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 and Head of School

Cathy Sustronk, BA, AMI

FOUNDER

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

FOUNDER

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.

Leslie Austin, Hon. BA, AMI

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.

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 holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Journalism from the Catholic University Andrés Bello and a Master’s degree in Telecommunications. She graduated from Montessori Teachers College and holds a MACTE diploma in Infant and Toddler education.

Lucy joined Clanmore in 2018. Since then, she has been deeply committed to ongoing professional development, with a strong focus on supporting neurodivergent children and fostering inclusive, responsive classroom environments. Her training includes work in autism spectrum support, Emotion-Focused Skills in schools, and well-being within Montessori communities.

A proud mother of three, Lucy’s youngest currently attends the Middle School program at Clanmore. Before entering education, she gained extensive corporate experience working in different countries, which continues to enrich her approach in the classroom. Outside of school, Lucy enjoys sports and music and has volunteered with the Oakville Choir for Children & Youth for nearly a decade.

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 is a proud nana of 6 beautiful grandchildren. She enjoys art, reading, and 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, has played various sports and 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 about Montessori Education, Charlene returned to Canada to pursue her AMI diploma and to be closer to her family. She joined Clanmore in 2020.

Charlene enjoys reading, cooking, baking new recipes, and travelling.

Linda Kovachis, Hon. BA, AMS (Early Childhood), MTC

CASA PROGRAM

Upon graduation from York University with a degree in Public Policy & Administration, Linda worked for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, developing policies and programs for recycling initiatives throughout the province. After 10 years of public service, she chose to dedicate her full attention to raising her two daughters in their young years.

What began as volunteer work with children led to a career as a teacher. She graduated from Sheridan College’s AMS program in Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Education with honours. Since 2008, Linda has taught Casa children and mentored many student teachers from both traditional ECE programs as well as Montessori teacher training programs.

With a deep desire to help others grow, and as a natural step in her Montessori journey, Linda joined the faculty at Montessori Teachers College where she is a part-time lecturer and examiner.

Linda loves spending time with family and friends, cooking fancy dinners, discovering new restaurants, taking walks along the waterfront, and exploring new wineries in Ontario’s Niagara region.

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.

Julie Agiannidis, AMI (Casa 3-6), M.Ed. (EL).

CASA PROGRAM

With a background in art and design, Julie was naturally drawn to the beauty, intentionality and creativity of the Montessori pedagogy when she first encountered it in 2010. She graduated from the Foundation for Montessori Education and holds an Association Montessori Internationale Casa diploma. She also holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Vancouver Island University. Julie brings 13 years of Montessori teaching experience to Clanmore and is excited to be joining the community.

In her spare time, Julie enjoys being outdoors, spending quality time with family and friends, playing sports, reading and travelling.

Brianna Cook, EA 

CASA PROGRAM

Bri grew up in Mississauga, Ontario, and has spent many years dedicated to education. She will be graduating from the Sheridan College Educational Support Program this summer, and her extensive background as an Educational Assistant helps her empower students to grow independently in a safe, nurturing space. Bri is thrilled about starting her
Montessori learning journey at Clanmore!

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 20 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 daughter, and their long-haired dachshund, Peppy, 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.

Elementary school

Joanne Grassi, BA, Pan America, TMI

LOWER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

With over 25 years of teaching experience, Joanne (Jo) brings a deep commitment to nurturing the growth and development of every student in her classroom. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology, along with both Elementary and CASA training, which have shaped her understanding of how children learn and thrive.

For the past 13 years, Jo has been proud to teach at Clanmore, where she continues to collaborate with an inspiring team of educators. Together, they are dedicated to guiding and supporting the young minds in their care each day. Her approach to teaching is grounded in courage and kindness, values she strives to model and instill in her students.

Jo lives in Caledon with her family. As a parent, she values education deeply; her daughter attended Clanmore Middle School for two successful years and has now completed her third year of university. These experiences have further enriched Jo’s perspective as an educator.

She believes that teaching is about more than delivering information—it is about sparking curiosity, inspiring confidence, and fostering a lifelong love of learning. Her students are at the heart of everything she does, and they make each day meaningful. Jo looks forward to continuing in this profession, growing alongside her students, until she retires.

Brigitte de Boer, AMI, CMTEI, ECE

LOWER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

Brigitte was born in New Brunswick and moved to Ontario in 1990 at the age of 11. Her journey in Montessori education began with her AMI training, which she completed in 2006, followed by her Elementary training at CMTEI in 2016. She furthered her studies at Brock University, graduating in 2025 with a degree in Early Childhood Education.

With over twenty years of teaching experience, Brigitte is passionate about guiding children toward independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. She values creating a calm, respectful classroom environment where each child feels supported, capable, and inspired to explore their unique potential. Montessori philosophy continues to shape her approach,
emphasizing curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful hands-on learning.

Brigitte lives with her husband, two daughters, and their dog. She looks forward to becoming part of the school community and building strong connections with students and families.

Lauren Macartney, BA, (Psychology), Sociology Minor

LOWER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

Lauren grew up in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in
Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University. Before beginning her Montessori career, she worked for several years in Kitchener-Waterloo supporting youth with developmental disabilities.

Lauren has a strong passion for sports and physical activity. She grew up playing high-level hockey and lacrosse and competed on the Varsity lacrosse team at Wilfrid Laurier University. She enjoys reading, playing board games, and travelling.

Michelle Robin, NNEB, HNC, RECE, TMI

LOWER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

Michelle moved to Canada from Scotland in 1995 and brings extensive experience and training in early childhood education. She holds diplomas in Nursery Nurse Education and a Higher National Certificate in Early Childhood Education, as well as an Early Childhood Education diploma from Sheridan College. Michelle also holds her Montessori Teacher’s Diploma at the Casa level from the Toronto Montessori Institute and has completed Montessori Elementary Assistant training.

In addition, Michelle has completed specialized training in dyslexia support through the Dyslexia Centre and Handwriting Without Tears. Outside of the classroom, Michelle is actively involved with Scouts Canada, working with children and youth of all ages, with a particular focus on the Venture group (ages 14–18). She is also currently participating in a pilot project for a new Scouts Canada program for four-year-olds, called Chipmunks.

Michelle resides in Oakville with her son.

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. 

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

LOWER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM SUPPORT

Gayle 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 Internationale Montessori Institute in Denver, Colorado. She 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 the mother of two Clanmore graduates. As one of Clanmore’s founding educators, she has been part of the school since 1997.

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

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

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM, OCCUPATIONS AND MATH

Kristina is a graduate of a Psychology program, where her interest in education first took shape. Shortly after completing her degree, she moved to South Korea and spent three years teaching English, an experience that introduced her to the Montessori philosophy. Upon returning to Canada, she completed her training at the Toronto Montessori Institute (TMI), earning certifications in Casa and Elementary education, followed later by her Adolescent teacher training.

Kristina spent the first ten years of her career guiding Lower Elementary students before transitioning into her role as a Montessori Middle School Guide. She holds a special connection to Clanmore’s Middle School Program, having been part of it since its inception in 2012. What began with a single trailblazing student has grown into the vibrant, collaborative, and thriving community she helps lead today.

Clanmore is also deeply woven into Kristina’s family life. She is the proud mother of two daughters who both attended Clanmore and graduated from the Middle School Program. Having experienced the school as both an educator and a parent, she understands firsthand the profound and lasting impact of a Clanmore education.

Now based in Oakville, Kristina enjoys cooking for family and friends, spending time with a great book, and exploring the Canadian wilderness. She is an avid camper and canoe tripper who loves being outdoors whenever she can.

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

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM, ASSISTANT GUIDE

Annika is a graduate of the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, where she majored 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 has completed her AMI 12-18 training and is an accredited Montessori guide.

A proud alumna of Clanmore Montessori, Annika was part of one of its first graduating classes, having joined in Year 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, travelling, and spending time outdoors.

Specialist staff

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.

Lois Wells-Bernard, LTCL, MTC, ECME

FRENCH SPECIALIST

Born in England, Lois Wells-Bernard brings over 25 years of international teaching experience in England, Canada, and France to her role as a French educator. A MACTE-accredited Montessori teacher, she has taught French from Casa through Grade 8, including Ontario Core French at the Grade 9 level, and is passionate about creating engaging, respectful, and child-centred learning environments where students develop confidence,
curiosity, and a love of language.

Having worked in the Toddler, Casa and Lower Elementary rooms, Lois holds an Early Childhood Montessori Diploma, an Advanced Certificate in French as a Second Language from Collège Boréal, and a postgraduate certificate in Early Childhood Music Education from The Royal Conservatory of Music, with specialized training in Orff, Kodály, and Dalcroze Eurhythmics. She also completed advanced music studies at Trinity College of Music in London, England. In addition to her work in education, Lois founded and directed a successful bilingual music academy and has taught music, French, and English internationally. She is excited to do her training this summer in the AIM method to continue the children’s
momentum in learning the French language.

Outside the classroom, Lois is a classically trained pianist, is currently completing her 300-hour yoga teacher training certification and enjoys spending time with her three lovely children.

Lee Gair, HBA (Art & History), AMS Montessori Educator 

ART SPECIALIST

Lee Gair is a visual arts educator and Montessori leader with over two decades of dedicated experience fostering student-led discovery. A graduate of the University of Toronto, she holds an Honours BA in Art and Art History alongside a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Additionally, she completed both a Fine Arts diploma and her Casa AMS-trained, MACTE-accredited Montessori credentials at Sheridan College in Oakville. Lee combines her expertise in drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography with a warm, authentic approach. She is deeply committed to cultivating an inspiring space where students feel empowered to explore their creativity and create captivating artwork.

Lee lives with two sons (who attended Montessori School in their Elementary years) and her dog Ruby Roo. As an educational consultant deeply committed to nurturing the whole child, Lee is currently expanding her expertise by studying yoga and mindfulness, focusing on fostering emotional resilience and mental wellness in young learners.

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.

Azza Daba, MA SpEd, A/OGA, OCELT

EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT / LEARNING SUPPORT SPECIALIST

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.

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.

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

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 in 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 serving on the 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

Elaine Delsnyder, AMI

ADMISSIONS 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.

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 and an Infant and Toddler Montessori Diploma from TMI. Veronika has worked extensively throughout Clanmore over the years.  After joining the school as an Elementary French teacher, Veronika then began her decade long odyssey in the toddler room. Along the way she has also taught Elementary Physical Education and Spalding. Nowadays, you can find her splitting her time in the office working on finance or assisting in the Middle school program. Veronika is the mother of two amazing Clanmore graduates.

Natalie Van Staveren, M.Sc. Marketing

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

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.