McVicar Montessori Staff
Manager
Ms. Leah
Hi Parents and Guardians!
My name is Leah and I am the manager here at Westwood Montessori. I have been part of the Westwood Montessori family since 2002 when I started working part time as an out of school care teacher while going to school. In 2005 I graduated from Western Montessori Teachers College with an Associates in Montessori Studies and shortly after that completed my Early Childhood Education program and received my license. From 2005-2012 I taught in the Montessori full day program with children between the ages of 3-5. Being able to watch each child learn and grow throughout my years as a teacher has brought a lot of joy to my life. In January 2013 I took over as the manager and I really enjoy working closely together with the teachers and parents to provide the best possible childcare environment. Although I miss teaching, I’m glad I still get to see all the children’s smiling faces when they pass my office and when I visit them in their classrooms.
Junior Toddler Staff
Ms. Judy
Hi, my name is Judy Nam. I received my Early Childhood Education in 2011, and I received my Infant and toddler Certificate in 2017. I started as an ECE back in Korea in 2003. Throughout the several centers I’ve worked at my passion for caring for young friends has been fulfilled. I have experienced various approaches to guide and nurture children included from play-based learning to Montessori. I have always felt happier when I am with younger friends. I am also extremely excited to join Westwood Montessori and see the children grow.
Ms. Sandy (on maternity leave)
My name is Sandy Hon, I am an educator at Westwood Montessori in the Junior Toddler room. I obtained my Early Childhood Care Education from Capilano University and Montessori Diploma from North America Montessori Center (NAMC). For the past 10 years, I had been with SFU childcare society as an Early Childhood Educator and have gained a lot of experience working there. I am excited to be working with this age group and to be part of the Westwood Montessori team.
Senior Toddler Staff
Ms. Dana
My name is Dana. I look forward to working with each child and helping them succeed in their education and participation during their school year. I have been teaching for 15 years. I am an AMI Montessori teacher and taught preschool for fourteen years in West Vancouver. I came from Taiwan when I was a teenager and I love being here in Canada. Before my son was born, I decided to become a Montessori teacher and then take my Infant Toddler training afterwards. I look forward to each school year, meeting new children and families.
Ms. Josie
Hello! I am Josie from Taiwan. I have more than four years of experience working with children in my country. I have graduated from Vancouver Career college here in Coquitlam and have obtained my ECE certificate at the same time I’m working here at Westwood Montessori McVicar. I love working with children so I am very happy and fortunate to have this opportunity. I am looking forward to meeting you all!
Daycare I Staff
Ms. Jessie
Hello, my name is Jessie Zheng, I am an Early Childhood Educator graduated from Douglas College in Coquitlam, BC. I was born in China and immigrated to Canada in 2003. I have a master’s degree of computer science and bachelor’s degree of mathematics. I am a mother of a beautiful daughter. I believe that children learn through play and sensory experiences. I feel that art; music; and science should be open ended experiences such as bringing out-door play indoors, using nature to teach, letting the children be the leaders instead of teacher directed activities. It thrills me at the end of every day to hear the children’s excitement, to see them running to their parents full of stories of their day. I am looking forward to my time here with you and your children.
Daycare II Staff
Ms. Ruby
My name is Ruby. I was born in Taiwan but I lived in many places. From Taiwan, the USA, Korea, to now in Canada. “Children Learn What They Live” is the poem that encouraged me to become a preschool teacher. It guided me and motivated me to study Early Childhood Education at Vancouver Career College, and the Montessori program through NAMC. Now I am also pursuing an AMS affiliated Montessori Teacher Education program. I have worked in the childcare field for 14 years and have 2 children of my own. I have found myself happy, fulfilled, and rewarded by the time I work with children. I am devoted to caring for the well-being of all the children in my life!
Preschool Staff
Ms. Joanne
My name is Joanne. I received my Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Training Diploma from Capital College in 2004. Since receiving my ECE in 2006, I have been working in preschool, daycare and infant/toddler programs at couple of different facilities. I withdrew from my work after I had my first child in 2010. After both of my kids settled into elementary school, I decided that it’s time for me to go back to something I enjoy. I can’t wait to see those cute, innocent and eager to learn faces. I am also looking forward to meet you and your families too.
Ms. Thushara
My name is Thushara. I am the proud mother of 3 beautiful children. I achieved my ECE from Sprott Shaw College in 2021. I started my carrier as a preschool teacher back in Sri Lanka in 2003, after completing Diploma of Montessori Education. I completed the Diploma of Government teachers in 2008 and started as a government teacher for Grade 01 to 05 from 2008 to till I moved to Canada in 2012. As a teacher, I understand the importance of developing a caring, nurturing environment for all young children and I work to make all children and their families feel special at Westwood Montessori.
