Dedicated Professional Educators
Established in 2008, Westside Montessori School is owned and operated by Liz Bovey, who holds an internationally recognized Montessori teaching diploma from the Toronto Montessori Institute.
Liz has 12 years of teaching experience and prior to opening Westside Montessori School, she was guiding young children at well-regarded Montessori Schools in Toronto.
Westside’s classroom teachers are either AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) certified or MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education) and hold university degrees. Our classroom assistants have completed their Montessori classroom assistant’s training course. All staff maintain valid first aid and CPR training, along with updated police clearance checks.
Administrative Team
Liz Bovey
Founder & CEO
Kensington Market & Dufferin Grove
Liz Bovey - Founder & CEO
Born in Moncton, New Brunswick and raised in a family of educators, Liz’s favourite childhood game was playing school. While in university, she spent time volunteering at a Halifax Montessori School, where she experienced love at first “observation”. After graduating from Mount Saint Vincent University, she moved to Toronto to become a Montessori Teacher. In 2000, she graduated from the Toronto Montessori Institute (TMI) with diplomas in both Primary and Elementary education.
Following her graduation, Liz worked at two local Montessori Schools before opening Westside Montessori School in the fall of 2008. Liz was the Casa Guide at Westside until the summer of 2012, when she and her husband, Mark, became parents to their first son, Wyatt. (read more) In the Spring of 2016, the Bovey family welcomed two new additions, twins Luke and Waylon. The three Bovey brothers attend Westside; they are all in the Elementary Program. Liz enjoys all that her little men teach her daily, mainly to live in the moment and the importance of a good daily dose of deep belly laughter.
She has been a Board Member of the Canadian Council for Montessori Administrators (CCMA) since 2019 and enjoys further volunteering with the organization by serving as a verifier, helping authentic Montessori Schools through the rigorous accreditation process. She prioritizes her own personal and professional development and has worked with mindset and business coaches since 2017, always striving to improve herself and those around her. She supports the growth and engagement of her team by encouraging and supporting their own learning and evolution through courses, workshops and training.
Mark Bovey
Director of Operations
Kensington Market & Dufferin Grove
Mark Bovey - Director of Operations
Bio coming soon
Davida Walker
Chief of Staff
Kensington Market
Davida Walker - Chief of Staff
Davida is Westside Montessori School’s administrator She joined Westside as a volunteer in 2011 and quickly gained the trust of her colleagues, students and parents, progressing from volunteer to Casa assistant and then moving to the school’s office in 2015. Davida is responsible for the health, safety and learning primarily at Westside’s Kensington Market Campus. She oversees staffing, classroom organization, camps, and is a big supporter of celebrating special occasions giving special attention to her favourite day at school: Valentine’s Day.
As the oldest sister of four siblings, Davida always wanted to work with children. Over two degrees and through work in the Montessori and public school systems she developed a passion for alternative styles of learning that foster children’s curiosity, creativity and sense of adventure while encouraging their independence. Davida has a B.A Honours in history and social studies from York University. While studying, she was the Volunteers Director for a non-profit organization where she trained university students to teach an anti-bullying and conflict resolution program in public schools across the GTA. Davida attained her B. Ed. From Trent University’s School of Education.
Davida loves being in the kitchen, cooking and baking any chance she gets. During the warmer seasons, you’ll find her swimming, running, and reading outdoors. When the temp. drops, pop by the boxing gym; she’ll be there working on her upper cut.
Patty Zuver
Community Engagement Coordinator
Kensington Market & Dufferin Grove
Patty Zuver - Community Engagement Coordinator
With over 30 years of experience in Montessori education, Patty first discovered her passion for Montessori while studying Painting and Printmaking at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1987. She began her career supervising aftercare programs and soon transitioned to roles as a Toddler and Casa Assistant at Richmond Montessori. In 1990, Patty moved to Toronto, where she worked at several Montessori schools, including Humberside, Rosedale, Bannockburn, and Taddle Creek, before joining Westside Montessori in 2011.
Starting in a part-time role at Westside, Patty quickly realized her calling was in the Toddler classroom. She earned her Toddler Teaching certificate from Toronto Montessori Institute in 2015 and became a classroom teacher in Nido West. As a “Montessori Mom” herself, with her own children having attended Montessori School, Patty brings both personal and professional insights to her role.
Now serving as Westside’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Patty mentors staff, supports parents with empathy and expertise, and leads tours for prospective families. A nature lover, she plans family hikes to help connect our community with the outdoors. Patty’s deep understanding of child development and her commitment to creating nurturing environments make her an invaluable asset to our team.
Pamela Santarossa
Admin. Assistant
Dufferin Grove
Pamela Santarossa - Administrative Assistant
When not working, Pamela aims to create the perfect macarons, enjoys DIY decor and spending time with her young family.
Jennifer Hamann
Leadership Coach of Organizational Development and Growth
Kensington Market & Dufferin Grove
Jennifer Hamann - Leadership Coach of Organizational Development and Growth
Jennifer arrived in 2022 at Westside Montessori with more than two decades of teaching experience driven by her passion for child success, parent and community support. Jennifer’s commitment to all things Montessori began with a high school internship and continued after completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Western University and AMI Primary training from the Foundation for Montessori Education in Toronto in 1999.
As part of her dedication to community building and her commitment to continuous improvement, Jennifer has organized parent support groups and seminars with a focus on strengthening the unity between child, family, and guide. She is a Montessori mom herself, her grown son attended Montessori School as a young child. Her personal interests in art, music, cooking, and the natural environment often inform her approach to the classroom.
Dufferin Grove
Toddler
Agata Wasiuta
Toddler Guide
Dufferin Grove
Agata Wasiuta - Toddler Guide
The Young Children’s Community is her calling and Agata strives to bridge the gap between school and home while fostering independence and observing the children blossoming into amazing individuals.
In her free time, she enjoys camping (wintertime too!), baking and spending time with her two sons. Agata is constantly learning from the children and working to make their learning environment and time at Westside a truly wonderful experience.
Brianna Bertrand
Toddler Assistant
Dufferin Grove
Brianna Bertrand - DG Toddler Assistant
Brianna has been working in childcare since 2018, gaining experience in daycares, preschools, and public schools and was first introduced to Montessori education through a close family friend, where she was inspired by the focus on respect and independence. She comes to us from High Park Gardens Montessori School where she was a Toddler assistant for two years. Brianna greatly appreciates that toddlers truly live in the moment and enjoy the small details of life.
Originally from Ottawa, Brianna moved to Toronto in 2022 to explore new opportunities and further her education. In her free time, she loves connecting with nature, visiting gardens, and capturing beautiful moments through photography. She also enjoys trying new restaurants and discovering the vibrant food scene Toronto offers.
Kelley Tuzyk
Toddler Assistant
Dufferin Grove
Kelley Tuzyk - DG Toddler Assistant
Kelley joined our team last fall and supports the children in the Toddler classroom during the school day and into the aftercare program. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from Seneca College and has several years of experience working as a camp counsellor as well as private caregiver. Kelley has been eagerly learning more about the Montessori method over the last year and is dedicated to supporting your children’s development.
Kelley has a passion for childcare, learning, teaching, and, most recently, crocheting. She got married last year and loves spending time with her cat, Skylar, and a dog, Poppy. A few of her favourite things are Tim Hortons iced capps and spending time at her cottage.
Casa
Stef Leigh
Casa Guide
Stef Leigh - DG Casa Guide
Stef discovered her passion for Montessori education in 2007 when she accepted a part-time job at a Montessori school while attending university. She quickly fell in love with the respectful and nurturing environment, leading her to realise that her true calling was working with young children. After completing her undergraduate degree at U of T and her Master’s at Queen’s, Stef shifted her focus from academia to Montessori education.
In 2015, Stef completed her Montessori Assistant training, and from 2016 to 2019, she attended the AMI training centre in Boston. She then worked as a Casa Guide for four years at Taddle Creek Montessori School and joined Westside’s team in 2023.
A native of Toronto, Stef loves exploring new cities, with Chicago and Belfast among her favourites. She enjoys playing traditional Irish music on the flute, cake decorating, and engaging in various artistic and hands-on crafts, often creating unique projects for her classroom and students. She regularly fills our hearts and appetites by surprising her colleagues with delightful home baked treats in the staff room.
Afreen Patel
Casa Guide
Afreen Patel - DG Casa Guide
Afreen Patel-Virani was born in Mumbai, India, and moved to Canada in the spring of 2024. She brings more than 12 years of teaching experience, having begun her work in education as a volunteer with the Aga Khan Development Network. Although she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Media and initially worked in advertising, she soon realized that teaching was her true calling and the work that brought her the greatest sense of purpose.
Afreen completed her Montessori training at the AMI Ratan Tata Institute in Mumbai, which laid the foundation for her career as a Casa Guide. Her first role involved setting up a classroom for a new school, giving her early experience in classroom design and preparation. During the pandemic, she adapted Montessori principles for online learning, developing creative hands-on activities through a variety of DIY projects.
After completing her training, Afreen spent six years working as a Casa Guide in India before relocating to Canada. She is deeply passionate about Montessori education and is committed to fostering joyful, meaningful, and hands-on learning experiences for the children in her care.
Tania Aguirre
Casa French Speaking Assistant
Tania Aguirre - DG Casa French Speaking Assistant
New bio to come
Moriah McKinney
Casa Assistant
Moriah McKinney - DG Casa Assistant
Born and raised in Texas, Moriah first discovered her passion for Montessori education in 2019 while supporting a toddler class, and has been passionate about Montessori ever since.
Moriah spent a year in Germany, where she trained in a German elementary school, further broadening her teaching skills and experience. She also studied with Higher Ground Montessori, deepening her understanding of the philosophy and practices.
Outside of teaching, Moriah loves to stay active. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and running half and full marathons. We are thrilled to have Moriah as part of our team and look forward to the energy and passion she will bring to Casa East!
Katrina Llanes
Casa Assistant
Katrina Llanes - DG Casa Assistant
Katrina’s journey back to working with children in person began after her experience as an online ESL teacher during the pandemic, which sparked her interest in the Montessori approach. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Toronto Metropolitan University, a foundation that has enabled her to work with children from infancy through age 13 in public school, childcare, and family resource centre settings.
Katrina was drawn to Montessori for its emphasis on fostering a lifelong love of learning, supporting each child’s unique pace, and encouraging independence while nurturing care for others and the environment. After working with toddlers for a year and a half at another Montessori school, Katrina joined Westside’s Casa West Team.
In her free time, Katrina enjoys exploring books and podcasts about mental health, trying new cuisines, playing Stardew Valley, weightlifting, swimming, and snorkeling.
Elementary
Amy Evans
Lower Elementary Guide LowerElementaryGuide
Amy Evans - DG Lower Elementary Guide
New bio to come
Willa Grant
Upper Elementary Guide & Elementary Program Coordinator
Willa Grant - Upper Elementary Guide & Elementary Program Coordinator
Willa joined the Westside team in August 2021, establishing and leading a brand new Lower Elementary class at Dufferin Grove.
Like many others, her first encounter with Montessori was a happy accident. She applied to work part-time in an extended care program in 2014, and occasionally worked as classroom support. She was instantly enamoured with the environment, noting how warm and nurturing it was. She was also struck by the way children interacted with their friends and adults alike: not only were they courteous, they were also very confident and self-assured.
Naturally, it didn’t take Willa long to enrol in training to be an Elementary guide. She spent three sunny summers in San Diego, and in 2018 she earned a Masters Degree in Montessori Education with an emphasis on inclusive education practices.
In 2016 she completed part of her practicum in WMS’ Kensington Market Elementary classroom, and was captivated by the culture and community of Westside. She knew it was meant to be when Liz opened up shop right in her neighbourhood! Over the past 8 years she has worked in both Upper and Lower Elementary classrooms, bringing with her a sense of humour, an extensive basket collection, and some serious label-making skills.
Willa enjoys baking and began dabbling in the art of sourdough during the pandemic. During her time off, she enjoys camping, hiking, and any type of outdoor adventure with her puppy, Mischa!
David Hudon
Elementary French Speaking Assistant
David Hudon - DG Elementary French Assistant
New Bio to come
Marusia Czyrsky
Elementary Assistant
Marusia Czyrsky - DG Elementary Assistant
Marusia recently transitioned into Montessori education after a dynamic career in communications and hospitality. She holds a background in English and Philosophy from the University of Toronto, bringing strong communication skills, creativity, and a reflective approach to her work with children.
After spending several years living abroad in Grand Cayman, Marusia returned to Canada to pursue her interest in education. She has volunteered at The Clover School, supporting students both in the classroom and one-on-one, and completed the AMI Elementary Orientation Program at the Foundation for Montessori Education.
Marusia brings warmth, curiosity, and enthusiasm to her role and is committed to contributing to a supportive and engaging learning environment for Elementary students.
Middle School
Simon Cook-Roffey
Middle School Guide
Simon Cook-Roffey - Middle School Guide
Simon Cook-Roffey joined our team in 2025 and is passionate about adolescent education and is dedicated to creating a classroom environment where students feel confident taking risks, making mistakes, and learning collaboratively in an inclusive and supportive community.
Simon has guided Middle School students in Montessori environments since 2012. He completed his Elementary training at the Toronto Montessori Institute and his adolescent training through the Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Teacher Education Program (CMSTEP). He also holds a BA in History from Laurentian University.
Outside the classroom, Simon enjoys camping, swimming, playing basketball, and spending time with his family. He is also a loyal, if long-suffering, Toronto Maple Leafs fan.
Jill Haigh
Middle School Guide
Jill Haigh - Middle School Guide
After completing a BA at Trent University and a BSW at Ryerson (now Metropolitan University) in the late 1980s, Jill Haigh discovered her passion for child-centered, inquiry-based education while working at The Mabin School in Toronto. A lifelong learner, she later earned a Master’s in Education at OISE with a focus on Curriculum and Adaptive Instruction, as well as a Forest School Practitioner’s Certificate from the Forest Schools Education Centre in Sheffield, England. Jill has completed both the Elementary and Adolescent Orientation Courses through the Association Montessori Internationale.
Prior to joining Westside in 2025, Jill has imagined, designed, and implemented an urban Experiential Outdoor Education program for students from Lower Elementary through Middle School at a local Montessori school. She is deeply committed to connecting children with the natural world and to providing meaningful opportunities for real-world application of classroom learning.
Outside of school, Jill enjoys canoeing, playing euchre, searching for snakes with children, and spending time with her husband and twin boys in both the forest and the lacrosse arena.
Support
Indrani Singh
Literacy & Numeracy Support
Indrani Singh - Learning Support
Prior to entering the world of Montesssori in the early 1990’s, Indrani worked in research and clinical studies in the departments of psychiatry and psychology at both Mount Sinai and Toronto Western Hospitals. She is fascinated by the brain and its development; a passion that led her to Montessori. She trained at the Elementary Level in 1991 at the Toronto Montessori Institute and then studied at the Casa (Primary) level at the Midwest Montessori Institute in Milwaukee in 2000.
She worked at several wonderful Toronto Montessori Schools, taught in Kelowna, BC and was Principal at Taman Kanak Montessori School in Bali, Indonesia before returning to Toronto and opening her own tutoring business, I Learn with Indrani Singh in 2015.
Indrani is part of WMS’ Middle School Team, teaching several areas of the curriculum, including Mathematics, Geometry, History, and Science, all well helping to build and grow our newest program.
In her spare time, Indrani enjoys reading, practising yoga, working through the New York Times crossword puzzles and sipping good coffee.
Amanda Lee
Occupational Therapist
Amanda Lee - Occupational Therapist
Amanda is mother to two WMS students and enjoys spending as much time outdoors with her children as possible! They love camping, swimming, hiking, skating, and have recently taken up kayaking and snowshoeing. They have a family goal to visit as many provincial parks as possible and just skated the arrowhead skating trail. They’re working on their second year of the 1000 hours outside challenge!
When not outside, Amanda’s working her way through her giant reading list (there’s never enough time to read all the good books!) and trying her hand at some indoor gardening.
Alberto Guijarro Sabaniel
Montessori Sports Guide
Alberto Guijarro Sabaniel - Montessori Sports Guide
Alberto joined Westside Montessori in September 2018 as a Casa Assistant in Casa South. After finishing his career as a professional basketball player in Spain, he completed his undergraduate studies in Primary Education at University of Granada and later in Early Childhood Education at George Brown College. During his time in Casa South, Alberto discovered his passion for the Montessori method and sought more exposure; he then began supporting the elementary team. To further his professional development and combine his vocation and love for sports, Alberto pursued the Montessori Sports Certificate and was the second Canadian to earn the certificate.
In 2020, Alberto introduced a physical education program following Montessori principles for children of all ages at Westside. Alberto is well known for his Friday dance parties and enjoys his role as unofficial DJ at Westside.
“Coach Lee” Greenspan
March Break & Summer Camp Sports
“Coach Lee” Greenspan - March Break & Summer Camp Sports
Lee came to Westside many moons ago when we first opened our Elementary Program in 2014 and he worked part time teaching Physical Education. He has been teaching sports programs since his youth, coaching baseball and hockey at competitive levels. He joined the organisation Sportball in 2013 and worked with them until the pandemic; being promoted to area manager and developing his own programs. Lee has experience adapting his programs to accommodate students with disabilities and has learned a great deal himself about patience, determination and strength of character. He loves to witness his students’ confidence soar as they develop new skills!
Coach Lee works part time at Westside and when not learning movement and physical education for our students, you can find him helping his clients navigate the land mortgages of a Mortgage Agent. His experience teaching has greatly supported his second career as he is able to help his clients understand mortgages.
In his spare time, Lee enjoys playing hockey, baseball and golf. He is an exceptional chess player, has won many tournaments and has taught many Westside students how to play chess!
Michelle Fabian
Classroom Support
Dufferin Grove
Michelle Fabian - DG Classroom Support
Michelle joined the team in August of 2022, assisting in the Toddler Classroom. Prior to joining Westside, she worked in Pediatrics in her home country, the Philippines, while studying nursing. Family changes brought her to Hong Kong, where she worked as a caregiver supporting children from infancy to adolescence for many years. Michelle moved to Toronto in 2019 and continued working as a caregiver before joining Westside and having her first taste of Montessori in Dufferin Grove’s Toddler Community.
Kensington Market
Toddler
Anita Barzon
Toddler Guide
Anita Barzon - KM Toddler Guide
Anita Barzon first came to Westside as a student teacher in 2015 when she was studying at the Foundation for Montessori Education. She worked in a local Montessori School as Casa teacher for several years before returning to school to deepen her knowledge of child development and earn her Assistants to Infancy Diploma at the Montessori Institute of San Diego.
Prior to her career in Montessori, Anita studied performing arts at the University of Venice in her home country of Italy, Cinema in Paris and upon moving to Toronto, attended writing courses at the University of Toronto. Anita is a passionate teacher, and she brings the arts, cultural experiences and baking opportunities to her young students daily.
Kübra Akkus
Toddler Guide
Kübra Akkus - KM Toddler Guide
Kubra joined Westside in the Fall of 2022. Born and raised in Turkey, she grew up in a large family and enjoyed interacting with children of all ages. She completed her B.A. at Trakya University in the field of History and Social Studies. While at university, Kübra was on the folk-dance team and taught dance to children.
Following her graduation, she moved to Toronto in 2019 to improve her English and work towards earning her master’s degree. In 2020, she enrolled in Human Resources Management at Centennial College and earned an income through working as a caregiver for infants and toddlers. After a few years of working with children, she decided to follow her passion and change her career path. Kübra feels that children are unique in their interests and abilities, and it has become her passion to see the world through their eyes while guiding and helping them develop their talents.
Kyra Jargaille
Toddler Assistant
Kyra Jargaille - KM Toddler Assistant
Kyra worked part-time at Westside for a few years before joining our team full-time. Her love for working with children began when she was just a child herself. Throughout elementary school, she volunteered in kindergarten classrooms and babysat for families in her community. Her passion for early childhood education grew as she volunteered at Westside during her teenage years, where she was captivated by the Montessori environment and philosophy.
In the summer of 2023, Kyra first experienced working with toddlers and instantly fell in love with both the nurturing atmosphere and our youngest students. She brings her enthusiasm and dedication to the Westside community.
In her downtime, Kyra enjoys discovering new places and restaurants with her friends, spoiling her cats, finding new music, and working out at the gym. She is excited to be part of a community that shares her passion for nurturing young minds.
Colleen O’Reilly
Assistant
Colleen O'Reilly - KM Toddler Assistant
Colleen is excited to be a part of the Westside community as a classroom assistant. Hailing from the charming town of Kentville, Nova Scotia, she is the youngest of four sisters. After majoring in philosophy at Queen’s University, she discovered a passion for working with children while helping her sisters care for her five nephews.
Her professional background spans retail and hospitality management, with a brief period as a medical receptionist during the pandemic. In 2021, while pregnant with her daughter, Evy, Colleen became interested in Montessori philosophy. She implemented Montessori principles at home, guided by Simone Davies’ The Montessori Baby. Being a new mom without a supportive village was initially overwhelming.
Since joining Westside in October 2023 as an assistant with her then 15-month-old daughter, Colleen has found her “village.” She is passionate about supporting each child’s development and is thrilled to be part of such a wonderful community.
Mehakdeep Kaur
Toddler Assistant
Mehakdeep Kaur - KM Toddler Assistant
Mehakdeep is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) with experience supporting infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. She is committed to creating safe, nurturing learning environments where children can explore, learn, and grow with confidence.
Fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, Mehakdeep builds strong, trusting relationships with children and families. She is passionate about inclusive teaching practices and supporting each child’s unique developmental journey.
Mehakdeep brings warmth, patience, and a reflective approach to her work, contributing thoughtfully to the Westside Montessori learning community.
Casa
Livia Roscioli
Casa Guide
Livia Roscioli - KM Casa Guide
Livia is an AMI-trained Casa Guide who joined Westside after several years of experience in Montessori environments. She has worked in Montessori classrooms since 2019, supporting children’s natural curiosity, independence, and love of learning. Livia completed her practice teaching at Westside in 2018–19 while studying at the Foundation for Montessori Education.
Originally from Italy, Livia has lived in Rome, Paris, Los Angeles, and Toronto, and most recently resided in Ottawa before returning to Toronto in the summer of 2025. Her background in photography and the arts informs her educational approach, with a focus on fostering creativity, emotional expression, and hands-on exploration in the classroom.
Livia is dedicated to creating a warm, engaging learning environment where children feel confident, capable, and inspired.
Madison Rudin
Casa Guide
Madison Rudin - KM Casa Guide
Madison, an experienced educator with over a decade of teaching across K–12, with a particular passion for art education, joined our team in 2025. After ten years in the art classroom, she discovered the Montessori philosophy and felt an immediate connection to its respect for the child and its emphasis on independence, creativity, and hands-on learning. She completed her AMI Casa training at the Foundation for Montessori Education in 2024.
Following her training, Madison joined Odyssey Montessori, where she spent nearly two years leading Casa classrooms with warmth, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to each child’s unique journey. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment that supports curiosity, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. Madison also brings her rich background in art into the classroom through thoughtful creative projects and materials that inspire exploration and imagination.
Originally from Toronto and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Madison brings a vibrant blend of perspectives and experiences to her work. Outside the classroom, she enjoys thrifting, all things art, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, and spending time cooking and baking. These interests often find their way into her classroom in joyful and meaningful ways.
Natalia Surelo
Casa French Speaking Assistant
Natalia Surelo - KM Casa French Speaking Assistant
Natalia joined the Casa North Team in the Spring of 2023, shortly after arriving from Ukraine. She brings over 20 years of experience as a French Teacher to our community. She is thoroughly enjoying building her understanding of Montessori while inspiring her students to learn, speak and sing in French daily! Natalia received her Bachelor of Science: Teaching French as a Second Language from the University of the Foreign Languages in Gorlovka, Ukraine.
Fatima Sheik Mamode
Casa French Speaking Assistant
Fatima Sheik Mamode - KM Casa French Speaking Assistant
Fatima is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) who joined Westside Montessori School in 2025. She brings a strong passion for supporting children’s growth across all areas of development and has experience working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children in a variety of childcare and school settings. Her approach is rooted in creating safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environments where each child feels supported and valued.
Fluent in English, French, and Mauritian Creole, Fatima builds meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues. She is committed to fostering engaging learning experiences en Français that encourage independence, curiosity, and social development.
Fatima loves contributing to a warm and vibrant school community while supporting each child’s unique learning journey.
Carol Jargaille
Casa Assistant
Carol Jargaille - KM Casa Assistant
Carol joined Westside in the summer of 2017, following a successful career working in retail management. She brought the knowledge she gained while studying Early Childhood Education at Seneca College, along with experience as Co-Chair and Treasurer of the Parents’ Association at her children’s elementary school. Building on her education and experience, Carol earned her Casa Assistant Training Certificate in 2018 at the Foundation for Montessori Education.
While falling madly and deeply for Maria Montessori’s Philosophy, she came to realize that she had unknowingly raised her own children using Montessori Principles. Carol enjoys creating various projects the children put together and loves seeing the enthusiasm on their faces as their projects come to fruition. She gardens actively both at home and at school and spends as much time outdoors as she possibly can, loving all seasons!
Kimberly Powell
Casa Assistant
Kimberly Powell - KM Casa Assistant
Kimberly started at Westside Montessori School in early 2022. While her work experience is diverse, her career has always centred around children and building relationships with families in one way or another: caregiver, camp counsellor, photographer, and working in retail baby store.
She helps the school to run efficiently and effectively; from working in the kitchen, to supervising recess and lunch in Casa, to cleaning and maintaining the children’s second home.
Kimberly loves coming to work and being a part of the children’s development. In addition to loving Westside’s students, she is also a mother to two wonderful teenagers.
Elementary
Nadia Schwien
Lower Elementary Guide
Nadia Schwien - KM Lower Elementary Guide
Nadia joined Westside in the spring of 2009, as the French-speaking primary assistant: within months, she knew she’d found her calling. Upon completing a BFA at Ryerson University, she started a freelance photography business, with the hopes of becoming a professional explorer. After spending a year travelling the globe, Nadia was ready to shift gears and take a more active role in supporting positive change in the world. Nadia volunteered at a school for special needs in Ecuador, before moving to Japan to teach English for two years. She returned committed to a career in teaching, believing as Dr. Montessori did, that peace is achievable through education. After three and a half years assisting in the Casa classroom at Westside, Nadia furthered her own education; she attended the Montessori Institute Northwest in Portland, Oregon and received her Montessori Elementary 6-12 Diploma.
She went on to earn a Masters in Education at Loyola University Maryland. She is Orton Gillingham (OG) certified and uses her expertise in OG, along with the many workshops on dyslexia she has taken, to support her range of readers. Presently, Nadia is enrolled in Loyola University’s Foundations of Montessori Inclusion Course, deepening her understanding of an ability to support neurodiverse children. Nadia has been an integral part of building the Elementary program at Westside, which opened in September of 2014. She is thrilled to be a part of a community that fosters curiosity, collaboration and a love of learning, in both the children and the staff.
Skye Li Potvin
Elementary French Speaking Assistant
Skye Li Potvin - Elementary French Speaking Assistant
Skye has been an invaluable member of our team at Westside since 2019, initially supporting our Casa students and working with all age groups during the aftercare program. With almost a decade of experience working with children and youth, Skye has always been drawn to the protection, care, and well-being of young people. Her passion for nurturing children started early in her life, extending through her experiences in schools, daycares, and with close family friends.
As a former Montessori student herself, joining Westside brought Skye back to a familiar environment where she reunited with educators who remembered her from her own childhood! This deep connection to Montessori principles and community enriches her work at Westside.
In her downtime, Skye enjoys spending quality time with her family and dog, dining out with friends, binge-watching her favourite shows, discovering new music, and indulging in great food.
Support
Indrani Singh
Literacy & Numeracy Support
Indrani Singh - Learning Support
Prior to entering the world of Montesssori in the early 1990’s, Indrani worked in research and clinical studies in the departments of psychiatry and psychology at both Mount Sinai and Toronto Western Hospitals. She is fascinated by the brain and its development; a passion that led her to Montessori. She trained at the Elementary Level in 1991 at the Toronto Montessori Institute and then studied at the Casa (Primary) level at the Midwest Montessori Institute in Milwaukee in 2000.
She worked at several wonderful Toronto Montessori Schools, taught in Kelowna, BC and was Principal at Taman Kanak Montessori School in Bali, Indonesia before returning to Toronto and opening her own tutoring business, I Learn with Indrani Singh in 2015.
Indrani is part of WMS’ Middle School Team, teaching several areas of the curriculum, including Mathematics, Geometry, History, and Science, all well helping to build and grow our newest program.
In her spare time, Indrani enjoys reading, practising yoga, working through the New York Times crossword puzzles and sipping good coffee.
Amanda Lee
Occupational Therapist
Amanda Lee - Occupational Therapist
Amanda is mother to two WMS students and enjoys spending as much time outdoors with her children as possible! They love camping, swimming, hiking, skating, and have recently taken up kayaking and snowshoeing. They have a family goal to visit as many provincial parks as possible and just skated the arrowhead skating trail. They’re working on their second year of the 1000 hours outside challenge!
When not outside, Amanda’s working her way through her giant reading list (there’s never enough time to read all the good books!) and trying her hand at some indoor gardening.
Alberto Guijarro Sabaniel
Montessori Sports Guide
Alberto Guijarro Sabaniel - Montessori Sports Guide
Alberto joined Westside Montessori in September 2018 as a Casa Assistant in Casa South. After finishing his career as a professional basketball player in Spain, he completed his undergraduate studies in Primary Education at University of Granada and later in Early Childhood Education at George Brown College. During his time in Casa South, Alberto discovered his passion for the Montessori method and sought more exposure; he then began supporting the elementary team. To further his professional development and combine his vocation and love for sports, Alberto pursued the Montessori Sports Certificate and was the second Canadian to earn the certificate.
In 2020, Alberto introduced a physical education program following Montessori principles for children of all ages at Westside. Alberto is well known for his Friday dance parties and enjoys his role as unofficial DJ at Westside.
“Coach Lee” Greenspan
March Break & Summer Camp Sports
“Coach Lee” Greenspan - March Break & Summer Camp Sports
Lee came to Westside many moons ago when we first opened our Elementary Program in 2014 and he worked part time teaching Physical Education. He has been teaching sports programs since his youth, coaching baseball and hockey at competitive levels. He joined the organisation Sportball in 2013 and worked with them until the pandemic; being promoted to area manager and developing his own programs. Lee has experience adapting his programs to accommodate students with disabilities and has learned a great deal himself about patience, determination and strength of character. He loves to witness his students’ confidence soar as they develop new skills!
Coach Lee works part time at Westside and when not learning movement and physical education for our students, you can find him helping his clients navigate the land mortgages of a Mortgage Agent. His experience teaching has greatly supported his second career as he is able to help his clients understand mortgages.
In his spare time, Lee enjoys playing hockey, baseball and golf. He is an exceptional chess player, has won many tournaments and has taught many Westside students how to play chess!
Cindy Alexander Audain
Classroom Support
Cindy Alexander Audain - KM Classroom Support
Cindy joined our Team in early 2024; she migrated to Canada many years ago from the Island of St. Lucia. She grew up in a very large family, where the older children were responsible for the younger ones. Being one of the first of many grandchildren, she had the opportunity to learn very quickly how to care for children. She loved watching and learning from her mother and her preschool teacher; the energy, passion and love they invested in young ones inspired Cindy to work with children. Cindy has worked in a variety of childcare settings for numerous years.
Cindy loves to travel, spend time with family and friends and binge on Netflix thrillers!
Andrea Dickenson
Kitchen Manager & Classroom Support
Andrea Dickenson - Kitchen Manager & Classroom Support
Andrea hails from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and has been a valued member of the Westside Montessori School community since 2012. You will often find her assisting throughout the school, always ready to help wherever needed. Andrea starts her day in the kitchen, ensuring all is ready for lunch and in the afternoons, she works to clean the classrooms and common areas, maintaining a healthy environment for us all. This year, Andrea will be supporting the children during recess and lunchtime daily, playing games of tag and soccer are two of her favourite games.
Andrea loves chatting with the children when they visit the kitchen, sharing smiles and conversations that brighten everyone’s day. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys going for walks and watching her favorite shows, including cooking channels from around the world, documentaries, true crime stories, and programs about the world’s most dangerous roads and places to live. Andrea is a proud mother of two grown children, a son and a daughter.
Elena Garcia Rocha
Kitchen Cleaning Support
Elena Garcia Rocha - KM Kitchen Cleaning Support
She enjoys learning about the Montessori Materials, and has found herself in late afternoon conversations with the teaching team. She cares deeply for our students and is thankful for the opportunities she has at Westside.
