At Clanmore Montessori School we put the children first, every time.

To do this successfully we need a team of wonderful teachers; teachers who are personally warm, observant, thoughtful, respectful, committed and very well trained. All of these characteristics are needed to do the exacting and delicate job of educating the children in their care. We are pleased to introduce you to our exceptional team of teachers, the people who work with your children every day.

Our founders

Cathy Sustronk, BA, AMI

Cathy was born in Montréal, Québec. She came to Toronto and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. She attended Sheridan College, taking courses in Early Childhood Education and then graduated with an Association Montessori International Montessori Primary (3 – 7 years of age) diploma, where she studied under Renilde Montessori.

Cathy is married and is the mother of two grown sons, both graduates of Clanmore. Cathy is also a founder of Clanmore Montessori School.

Grace Kidney, AMI

Grace was born in Dublin, Ireland. She attended Holy Child Convent and graduated from the AMI Montessori Teacher Training College, Sion Hill in 1975 (Primary level 3-6 years of age, Elementary level 6-9 years of age, and Benincasa Diploma – education for children with special needs). Grace has training in teaching Speech and Drama and Early childhood and Kodaly Music for Elementary children. She has travelled and worked in Asia, Europe, and North America. Grace is a past President of the Canadian Association of Montessori Teachers, has presented at the annual Teachers’ Conference in Toronto and was for many years a surveyor for the CCMA Montessori schools accreditation programme.

Grace is married and the mother of one daughter, a graduate of Clanmore. Grace is also a founder of Clanmore Montessori School.

Toddler

Hillary Casalinuovo, (she/her) RECE, MTC

TODDLER PROGRAM

Hillary graduated from Montessori Teachers College and holds MACTE diploma in Infant and Toddler education. Hillary also graduated with high honours from Sheridan College in Early Childhood Education. Hillary is currently working on her Paediatric Sleep Consultant designation to be able to further support the Toddler Parent Community.

Hillary is married and a proud mom of three children, two of which are current Clanmore students.

Anna Ossott, Medico Cirujano diploma, AMI (Casa Assistant Course), TMI, RECE

TODDLER PROGRAM

Anna was born in Venezuela where she went to medical school and specialized in Pediatrics. In 2013, with her husband and five children, she moved to Canada and decided to begin a new path in Early Childhood Education. She was fortunate enough to have a ten-week placement at Clanmore and immediately decided thereafter to become a Montessori educator.

Anna took her Infant Toddler training in 2017 and obtained her ECE diploma shortly after that. Anna is loving, caring and passionate about small children as well as enthusiastic when being around them.

Lucy Salas, (she/her) BA, MS c., AMI (Assistants Course)

TODDLER PROGRAM SUPPORT

Lucy was born in Venezuela. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Journalism from Andres Bello Catholic University. In 2008 she completed her Master’s degree in Telecommunications and holds a Six Sigma Green Belt Designation.

In 2013, she moved to Oakville with her husband and 3 children, and
embarked upon a new career path, starting a partnership home daycare in Bronte Creek, Oakville. In 2018, Lucy was fortunate to find her way to Clanmore and through Clanmore attended the AMI Montessori Assistant’s course. Lucy has worked in positions throughout the school, and is thrilled to currently be part of the Toddler team.

Lucy treasures her corporate experience in different countries as an asset in her teaching career. She is passionate about sports and music and is a volunteer Manager at Oakville Choir for Children & Youth.

Casa

Danielle Barr, BA, MTC, AMI (Assistants Course)

CASA PROGRAM

Danielle is a McGill University graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Psychology and Child Studies. She has recently graduated from Montessori Teachers College with her Early Childhood Montessori Diploma and plans to continue her Montessori studies in the coming years. Danielle has been working at Clanmore since January 2021 and has worked in both the Casa and Toddler environments, as well as the Summer Camp Programs.

Danielle is a Clanmore Montessori graduate with a deep love of Montessori teaching and principles. She is passionate and enthusiastic about working with children, as well as the Clanmore community in general. Growing up within Clanmore provides her with a unique perspective of the Clanmore experience and the fundamentals of our philosophy.

Carrie Caldarone, AMI

CASA PROGRAM

Carrie was born in Toronto and continues to live there with her husband. She graduated from the Foundation for Montessori Education in 2003. Carrie has taught at her former school for ten years and was nominated for teacher of the year 2009 in the Toronto Star Newspaper! Carrie enjoys spending time with her 5 grandchildren, reading, art & travel.

Teresa McLean, RECE, MTC

CASA PROGRAM

Teresa graduated from Montessori Teachers College and holds a MACTE diploma. She is also a graduate from Mohawk College with honours in Early Childhood Education. Teresa is also a certified Children’s Fitness Coach. Teresa has worked as a mentor in programs for at-risk children and youth. She has completed specialized training courses to support this work.

Teresa is married and loves spending time with her family. She practices yoga and running, she plays various sports, and she enjoys traveling. Teresa has been teaching in a Montessori environment for over 20 years, many years of which have been at Clanmore.

Charlene Roberts, (she/her) BA, AMI

CASA PROGRAM

Charlene has a BA in Sociology and Gender Studies and is AMI certified through the Foundation for Montessori Education. She began her journey in education by teaching kindergarten children English as a second language for four years in South Korea. After becoming passionate in Montessori Education, Charlene returned back to Canada to pursue her AMI diploma and to be closer with her family.

She enjoys painting, cooking, baking new recipes, and traveling.

Michelle Robin, NNEB, HNC, RECE, TMI

CASA PROGRAM

Michelle moved to Canada from Scotland in 1995. She has diplomas in Nursery Nurse Education Board, Higher National Certificate in early childhood education and Early Childhood Education from Sheridan College. Michelle has also received her Montessori Teacher’s Diploma at the Casa level from the Toronto Montessori Institute.

Leila Sairally, BA, AMS

CASA PROGRAM

Leila has lived and worked in Oakville the majority of her life. She went to St. Mildred’s Lightborn School and studied Communications and Economics at Wilfred Laurier University. Upon completion of her BA, Leila enrolled in the Montessori postgraduate program at Sheridan College here in Oakville. Leila has over ten years of experience in the field of education.

Leila is married and has two boys, in her spare time she enjoys reading, hikes, and traveling.

Olena Melnykova, B.Ed. (Early Childhood Education), AMI (Casa Assistant Course), Canfitpro Children’s Fitness Coach Certificate

CASA PROGRAM SUPPORT

Olena was born in Kyiv, Ukraine. She graduated from the Kyiv National Economic University with a master’s degree in International Economy but decided to follow her dream of early childhood education. She earned a specialist degree from the National Pedagogical Dragomanov University in Kyiv. With over 19 years dedicated to working with children and parents in early childhood education programs, Olena is passionate about creating positive and individualized learning experiences.

Olena, her 12-year-old daughter, and their longhaired dachshund, Peppy, moved to Canada two years ago, and now call Oakville home. In her free time, Olena enjoys meeting friends and engaging in sports. She is proud to be part of the Clanmore team, embracing the Montessori system and contributing to a loving and supportive educational environment.

Elvira Vincent De Paul, B.A, RECE, AMI (Assistants Course)

CASA PROGRAM SUPPORT

Elvira Vincent De Paul grew up in Mississauga, Ontario and lives with her husband and dog, Theodore. She attended McMaster University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Later, she attended Sheridan College and obtained her Early Childhood of Education Diploma. Elvira grew up around a lot of family with younger children and grew an interest to work with children as a future career. Her first work experience was at a Montessori School and ever since she grew to love the Montessori philosophy and working in Montessori school settings.

She is excited to continue learning and growing as an educator. Her areas of interest include hiking, spending time with family, and working on DIY projects.
 

Jordan Taylor

CASA PROGRAM SUPPORT

Jordan lives in Oakville with her family. She comes to us with over 20 years experience working with children of all abilities ranging in age from 6 months to 12 years. She has her Diploma in Early Childhood Education as well as the Autism and Behavioural Science Course.

Throughout her career she has had the opportunity to work in a variety of roles and settings. Jordan is eager to use her experience, skills and passion to provide the best quality of care and support to the children and families here at Clanmore. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, working in her garden, and spending time with her family.

Elementary school

Jennifer d’Albenas, BA, B.Ed, MS, RBT Certified, AMS

LOWER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

Jennifer was born in Windsor and raised in The Bahamas. She received a B.A. in French Studies at the University of Western Ontario, a B.Ed in Primary Junior Divisions at Queen’s University, ON, and an M.S. in Montessori at Barry University in Miami. She is RBT certified and worked as an ABA therapist and traditional K3 teacher in The Bahamas before deciding to complete her Master’s in Montessori where she received her AMS certificate. Jennifer began her Montessori experience in the states and is now living in Mississauga.

She loves animals, traveling, watching movies, and exploring.

Kim Ellis-Valicek, BA, TMI

LOWER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

Kim was born in Montreal, Quebec, and moved to Toronto permanently in 1993 after graduating from Western University. After five years of working in the Institutional Equity Trading Department at Nesbitt Burns brokerage firm, she realized she needed a career change. Kim enrolled in the Toronto Montessori Institute, where she received both her Primary and Elementary Montessori diplomas. She moved to Oakville in 2014 with her husband, daughter, and son. Kim has over twenty years of teaching experience and has taught at other Montessori schools in both Oakville and Richmond Hill.

She loves the outdoors, gardening, and walking her dog on nature trails.

Joanne Grassi, BA, Pan America, TMI

LOWER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

Joanne was born and raised in Woodbridge, Ontario, and has a BA in psychology from York University. Joanne found her passion for Montessori education in 2002 as an Assistant at Maple Montessori School. She obtained her Casa training from Pan American and taught for 5 years before deciding to further her Montessori training, receiving her Elementary qualifications from TMI.

She loves her students who teach her so much and provide priceless memories. She and her daughter, who currently attends Clanmore, live in Caledon.

Samantha Ricci, BEd, OCT

LOWER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

Born and raised in Oakville, Samantha has always had a passion for education.
She was able to pursue her passion for teaching in her post secondary education. Samantha attended Brock University, in the Concurrent Education Program. She has spent the past three years teaching in the Halton District School Board in primary and junior classes. During this time, she also supply taught at Clanmore in Toddler, Casa and Lower Elementary classes. Samantha is a teacher with a heart for Montessori education. She is eager to further her expertise, driven by a deep commitment to meeting the needs of her students and helping them reach their full potential. Samantha is continuously inspired by the wonder and curiosity of her students and is looking forward to continuing her own learning as an educator.

In her free time, she loves spending time with her puppy, Lucy, being active, and testing out new recipes in the kitchen!

Marianne Bedore, BA, AMS

UPPER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

Marianne was born and raised in Ontario. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in Sociology from Western University. Marianne received her AMS Elementary Montessori Diploma from MMTEC (Michigan). She began her teaching career working at Montessori Academy in London, Ontario as part of the team launching its inaugural Junior High program. Marianne has had the opportunity to not only teach at all levels of Montessori (Casa through Junior High) but has done so at schools in China, Africa and Canada. While teaching in China, Marianne traveled to Dallas, Texas for several summers to complete her certificates in Montessori Applied to Children at Risk and her Sequential English Education training. She has most recently taught Upper Elementary in Guelph, Ontario.

When Marianne is not in school, she enjoys time in nature, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Marianne is very excited to be joining the Clanmore team and is looking forward to the year ahead.

Andi Mak, BA, TMI

UPPER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

Andi was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary. In 2008 she came to Canada to master the English language and fell in love with the country. This led her to quit her job and move to Canada permanently in 2009. Andi has a bachelor of Differential Pedagogy, with an Elementary School Teacher major. She started her career in an Elementary School in Budapest, and 6 years later was promoted to Vice-Principal. She accepted this new role on the condition that alongside her administrative duties she could continue her teaching work. She has always been interested in alternative teaching methods and found that the Montessori method really resonated with her. In Canada, she completed many levels of Montessori training (Early Childhood Diploma, 2011, Lower/Upper Elementary Diploma, 2015.) and worked at a school in Toronto before joining Clanmore.

Andi has a passion for basketball and was a semi-professional player in both High School and College. She enjoys theatre, opera, and movies, and has a love for traveling, reading, spending time outdoors and with family and friends. Andi lives in Toronto with her husband and two children.

Gayle Barrow, BA, AMI, TMI

UPPER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM SUPPORT

Gayle was born in Sunderland, England. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto and a Diploma in Assistants to Infancy (0 – 3 years) from the Association Montessori International Montessori Institute in Denver Colorado. Gayle pioneered one of the first A.M.I. Toddler programs in Canada here at Clanmore and has presented at the Canadian Association of Montessori Teachers’ conference in Toronto. Gayle is also a graduate of the Toronto Montessori Institute and holds a diploma in Elementary Education.

Gayle is married and a mother of two young children, both of whom attend Clanmore. She has been part of Clanmore since its beginnings.

Rachel Stewart

UPPER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM SUPPORT

Born in Edmonton, Alberta Rachel Stewart is a classically trained Soprano with advanced degrees in Voice from both the University of British Columbia and the Manhattan School of Music. Notable roles she has performed include Elle (La Voix Humaine), Cenerentola (La Cenerentola), Dona Elvira (Don Giovanni), and Kate (Kiss me, Kate!). She premiered the role of Amy in Stephen Chatman’s Choir Practice in 2015. In smaller roles, she has been involved with over 25 different operatic and musical theatre productions.

Before her higher education, Rachel was heavily involved in the choral scene. She has apprenticed under Elaine Quilichini as an assistant Choral Conductor. While relatively new to Montessori, she has a background in different musical teaching styles such as Kodaly and ORFF. As a teacher, she is dedicated to introducing students to diverse music from a variety of cultures, time periods, and genders while having fun along the way. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, and listening to Podcasts.

Middle school

Kate Barrack, (she/her) BA, M.Ed., AMI

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM, LANGUAGE

Kate grew up in Houston, Texas and began her education at Pines Montessori School. Before completing her B.A. in literature from the University of Houston at Clear Lake, she enjoyed working in many different roles, including a radio DJ, a graphic designer, and an independent tutor for children with special needs. Following graduation, she completed her Texas Teaching Certification for grades 4-8 and immediately joined a local public school as an 8th grade Pre-AP English teacher. Over the following seven years, she met and married her Canadian husband and began her move to Toronto. Since 2012, Kate has completed the AMI primary diploma from Houston Montessori Institute, the AMI Adolescent Orientation in Australia and an M.Ed in Montessori through Loyola University. She has worked in both Montessori primary and elementary environments but specializes with adolescents.

In her free time, Kate enjoys cycling and hiking around Ontario, practicing watercolour painting, and writing creative works.

Kristina Wright, (she/her) BA, TMI, AMI

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM, OCCUPATIONS AND MATH

Kristina grew up in Simcoe, Ontario. She attended Carleton University in Ottawa where she attained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. Upon graduating she taught English for three years in South Korea. She completed her Primary and Elementary Montessori Diploma in 2000 and taught Lower Elementary for nine years. In 2009 she completed the Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies in Cleveland, Ohio and has been teaching in an Adolescent Program since. She was also the Supervisor of the Elementary program at her last school.

She now resides in Oakville with her husband and two daughters, one of whom attends Clanmore and the other who is a Clanmore graduate.

Annika Rinas, (she/her) B.Comm, PgCert, AMI Candidate

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM, ASSISTANT GUIDE

Annika is a graduate of the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, where she specialized in Marketing and Business Operations while competing on a varsity sports team. She also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Sports and Event Marketing from George Brown College and has completed additional courses in Project Management at the University of Toronto. Annika’s professional experience spans diverse industries, including sports, events, and the tech sector. She is currently pursuing her AMI Adolescent Diploma and is deeply energized by working with this age group.

A proud alumna of Clanmore Montessori, Annika was part of one of its first graduating classes, having joined in Grade 1 as a Lower Elementary student. Her time at Clanmore nurtured a deep appreciation for vibrant environments, a strong sense of community, and lifelong learning. Now based in Oakville, Annika is passionate about design, staying active, traveling, and spending time outdoors.

Specialist staff

Anna Lafarge, BMOS

FRENCH SPECIALIST

Anna is thrilled to have joined Clanmore as the French Specialist. She was born and grew up in Paris, France, and studied Literature (ancient languages; Latin and Greek). Anna graduated with a Bachelor of Management from European Management school Alliance Européenne and has been teaching French, from JK to grade 12, since arriving in Canada in 2013. She uses the AIM method which she feels combines very well with her high expectations while providing an interactive approach which makes the learning enjoyable for children and communication in French quickly attainable.

Anna lives in Hamilton with her husband and 5 children, and she enjoys playing the Cello (graduated from Conservatory of Music of Orleans, France), reading and travelling with her family.

Cosima Grunsky Loranger, AMI (Casa Assistant Course)

MUSIC SPECIALIST

Singer, songwriter, business owner, artist and Montessorian, Cosima studied Fine Art at OCAD University in Toronto. After her studies, she worked at the YMCA in Toronto with children ages 6 months to 6 years. There she started a music and art program which laid the foundation for her business ‘Cozy Music’ and ‘Cozy Art’. Her ‘Cozy Music’ programme is now included in the Prologue to The Performing Arts catalogue and has had her performing her show in schools all around Ontario for over a decade. She was a Montessori student at the Toronto Island Montessori and has come full circle completing the AMI Montessori assistant course.

In her spare time, she writes songs, paints, and tours with her father Jack Grunsky.

Rachel Stewart

MUSIC SPECIALIST

Born in Edmonton, Alberta Rachel Stewart is a classically trained Soprano with advanced degrees in Voice from both the University of British Columbia and the Manhattan School of Music. Notable roles she has performed include Elle (La Voix Humaine), Cenerentola (La Cenerentola), Dona Elvira (Don Giovanni), and Kate (Kiss me, Kate!). She premiered the role of Amy in Stephen Chatman’s Choir Practice in 2015. In smaller roles, she has been involved with over 25 different operatic and musical theatre productions.

Before her higher education, Rachel was heavily involved in the choral scene. She has apprenticed under Elaine Quilichini as an assistant Choral Conductor. While relatively new to Montessori, she has a background in different musical teaching styles such as Kodaly and ORFF. As a teacher, she is dedicated to introducing students to diverse music from a variety of cultures, time periods, and genders while having fun along the way. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, and listening to Podcasts.

Claudia Abraham

GYM SPECIALIST

Claudia came to Canada from Germany in 2001. Prior to her immigration to Canada she studied History, Political Science and Economics at the University of Hamburg and completed those with an M.A. (Magister Artium). Her first career was in advertising and marketing in Germany.

After moving to Toronto she followed her passion for sports and fitness and achieved multiple certifications with Les Mills International and CanfitPro and taught for GoodLife Fitness across Toronto downtown. Claudia broadened her coaching across all age groups after moving to Oakville in 2005, providing Children’s Fitness coaching, as well as virtual classes for mature adults focusing on overall mobility and well being.

Claudia is certified as a Nutrition and Weight Loss Coach and gained her accreditation as a Sleep, Stress Management, and Recovery Coach early 2023.

It is her aim to make movement and exercise joyful and achievable for all. Encouraging healthy habits and teaching a holistic understanding of movement, nutrition and recovery. She loves spending her free time active with her son and dog, enjoys travel, good food and time with friends and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Jasmine Delottinville, Bachelors of Fine Arts

ART SPECIALIST

Jasmine graduated from OCADU with a BFA, specializing in printmaking and art history, as well as earned an advanced diploma in child and youth care from Humber College. She began teaching overseas in Japan, teaching English and working with children of various ages and stages of development. This has continued throughout her career, working in multiple social services settings, and within the behavioural team at the Hamilton public school board.

Montessori teachings have always been of great interest to her, and align with her personal values and beliefs surrounding education and children, which is to foster creativity, independence, and individuality. She is honoured to be able to foster a child-centered learning approach in such a creative space.

In her free time, Jasmine often dabbles in fibre arts, honing skills and learning new techniques, which she loves teaching to others. She also loves spending time outdoors, taking her dog on hikes and camping throughout the year.

Megan Kelly, B.A. (HONS)

DRAMA SPECIALIST

Megan’s interest in the Performing Arts began at a young age, asking to be enrolled in Musical Theatre Camps as young as 6 years old. Megan followed that passion through her life all the way to the University of Toronto where she graduated with high honours from their Theatre &, Drama Studies program. Since then, Megan has had a career in Theatre as well as Film/Television in Toronto and has taught drama at theatre groups like West End Studio Theatre.

Megan is excited to be diving further into teaching by joining Clanmore’s team, and cannot wait to watch as the children expand their imaginations, build their confidence, and hone important skills through Drama!

Auxiliary staff

Bev Galway, Liaison College

CATERED LUNCH

Bev is a graduate of Liaison College in Oakville, a college dedicated exclusively to training in the culinary arts, under the direction of Red Seal Chef Mark Duncan. Her training included the National Food Safety Training Program certified by the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservice Association. Bev has also completed the AMI (Association Montessori International) Teaching Assistant’s course.

Wendy McCrae

CATERED LUNCH / KITCHEN PROGRAM CO-ORDINATOR

Wendy was born in Glasgow, Scotland and was raised in a small village called Tighnabruaich, Argyll, Scotland. Wendy graduated from Clydebank College, Scotland in catering and hotel management. Wendy’s love of children inspired her work for the past 20 years caring for children, including a two-year position as a nanny in Germany. Wendy moved to Canada in 1997.

Recently she availed of the opportunity to attend the Foundation for Montessori Education in Toronto and has earned a diploma in teaching assistance.

Azza Daba, MA SpEd, CIT/AOGPE, SLI/CERI, OCELT

EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT

Azza’s professional journey began in the special education field, where she gained experience teaching children with learning differences. Her fascination with language and literacy acquisition, particularly in the context of remedial intervention, led to her specialization in dyslexia. She has an M.A. in Special and Inclusive Education and holds certifications as both an Orton-Gillingham Practitioner and an English as an Additional Language Instructor. Presently, she serves as the educational consultant at Clanmore, alongside managing her private practice of Structured Literacy Intervention in Oakville. 

Azza believes that a structured, multisensory, prescriptive, and individualized approach is the most effective for learners who struggle. She also strongly advocates that all educators should be well-versed in up-to-date, scientific-based practices enabling them to successfully support students who face difficulty and help them reach their full potential. Azza is a life-long learner who likes to engage in conferences and workshops to stay on top of relevant research in her field. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, travelling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Lesley Hillis, (she/her) B.Com., AMI (Casa Assistant Course)

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM, RECESS, SUPPLY SUPPORT

Lesley was born & raised in Montreal, Quebec. She moved to Oakville, Ontario as a teenager and graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours degree in Commerce & Economics. She worked various roles in financial services until her daughter was born. She stayed at home with her 2 children for 18 years and during that time, she actively participated in the community and her children’s schools by volunteering in the classroom, assisting with reading programs, organizing fundraising activities, and parent council. She discovered her passion for working with children when she started working at the nursery school her son attended here in Oakville.

Lesley is happy to be part of the Clanmore team as an extension of the community where she lives. She enjoys cooking, reading and yoga.

Administrative staff

Leslie Austin, Hon. BA, AMI

INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL

Leslie grew up in Mississauga and the Caledon area. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in French and German literature from the University of Western Ontario with one year of studies spent at the University of Nice, France. Leslie began teaching in 1994. She holds an Association Montessori Internationale Casa diploma and has completed the NAMTA Montessori Whole School Management course. She taught at private schools in Nobleton and Ottawa before coming to Oakville.

Leslie and her husband are the proud parents of two Clanmore graduates.

Elaine Delsnyder, AMI

ADMISSION CO-ORDINATOR

Elaine was born, raised, and educated in Regina, Saskatchewan. She has a diploma in Early Childhood Education and a diploma from Association Montessori International Foundation for Montessori Education, where she studied under Renilde Montessori (3-7 years of age). In addition to many years’ teaching experience, Elaine has enormous experience in the field of children’s drama and performing arts.

Elaine is a founder of Clanmore Montessori School.

Anne Mercer, LL.B., AMI

COMMUNICATION CO-ORDINATOR, INTAKE REPRESENTATIVE

Anne was born in Toronto. After studying Political Science at McMaster University and Business Administration at Ryerson University, Anne received a law degree from York University and an Association Montessori International primary diploma (3-7 years of age) from the Foundation for Montessori Education in 2000. Anne has taught in Casa classrooms in Toronto and at Clanmore, and has lived in Vienna, Prague, and Calgary.

She enjoys sports, travel, the out-of-doors, and the arts.

Veronika Overton, Hon. B. Comm., TMI

EVENT CO-ORDINATOR AND ADMINISTRATION AND MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPPORT

Veronika was born in Toronto and raised in Beamsville, Ontario. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree specializing in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Guelph. Veronika studied the AIM method of teaching French as a second language and has taught all levels of the Elementary School. She has also assisted in the Lower Elementary room teaching spelling/Spalding and spent 3 years as the Elementary PE teacher. In 2008 Veronika joined the pre-school staff in the toddler community and in 2010 acquired her Infant/Toddler diploma from TMI.

Veronika also assists with special events within the school. She is the mother of two amazing Clanmore graduates.

Angela Patient, BA, AMI

PEDAGODICAL MENTOR, INTAKE REPRESENTATIVE

Angela has two AMI Diplomas from the Montessori Institute of San Diego; Assistants to Infancy (Infant/Toddler) and Primary (Casa). She was the Supervisor of Early Years at the YMCA of Oakville and developed Steps and Stages; free programs for parents with children prenatal to age six. She is a certified Infant Massage Instructor and is married with two children, both of whom attended Clanmore.

Elvira Vincent De Paul, B.A, RECE, AMI (Assistants Course)

RECEPTION AND ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPLY SUPPORT

Elvira Vincent De Paul grew up in Mississauga, Ontario and lives with her husband and dog, Theodore. She attended McMaster University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Later, she attended Sheridan College and obtained her Early Childhood of Education Diploma. Elvira grew up around a lot of family with younger children and grew an interest to work with children as a future career. Her first work experience was at a Montessori School and ever since she grew to love the Montessori philosophy and working in Montessori school settings.

She is excited to continue learning and growing as an educator. Her areas of interest include hiking, spending time with family, and working on DIY projects.