Managers

Ms. Stephanie

My name is Stephanie Malysz and I graduated from Simon Fraser University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. In March 2018, I started at Westwood Montessori as a teacher in the Out of School Care program. I have been the Manager of the Pinetree Location since April 2019. I have worked with children since I was young through volunteering and being a nanny. I enjoy working with the teachers, connecting with parents and being around the children to see them learn and experience new things. I love being a part of the Westwood family and I look forward to being here each and every day.

Daycare I Staff

Ms. Maryam

My name is Maryam, I have received my Early Childhood Education from Vancouver Career College and a BA degree in Graphic Design. I have been working with children for over 6 years. I love working with children for over 6 years, I love working with children because there is not a single day at work that is the same! I am looking forward to working with your children and to get to know all of you.

Ms. Julia

My family and I moved here from Korea. I have been working with children for over 10 years in both Korea and Canada. In Korea, I received a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and in June 2015 I obtained my Early Childhood Educator in British Columbia. I love children and find working with them brings great joy to my life. I feel like I have learned just as much from my students as they have from me and most of all, I want them to know how very special they are in the world during their school days. I look forward to meeting new children and families at Westwood Montessori.

Ms. Julie

My name is Julie Zhu. I have received my Early Childhood Education Assistant Certificate from Douglas College and have been working towards the ECE Certificate as well. I have been a part of Westwood Montessori family since 2021. I really love working with these wonderful children and watching them learn and grow every day. As a teacher, I am dedicated to encouraging and supporting each child to explore and have fun in their early learning. I look forward to meeting your little ones at Westwood Montessori.

Ms. Mei

Hi! My name is Mei. I have been working with young children as an ECEa since 2019. Over the past years, these young children always surprise me, delight me, and teach me more than I dreamed of. I am interested and passionate about helping young children, and watching them learn and achieve. I am looking forward to meeting the new families and your little ones in September.

Daycare II Staff

Ms. Christine

I obtained my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees from Queen’s University and my Association Montessori International and ECE certificate from the Montessori Training Centre of British Columbia. Since then I have been working with children in various ages for more than 15 years found my heart settle for children age 3 to 5. I believe the Montessori environment can help cultivate all children to become truly capable and confident individuals by focusing on their moral behavioral, emotional and intellectual development.

Ms. Lydia

Hello my name is Lydia Choi. I grew up in Korea and came to Canada in 2010. I am certified early childhood educator and infant/toddler educator. I have been in the early childhood field since 2017. I love educating and caring for children, and how their individual personalities make every day unique and special. I believe that having fun is a big part of learning. Children learn by doing, exploring, collaborating and playing. I am so happy to be a part of the Westwood Montessori team. I look forward to getting to know the children and families within the centre and building positive and lasting relationships with the children I will be working with. “Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” – O. Fred Donaldson.

Ms. Amerlin

My name is Amerlin. I have received my Early Childhood Education Assistant from Pacific Rim Early Childhood Institute. I have always enjoyed being around young children and it has been my dream and passion to work with and nurture them. Working with young children brings me immense joy, and I consider it both a privilege and a calling to be a part of their early educational journey. I look forward to the upcoming school year and the opportunity to meet each and every one of you!

Junior Toddler Staff

Ms. Joy

Hi, my name is Joy Huang. I am a mother of two, My daughter is 20 years-old and my son is 18 years-old. My husband is a computer engineer. I have worked with children nearly all my life. When my children were little, I volunteered as a Beaver, Cub, and Scout Leader. In 2009 I received my Early Childhood Education Certificate and in 2010 I received my Infant and Toddler Certificate. I have been working with infants and toddlers at SFU Childcare Society since 2010. In 2015 I decided to work close to home so I choose Westwood as my next journey. I really enjoy working and growing with this team.

Ms. Selena

My name is Selena Yim and I am from Hong Kong. I have achieved an Early Childhood Education Certificate from Sprott Shaw College in 2017 and an International Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center in 2018. Besides teaching children at daycare, I have a history of teaching the piano. Because of the skills and the background of teaching that I have built up throughout the years, I strongly believe that Early Childhood Education is a wonderful path for me. I want to use all that I have acquired to teach children.

Ms. Jane

My name is Jane Chang. I’m from Taiwan and I’m a mom of three daughters. I started working as a substitute teacher at Westwood Montessori in January 2018. I love children and enjoy watching them grow. From subbing at two locations and different classes, I gained a lot of experience and was motivated by many great teachers so I studied and got my ECE in 2023.I am thrilled to work in the Junior Toddlers class and cannot wait to give my love and care to all the little ones!I’m very happy to be on the Westwood Montessori team!

Senior Toddler I Staff

Ms. Mary

I obtained my early childhood education, infant and toddler, special needs diploma from MTI community college. I have been working full time in the senior toddler program at Westwood Montessori since May 2009. I believe children are very special and unique. I really love working with them especially the young ones. Observing children and keeping them happy and safe brings a sense of joy and achievement to my heart. My goals as a teacher are to help children build confidence in themselves, develop social and problem-solving skills, thereby enabling them to advance to their next level at daycare.

Ms. Annie

I completed my Montessori training and Early Childhood Education program from Association Montessori International (AMI) in 2006 and have extensive experience with this field of work. Self discipline, knowledge, independence, as well as enthusiasm for learning are aspects that I hope to cultivate and develop within each child. I am very happy to have the opportunity to work with your child and believe that I can fulfill your child’s need at this particular stage with my passion.

Ms. Jean

I have obtained my International Diploma in Montessori Studies from London Montessori and have my full licence as an Early Childhood Educator and Infant Toddler Educator. I have worked in International Kindergarten and Montessori Centres for more than 15 years starting from when I lived back home in Singapore.
Working with young children has always been my passion and love. I love to interact with them, watch the little steps that they take and enjoy the little moments which we share that bring so much joy to my heart. I strongly believe these little toddlers have such an absorbent mind. So as educators, it is our responsibility to guide them as they problem solved and provide many opportunities for them to learn life skills that will teach them independence and social skills as they grow from one level to another

Sr Toddler II Staff

Ms. Jeong

Hi my name is Jeong and I grew up with a love for teaching so I pursued my passion of becoming a teacher in Korea. In 2008, I received my Early Childhood Education, Infant and Toddler and Special Needs Educator Certification here in BC, and became a full time childhood educator. My main goal as a teacher is to make sure that all my students are safe and happy to be at school. I can’t wait to meet all of your children.

Ms. Marjan

Hello, my name is Marjan Joulaei, I have dedicated myself to being a lifelong learner. I have gained my Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Iran and I received my ECE and ITE licences in Canada. I have been teaching for the past 20 years. Back in my country I was a high school math teacher. I have been working with children under 12 for 10 years, 6 of those years have been specifically dedicated to infant and toddlers. Pure soul and love, fresh brains and minds and a warm smile and hug are three reasons why I am attracted to this job everyday more than yesterday. In my philosophy infant and toddlers need love and care more than anything else, for sure the children’s safety takes priority. Infant and toddlers learn with all five senses and in different ways. As a teacher I strive to find the children’s interests and individual characteristics to make them ready for their bright futures.

Preschool AM/PM Staff

Ms. Jovana

My name is Jovana. I have been working at Westwood Montessori since 2004. I graduated at Western Montessori Teacher's college in 1996 and completed additional requirements for my International Diploma for Montessori Method of Education in the same year. I am a fully licensed Early Childhood Educator since 1990. I enjoy working with preschool and Kindergarten children very much; it is rewarding to see them become independent learners through prepared environment. It is nice to be part of this process where child builds a base for future achievements. I am looking forward to the dynamics and challenges of the new group every September.

Ms. Sid

Hello, I am Ms. Sid and I’m very excited to be a part of the preschool program at Westwood Montessori and work alongside Ms. Jovana Polic. I have been working in childcare for over four years now and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences. I love working with children and I’m always inspired by their sense of curiosity and creativity. As an early childhood educator, my goal is to create a fun and nurturing classroom environment where every child feels loved, welcomed and very much at home. I firmly believe in keeping open lines of communication between parents and teachers. I look forward to building a positive relationship with you and your child.

Extended Preschool Staff

Ms. Christine C

I am Christine (Ching-Chin) and I am from Taiwan. I have been living in Canada for more than 10 years. In 2006 I earned my Early Childhood Education certificate from Vancouver Career College and in 2008 I joined Westwood Montessori. Working with children is fun and challenging but watching them grow and develop through our program is the best part of this job. I hope all the children and parents enjoy their days in our Centre.

Ms. Crystal

My name is Crystal Chen. As a child care teacher for four years, I have developed a great enthusiasm and love for early childhood education and was determined to pursue my passion in this field. I love being with children of all ages. My idea in teaching is to combine education with fun activities, so this variety would inspire children to enjoy being at school and hope to unlock their potential.

Out of School I Staff

Ms. Azin

My name is Azin. I have my Bachelor Degree in Accounting from Iran and I have been working with children over 17 years. I started working with children in 2003 where I worked in Daycares. Over time, I proceeded to have my own Daycare in Coquitlam. This is my fifth year working at Westwood Montessori and I absolutely love the school and the students. I have a substantial passion for teaching and working with children. I work very hard to engage students in learning with high-energy and a productive environment. I love my job and I believe very strongly in the power of education. My goal is to help children reach their fullest potential.