Our Team
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 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 and Principal
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
Assistant Principal
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 program and home-based programming for children with special needs. Her experience at a parent co-operative preschool, where she was actively involved in coordinating school operations alongside parent volunteers, led her to join the administrative team at MSofC in 2020. Danielle completed the AMI Montessori Orientation course in 2021 and enjoys opportunities to spend time in the classrooms at MSofC. She completed school leadership qualification coursework in 2025.
Assistant Principal
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 program and home-based programming for children with special needs. Her experience at a parent co-operative preschool, where she was actively involved in coordinating school operations alongside parent volunteers, led her to join the administrative team at MSofC in 2020. Danielle completed the AMI Montessori Orientation course in 2021 and enjoys opportunities to spend time in the classrooms at MSofC. She completed school leadership qualification coursework in 2025.
Esther Garana
Elementary Teacher
Esther brings 15 years of international teaching experience to MSofC. Passionate about education across all age groups, from preschool to high school, she possesses a wealth of curricular knowledge and has taught a variety of subjects including general subjects, music, and theatre, where she directed numerous musical productions that not only showcased her students' talents but also fostered a love for the arts within her school community. Originally from the Philippines, Esther has spent half her life in Timor-Leste, where she developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and educational approaches. She earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary, after completing her degrees in Communication Arts and Special Education.
Elementary Teacher
Esther brings 15 years of international teaching experience to MSofC. Passionate about education across all age groups, from preschool to high school, she possesses a wealth of curricular knowledge and has taught a variety of subjects including general subjects, music, and theatre, where she directed numerous musical productions that not only showcased her students' talents but also fostered a love for the arts within her school community. Originally from the Philippines, Esther has spent half her life in Timor-Leste, where she developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and educational approaches. She earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary, after completing her degrees in Communication Arts and Special Education.
Maggie Day
Elementary Literacy Lead
“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Maggie graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Education in 2005. She is originally from Nova Scotia, and although she misses her family and the ocean, the mountains and lakes of Alberta bring her tranquility. Maggie has worked in a variety of classrooms from an International Baccalaureate School in Shanghai, to a fly-in Indigenous community in northern Saskatchewan. She has taught grades 1-8, and she has had the privilege of spending the last 15 years in education, fostering a love for reading and writing in young learners. Maggie started her career as a classroom teacher, but over the years, her passion for literacy grew into a specialization as an early literacy teacher. In addition to her teaching role, she has also served as a literacy coach, collaborating with colleagues to develop effective strategies and cultivate a supportive learning environment for both students and educators. The foundation of Maggie’s training is rooted in the Science of Reading and the Scarborough Reading Rope, which are research-based practices that emphasize the importance of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Maggie can often be found reading and relaxing at great coffee shops in the city or spending time in the great outdoors.
Elementary Literacy Lead
“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Maggie graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Education in 2005. She is originally from Nova Scotia, and although she misses her family and the ocean, the mountains and lakes of Alberta bring her tranquility. Maggie has worked in a variety of classrooms from an International Baccalaureate School in Shanghai, to a fly-in Indigenous community in northern Saskatchewan. She has taught grades 1-8, and she has had the privilege of spending the last 15 years in education, fostering a love for reading and writing in young learners. Maggie started her career as a classroom teacher, but over the years, her passion for literacy grew into a specialization as an early literacy teacher. In addition to her teaching role, she has also served as a literacy coach, collaborating with colleagues to develop effective strategies and cultivate a supportive learning environment for both students and educators. The foundation of Maggie’s training is rooted in the Science of Reading and the Scarborough Reading Rope, which are research-based practices that emphasize the importance of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Maggie can often be found reading and relaxing at great coffee shops in the city or spending time in the great outdoors.
Jessica Zippel
Elementary Guide
Jess was born in Queensland, Australia, and moved to Calgary with her family in September 2025. Always passionate about teaching, she earned her Bachelor of Special Education in 2011 and completed her Master of Inclusion Education in 2013 while teaching in outback Australia. Over the past 13 years, Jess has taught and led inclusion programs across Australia and the UK. She recently moved to Canada to embrace new adventures and gain valuable life experience.
Jess discovered her passion for the Montessori approach after becoming a mother in 2020. She found it beautifully aligned with her own philosophy of education—fostering independence, curiosity, responsibility, and respect for each child’s unique journey of self-construction.
Outside of school, Jess enjoys travelling, reading, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her husband and two young boys, who are also part of the MSofC community. She is excited to experience all things Canadian!
Elementary Guide
Jess was born in Queensland, Australia, and moved to Calgary with her family in September 2025. Always passionate about teaching, she earned her Bachelor of Special Education in 2011 and completed her Master of Inclusion Education in 2013 while teaching in outback Australia. Over the past 13 years, Jess has taught and led inclusion programs across Australia and the UK. She recently moved to Canada to embrace new adventures and gain valuable life experience.
Jess discovered her passion for the Montessori approach after becoming a mother in 2020. She found it beautifully aligned with her own philosophy of education—fostering independence, curiosity, responsibility, and respect for each child’s unique journey of self-construction.
Outside of school, Jess enjoys travelling, reading, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her husband and two young boys, who are also part of the MSofC community. She is excited to experience all things Canadian!
Jonas Hughes
Elementary Assistant
Jonas Hughes was born and raised in Brisbane, Australia and he recently moved to Calgary to embrace new experiences and continue growing both personally and professionally. Jonas discovered Montessori education at age twelve and spent three formative years as an Adolescent Montessorian. The sense of belonging, confidence, and independence he developed during this time had a lasting impact and continues to guide his work with children today. For the past two years, Jonas worked at Brisbane Montessori School in the 6–12 and 12–15 environments as a Student Support Assistant and Teacher’s Assistant while pursuing the AMI 6–12 Diploma. He has attained the AMI Orientation Courses for both the 3–6 and 6–12 age levels and brings a calm, observant, and supportive presence to the classroom. Jonas is passionate about fostering curiosity and independence, and he especially enjoys supporting Cosmic Education and helping children understand their place within the wider world and the whole universe.
Outside of school, Jonas enjoys challenging himself by engaging in new experiences and learning new skills and has a deep interest in understanding human psychology and communication.
Elementary Assistant
Jonas Hughes was born and raised in Brisbane, Australia and he recently moved to Calgary to embrace new experiences and continue growing both personally and professionally. Jonas discovered Montessori education at age twelve and spent three formative years as an Adolescent Montessorian. The sense of belonging, confidence, and independence he developed during this time had a lasting impact and continues to guide his work with children today. For the past two years, Jonas worked at Brisbane Montessori School in the 6–12 and 12–15 environments as a Student Support Assistant and Teacher’s Assistant while pursuing the AMI 6–12 Diploma. He has attained the AMI Orientation Courses for both the 3–6 and 6–12 age levels and brings a calm, observant, and supportive presence to the classroom. Jonas is passionate about fostering curiosity and independence, and he especially enjoys supporting Cosmic Education and helping children understand their place within the wider world and the whole universe.
Outside of school, Jonas enjoys challenging himself by engaging in new experiences and learning new skills and has a deep interest in understanding human psychology and communication.
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.
Mia Liang
Primary Guide
Mia is humbled to enter the MSofC community and is honoured to work with Ms. St. John and the amazing children. She has been working in the field of education for more than ten years, including four years as a Montessori Guide and two years as a kindergarten teacher. Mia has always felt that it's a privilege to work with 3-6-year-old children, and she likes to call them the "little sponges" as they soak up everything at lightning speed everyday. In her spare time, she loves to read, spend time with family and friends, and take walks in nature. Her dream is to enroll in a baking class and make her own cake one day. Mia looks forward to getting to know her students and families, and having a fantastic year together.
Primary Guide
Mia is humbled to enter the MSofC community and is honoured to work with Ms. St. John and the amazing children. She has been working in the field of education for more than ten years, including four years as a Montessori Guide and two years as a kindergarten teacher. Mia has always felt that it's a privilege to work with 3-6-year-old children, and she likes to call them the "little sponges" as they soak up everything at lightning speed everyday. In her spare time, she loves to read, spend time with family and friends, and take walks in nature. Her dream is to enroll in a baking class and make her own cake one day. Mia looks forward to getting to know her students and families, and having a fantastic year together.
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.
Remelyn Balinte
Primary Guide and After School Care
“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 Guide and After School Care
“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!
Madison Kozma
Primary Teacher
Madison Kozma is thrilled to be returning to the Montessori School of Calgary in the primary program. She brings six years of experience in Montessori environments, along with a background in both public and Indigenous education. Madison has a deep love for the Montessori pedagogy and is committed to supporting the whole child — recognizing that social and emotional development is just as vital as academic growth. Outside the classroom, she enjoys learning about different forms of meditation and yoga, and spending time in nature hiking with her dog, Neo. She looks forward to the opportunity to support your children as they grow into their unique selves and cultivate a strong sense of identity in the world.
Primary Teacher
Madison Kozma is thrilled to be returning to the Montessori School of Calgary in the primary program. She brings six years of experience in Montessori environments, along with a background in both public and Indigenous education. Madison has a deep love for the Montessori pedagogy and is committed to supporting the whole child — recognizing that social and emotional development is just as vital as academic growth. Outside the classroom, she enjoys learning about different forms of meditation and yoga, and spending time in nature hiking with her dog, Neo. She looks forward to the opportunity to support your children as they grow into their unique selves and cultivate a strong sense of identity in the world.
Teresa Sabiston
Kindergarten Literacy Lead
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.
Kindergarten Literacy Lead
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.
Nathalie Gilbert
Physical Education and French Lead
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, a classroom assistant and then 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 in Hong Kong at the International Montessori School. She is excited to be in Calgary to be close to her son and his family. She joined MSofC in 2018 and with the benefit of being close to the mountains, her hobbies include hiking and camping.
Physical Education and French Lead
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, a classroom assistant and then 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 in Hong Kong at the International Montessori School. She is excited to be in Calgary to be close to her son and his family. She joined MSofC in 2018 and with the benefit of being close to the mountains, her hobbies include hiking and camping.
Claire Butler
Music Specialist and Admin Assistant
Claire brings 30 years of teaching experience to MSofC after working in London and Bermuda. Originally from Yorkshire, Claire studied piano and violin at the Royal College of Music and has enjoyed a varied career as educator, director and performer. She has extensive experience working in the Montessori environment and her daughter attended the MSofC elementary program. In addition to her role at MSofC as music specialist, Claire has a full instrumental studio and works freelance as music consultant.
Music Specialist and Admin Assistant
Claire brings 30 years of teaching experience to MSofC after working in London and Bermuda. Originally from Yorkshire, Claire studied piano and violin at the Royal College of Music and has enjoyed a varied career as educator, director and performer. She has extensive experience working in the Montessori environment and her daughter attended the MSofC elementary program. In addition to her role at MSofC as music specialist, Claire has a full instrumental studio and works freelance as music consultant.
Chelsea Simmonds
Maternity Leave
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.
Maternity Leave
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.