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.
Emily Cargan
Lower Elementary Guide
Emily Cargan is a Montessori elementary educator with specializations in early childhood education, English language and literature, interdisciplinary studies, and art. Emily has worked at various elementary schools, including all of Calgary’s public and private Montessori schools. She taught undergraduate English at the University of Calgary for a number of years, and currently teaches graduate writing at Athabasca University. In the past, she has enjoyed successful careers in marketing and communications, broadcast media, and publishing. Shakespeare’s “There is no clock in the forest” reminds her to always try to be completely present for others, especially the children. Her daughter, Brid, keeps her grounded, her three cats keep her humble, her guinea pigs keep her broke (greens in winter anyone?!), her dog keeps her active, and her husband keeps her technologically with it, among other things.
Lower Elementary Guide
Emily Cargan is a Montessori elementary educator with specializations in early childhood education, English language and literature, interdisciplinary studies, and art. Emily has worked at various elementary schools, including all of Calgary’s public and private Montessori schools. She taught undergraduate English at the University of Calgary for a number of years, and currently teaches graduate writing at Athabasca University. In the past, she has enjoyed successful careers in marketing and communications, broadcast media, and publishing. Shakespeare’s “There is no clock in the forest” reminds her to always try to be completely present for others, especially the children. Her daughter, Brid, keeps her grounded, her three cats keep her humble, her guinea pigs keep her broke (greens in winter anyone?!), her dog keeps her active, and her husband keeps her technologically with it, among other things.
Nathalie Gilbert
Lower Elementary 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 be back in 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.”
Lower Elementary 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 be back in 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.”
Chelsea Hubble
Upper 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 grow alongside the amazing staff and students at the school.
Upper 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 grow alongside the amazing staff and students at the school.
Evan Eckstein
Lower and Upper Elementary Assistant
Evan graduated from the University of Regina with a B.A. in English in 2002, and a B.A. in Japanese in 2004. He spent several years teaching English to children from infancy to junior high school in Aomori and Nagano, Japan. Upon returning to Canada, he discovered Montessori in Whitehorse and decided to take his AMI Primary training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego, graduating in 2011. He worked at AMI and AMS schools in Whitehorse and Regina before joining the team at MSofC in 2016. Since 2020 Evan has stepped into a support role in the elementary programs, and enjoys the many diverse opportunities to guide children in their learning and to work more behind-the-scenes. He especially enjoys working with the children on fine arts and creative writing, which are two of his hobbies outside of work. He is also a huge fan of board games!
Lower and Upper Elementary Assistant
Evan graduated from the University of Regina with a B.A. in English in 2002, and a B.A. in Japanese in 2004. He spent several years teaching English to children from infancy to junior high school in Aomori and Nagano, Japan. Upon returning to Canada, he discovered Montessori in Whitehorse and decided to take his AMI Primary training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego, graduating in 2011. He worked at AMI and AMS schools in Whitehorse and Regina before joining the team at MSofC in 2016. Since 2020 Evan has stepped into a support role in the elementary programs, and enjoys the many diverse opportunities to guide children in their learning and to work more behind-the-scenes. He especially enjoys working with the children on fine arts and creative writing, which are two of his hobbies outside of work. He is also a huge fan of board games!
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.
Samantha Chappell
Primary Guide
Sam is new to MSofC and new to Calgary as well! She has been a Montessorian for ten years, working in various locations such as New York City, Toronto, as well as overseas with Khom Loy Developmental Foundation in Northern Thailand and Myanmar. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Education from Queens University. She completed her AMI Primary Montessori training at FME in Toronto. In her spare time, Sam loves to hang with family, walk her dog (Fox), practice yoga and be outdoors as much as possible, as well as write creatively and read. She is looking forward to being the guide in Wild Rose room this year!
Primary Guide
Sam is new to MSofC and new to Calgary as well! She has been a Montessorian for ten years, working in various locations such as New York City, Toronto, as well as overseas with Khom Loy Developmental Foundation in Northern Thailand and Myanmar. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Education from Queens University. She completed her AMI Primary Montessori training at FME in Toronto. In her spare time, Sam loves to hang with family, walk her dog (Fox), practice yoga and be outdoors as much as possible, as well as write creatively and read. She is looking forward to being the guide in Wild Rose room this year!
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. 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. 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. Her focus is 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. Her focus is 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.
Rachel Angebrandt
Outdoor Recess Supervisor and After School Care Assistant
Outdoor Recess Supervisor and After School Care Assistant