Primary Guide
After completing initial AMI Montessori training in 1992 Laurie spent a number of years working at a lovely school in Victoria, B.C. and then set out to explore more of the world. She continued to work as a Casa Guide for another few years in New Zealand, St. Maarten and Japan where she began working in administration as the Assistant Head of School. Laurie further expanded her travels and continued her administrative work in China, first as the Principal at a new international Montessori school in Beijing and then as Academic Director at two different Montessori organizations. During this time, she also worked as a teacher trainer at the Casa level. Laurie's desire to learn is universal and never-ending. In 2000 she felt she was missing the fun and stimulation of being with children and decided it was time to return to Canada and to the classroom. Laurie holds an MEd from Endicott College in Massachusetts. Her favorite quote:
“Education is a natural process carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences in the environment.” - Maria Montessori
Primary Guide
After completing initial AMI Montessori training in 1992 Laurie spent a number of years working at a lovely school in Victoria, B.C. and then set out to explore more of the world. She continued to work as a Casa Guide for another few years in New Zealand, St. Maarten and Japan where she began working in administration as the Assistant Head of School. Laurie further expanded her travels and continued her administrative work in China, first as the Principal at a new international Montessori school in Beijing and then as Academic Director at two different Montessori organizations. During this time, she also worked as a teacher trainer at the Casa level. Laurie's desire to learn is universal and never-ending. In 2000 she felt she was missing the fun and stimulation of being with children and decided it was time to return to Canada and to the classroom. Laurie holds an MEd from Endicott College in Massachusetts. Her favorite quote:
“Education is a natural process carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences in the environment.” - Maria Montessori
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.
Evan Eckstein
Primary Guide
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. He had the good fortune of discovering Montessori while living in Whitehorse in 2010. 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 the Montessori School of Calgary in Summer 2016 and guides young children within our Primary program 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.”
Primary Guide
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. He had the good fortune of discovering Montessori while living in Whitehorse in 2010. 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 the Montessori School of Calgary in Summer 2016 and guides young children within our Primary program 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.”
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!