“It has always been a privilege to be a part of such a wonderful learning environment. I often learn each day from the children and sit back and reflect how lucky I am to be involved with such wonderful children and families.”

Laura Falvo has dedicated more than 33 years to providing children with the best opportunity to learn. She began working at the Montessori School of Sudbury in 1991 as an Educator, became a Casa Directress in 1999 and then the School Administrator in 2006. Laura has a Bachelor of Arts Degree, with a Major in Psychology from Laurentian University, a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and is a Registered Early Childhood Educator. She continued her education and received a Pharmacy Assistant Certificate from Cambrian College in 1997. She also received her International Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center in the Preschool/Kindergarten Montessori Diploma Program in 2003. Laura is a mother of three young adults who have all attended postsecondary school and attests the Montessori philosophy and education to the successes of her children. She loves the outdoors, is an avid reader, and continues with her professional learning.

“I may not be in the classroom very often but when I am, I truly enjoy my time working with and watching the children learn and grow.”

Lori Whynott has worked at the Montessori School of Sudbury since 2006. She has a Diploma from Cambrian College in the Administrative Assistant Program. When Lori is not working, you can find her at the dog park with her puppies, or reading.

“The Montessori School of Sudbury holds a special place in my heart. I love seeing the children get excited about learning new things. Even when in the office, I try to stop by the classroom and see what the children are working on.”

Chantal Meek has officially worked at the Montessori School of Sudbury since 2018, however has been volunteering at the school since 2008 heading our fundraising committee. Chantal is a graduate of the SPAD program at Laurentian University with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree and she has also specialized in Human Resources. Chantal has two children, Trevor and Ashley, both graduates of Montessori. In her spare time, you will find her assisting her son in one of his latest ventures or at the dance studio with her daughter.

“I am so happy to be a part of the Montessori family. I truly enjoy watching the children learn and grow throughout their time here. The children amaze me daily and I believe the Montessori philosophy is very beneficial to each child and they develop a natural love for learning.”

Breanna Haferer started working at the Montessori School of Sudbury in 2017. She began working as an Enhanced staff in the Pre-Casa classroom and worked in the Casa 4 classroom as a Directress for the 2023-24 school year. She is currently working in our Toddler classroom as Directress. She graduated from the Early Childhood Education Program at Cambrian College and is a Registered Early Childhood Educator. Breanna also holds an International Montessori Teacher Diploma from the North American Montessori Center for infants/toddlers and ages 3-6, specializing in the Early Childhood Diploma Program. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling the world, playing hockey and spending time with friends.

“I truly love watching children learn and grow and believe the Montessori environment encourages children to reach their highest potential. I am very proud to be a part of this wonderful school.”

Kristin graduated from the Early Childhood Education program at Cambrian college in 2019. Since then, she’s had the opportunity to work with children of all ages. Kristin began working at Montessori in the winter of 2023 and is currently working in the Toddler classroom. In her spare time, she enjoys keeping active, spending time at camp or spending time with her family and friends.

"I am grateful to be working in a place where inclusiveness is evident through everyday actions and smiles. I am happy to be a part of this institution where children are free to explore their curiosities in a safe environment."

Gazalpreet started as a placement student at the Montessori School of Sudbury in 2019. She graduated from the Early Childhood Education Program at Cambrian College and worked in our Pre-Casa and Casa 2 classrooms as an Educator. During her time as a student, she would plan curriculums that promote the active participation of children inside and outside of the classroom. Gazalpreet has completed her International Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center in the Early Childhood Teaching Diploma Program. Her philosophy revolves around providing an environment for the children that is welcoming, safe, inclusive, and full of opportunities to foster their interests and potential.

"Making a difference in a child’s life is the most rewarding feeling."

Staci has recently returned to the Montessori School of Sudbury as an Educator Assistant. She has worked with children of all ages for the last 14 years and ran a licensed home daycare for three years. Staci has completed her International Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center in the Early Childhood Diploma Program. She is excited to be a part of our team. In her spare time, she and her family like to enjoy the outdoors with their dogs.

“I am so grateful to be part of a wonderful school with amazing staff and students.”

Sara Willcock graduated from the Early Childhood Education Program at Cambrian College in 2011 and is a Registered Early Childhood Educator. She has been working at the Montessori School of Sudbury since 2011 and worked as an Educator in the Casa 2 Classroom for four years before becoming the Directress of the Pre-Casa Classroom in 2015. She holds an International Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center in the Early Childhood Diploma Program. When she is not working, she enjoys snowboarding in the winter and camping in the summer. She is also an animal lover and enjoys spending time with her pets.

“I believe in the Montessori method of education and am lucky enough to see every day just how beneficial the program is for young children.”

Melody Petitclerc has worked at the Montessori School of Sudbury since 2010 where she started in the Pre-Casa Program. In 2008, she graduated from Cambrian College in the Early Childhood Education Program and is a Registered Early Childhood Educator. In 2017, she completed her International Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center in the Infant/Toddler Diploma Program. Before working as an Early Childhood Educator, she worked as a photographer, something which she still enjoys.

“I'm very excited to be part of the Montessori team and feel extremely privileged to be helping in the growth and development of your children.”

Shanna is a mom to two teenage children. She was a hairstylist for the last 20 years and is very excited for this career change. In her spare time, Shanna enjoys reading and gardening. She has been volunteering for years in youth sports.

"I am thrilled to be part of the Montessori family. It's a joy to watch the children explore, learn, and grow in such a nurturing environment. The Montessori approach fosters a love of learning and encourages each child to explore their unique potential.”

Colleen is starting her journey at Montessori in the Fall of 2024. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education degree at Laurentian University. Colleen has always been passionate about early childhood development. Before joining the Montessori community, Colleen gained valuable experience working with children in various settings. Colleen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with her family and friends outside of her professional life. She is thrilled to be part of the Montessori School of Sudbury and looks forward to contributing to the growth and development of the children in her care.

“As Directress in the Casa 1 Classroom, I take great pride in teaching the unique Montessori philosophy and in my role developing the future minds of this great city.”

Tanya Scott joined the Montessori School of Sudbury in 2012. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Laurentian University and a Bachelor of Education Degree in Primary/Junior from Nipissing University. She spent 12 years supporting children’s early development through various roles in Early Childhood Education settings. She holds an International Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center in the Early Childhood Diploma Program. Tanya is married to Jason and they have two daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling for hockey games and spending quality time with her family.

“I love working with children and watching them grow to their fullest potential. Children must be educated, but they must also to be left to educate themselves.”

Sarah has been working in childcare for 8 years. She graduated from the Early Childhood Education Program at Cambrian College in 2018. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys spending time staying active, being with family, friends and her dogs.

“I am passionate about my job and glad to be a part of the Montessori family which includes amazing staff, multicultural families and lovely children. I believe that in the initial stage of life children are like a blank paper and our guidance and valuable teaching can play an essential role in their overall development, which will assist them throughout their life. I am happy that I have the opportunity to work with children and provide my guidance.”

Khushdeep started working at the Montessori School of Sudbury as an Enhanced Educator where she worked with exceptional children who require extra assistance. She is currently working in Casa 1 as an Educator. She graduated from Cambrian College with a diploma in Early Childhood Education and has completed her International Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center in the Early Childhood Teaching Diploma Program. Khushdeep had previously worked as an Educator with pre-schoolers and school-age children at the Larch Street Kids Child Care Centre in Sudbury. She has also spent time working in our Toddler program. In her spare time, Khushdeep enjoys spending it with her family and loves home decor.

"We definitely underestimate how brilliant children really are. They've taught me that just by taking a step back and letting them learn, they can do anything."

Samantha joined the Montessori staff in February of 2023 as an Educator Assistant in the Toddler classroom and now assists in our Casa 1 room. She plans on obtaining her RECE certificate and taking the Montessori course. She has found that the Montessori philosophy is the best approach to a successful future, and helps children develop the necessary skills to flourish. In her spare time, she can often be found at camp with her family or out on the lake fishing with her dog Gidgy.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” — Benjamin Franklin

Serena has been registered with the College of Early Childhood Education since 2017 and has worked with children from infant to school age. She has completed her Montessori Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education. Serena welcomes the opportunity to work with the children and make an impact on their development. She is currently working as the Interim Directress in our Casa 2 classroom.

"I believe all children are capable and can be confident in their learning with love and support. I love working with children to watch them learn and grow. I am very excited to be a part of your child's education."

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Family and Child Studies Minor from the University of Guelph. She is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with a diploma from Cambrian College. Melissa have been working in Childcare and/or with the school board for over 15 years. Last year she worked in our Casa 4 classroom and this year she continues her work with the children in Casa 2. She is a mother to three children and loves to spend time with her family camping, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors.

“I love working with children because each day offers a chance to inspire and nurture young minds. I am very grateful to work in an environment that will empower children to reach their full potential.”

Brianna holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Family Studies from Nipissing University. She is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with a diploma from Cambrian College. Brianna is currently working in the Casa 2 classroom as an Educator. In her spare time, Brianna enjoys travelling, keeping active, and spending time with her friends and family.

“The Montessori philosophy has opened my eyes to what children can really achieve. It is fascinating to me to see what they can do at such a young age.”

Marie-Pier Beaulieu has been working with children of all ages since 2013 and has been employed at the Montessori School of Sudbury since 2018. She first discovered the Montessori Method after researching private schools in her area and started working in a Montessori school as a teacher assistant in 2015. She completed her International Montessori Teaching Diploma for ages 3-6 and ages 6-9 from the North American Montessori Center, specializing in the Early Childhood Diploma Program. Marie enjoys teaching important values to children such as animal welfare, eco-friendly living and respect. In her free time, you can find her at home cooking delicious vegan recipes or cuddling with her three cats.

“I love watching the “a-ha!” moments in children. Their passion and curiosity is amazing, and I believe the Montessori classroom offers them the best environment for a foundation of a lifetime of learning.”

Camila Nieves-Bentley has always known she would be a teacher. Her love of learning and sharing has pointed her to this career since she was a little girl. She graduated with honours from the Early Childhood Education program at Cambrian College in August of 2022. Camila has been working at the Montessori School of Sudbury since January of 2021, where she started as an after-school Educator. She is now an Educator in the French classroom. Camila grew up in French Immersion and loves sharing the French language with children of all ages and linguistic backgrounds. She believes in equity and equality for all, and that children should always be met with kindness and respect. When she is not at work, Camila can be found experimenting with new vegan dishes and caring for her cats and lizard.

“All of my days at Montessori are filled with fabulous experiences and sharing knowledge/skills that we develop with the children. I am grateful to be a part of this foundation for a lifetime of learning.”

Eva graduated from the Childhood Services Education program at Collège Boréal in 2021 and recently joined the Montessori Team. She is passionate about working with children and feels that every opportunity with them is a way for her to also learn something. Eva works in our French Casa Program. In her spare time, she likes to sing, cook and be with other people.

“I am very passionate about what I do and hope to leave a positive impact on each and every child that I have the opportunity to work with.”

Danica Huot has returned to her role as Directress in the Casa 4 classroom. She has worked at the school since 2015. She graduated with Honours from the Early Childhood Education Program at Cambrian College and is a Registered Early Childhood Educator. To further her education, she completed the International Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center in the Early Childhood Diploma Program. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and staying active.

“Working as an educator for the last 5 years has allowed me to be a part of the learning process for many children, for which I am extremely grateful. It is incredible to observe their growth & development.”

Denika joined the Montessori School of Sudbury in September 2022 as an Educator Assistant in the Casa 4 classroom. She has worked in licensed childcare since 2018, in both Montessori schools and play-based learning centers. They have both provided her with different learning opportunities, however the Montessori philosophy is where her heart is. Denika has completed her International Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center in the Early Childhood Teaching Diploma Program. In her spare time she enjoys taking her dog lulu for walks and being at camp with her family.

"A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything."

Rebecca has been passionate about children for as long as she can remember. She is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and has obtained her International Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center specializing in the Early Childhood Diploma Program. Rebecca worked previously in our Casa 2 classroom and this year will join our Casa 4 room. She has two daughters and a love for animals. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, reading, and gardening.

“Whether it's a child asking if we can build a rocket to the moon with blocks or pondering why ducks don't wear shoes, these curious inquiries make every day engaging and remind me of how grateful I am to be part of their learning journey.”

Hiral started at the Montessori School in October 2023, working with the children in our Casa Program. She is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and graduated from Cambrian College in 2022. At the Montessori school, she supports children’s early development through hands-on, self-directed learning. Hiral is looking to pursue her Montessori training soon. In her spare time, Hiral enjoys painting on canvas, journaling, kayaking and camping with friends.