Toronto West Campus Teachers
Bozena Nowicka-Lipa
M.A. Psychology, A.M.I. Diploma, (Association of Montessori International) Founder/Principal
I opened the Toronto campus of Prince Edward Montessori School in September, 1995. After the Toronto campus was successfully operating for some years, I decided to expand. In 2006, the Mississauga campus of Prince Edward Montessori School opened it doors.
I am the mother of two children, both of whom were Montessori educated. It is my firm believe that the philosophy of Maria Montessori is one that contributes to the healthy and balanced growth of children. This growth is achieved through assisting the child to develop socially, emotionally and intellectually by guiding him/her to independence and self reliance in a supportive and age appropriate way. This education is a way of life, practised both at school and at home. The Montessori method provides the child with an opportunity to grow in confidence and self esteem through the provision of interesting and challenging activities. Children are encouraged, with guidance, to develop skills in comparing and contrasting, considering the opinions of others and forming opinions of their own, all of which leads to the development of critical thinking. A skill that will serve your child well in their future. Montessori is a truly unique method of education and children are gently guided to become healthy, happy self confident adults with endless opportunities.
As Maria Montessori herself said, “the greatest gift we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”
Sahar Assaad, BArch
French teacher
I initially obtained my degree in Architecture in Egypt, studying in French. After a time, I decided to teach in a kindergarten for several years. I trained children to perform on stage for their parents and also trained with the Institut Francais while still in Egypt.
When I moved to Canada and was ready to pursue a career. My love of the French language and children, drew me towards working as a French teacher with children of all ages. I have taught in summer camps and March Break camps, planning and conducting fun and educational activities for many years. I have enjoyed creating my own materials and educational games in order to motivate toddlers to teenagers in enjoying their lessons in French.
I have been teaching with Alliance Francaise for almost 20 years. I have also successfully engaged in online teaching over the past several years. In 2018 I became aware of a position, available at Prince Edward Montessori School – teaching toddlers and preschoolers french, at both the Toronto and Mississauga campuses. As I learned more about the Montessori philosophy of education, I became very interested in providing lessons using this amazing method. Following the philosophy, I am able to teach children in small groups at their level, regardless of age. I encourage their independent learning by providing lessons that promote their ideas and individual creativity.
Kaylyn Cordeiro, A.M.I.
Casa Directress
My work with children began as a teenager running summer programs and providing private childcare to families. I have always had an interest in child development and was encouraged to take the Montessori teacher’s training by a friend and fellow Montessorian.
After learning more about the Montessori philosophy, I decided to enrol, and obtained my A.M.I. Casa certification in Toronto in 2007. While my teacher training was invaluable and filled me with knowledge and passion for Montessori, I’ve learned the most from being with the children in the classroom.
After staying home to raise my daughters for some time I returned to PEMS in 2020 as the Directress in Casa B. One of the many rewards of working as a Montessori Directress is that I get to witness the transformation children go through during their process of self-construction. it is an amazing transformation from the time a child enters Casa, to their graduation and I feel honoured to be a small part of their lives during this important stage of development.
Connie De Witt, B.A., A.M.I., R.E.C.E.
Administration
It has been 27 years since I began working with children. I started out volunteering with children from toddler age to teenage. I tutored older children in math, reading and writing skills. Along the way, I also worked as an Educational Assistant, teaching children with special needs in a Montessori environment. I had completed my B.A. in English Literature and Psychology at this time and knew that I wanted to work in Early Childhood Education.
While in the process of completing my Honours Diploma in Early Childhood Education, I fell in love with Maria Montessori’s philosophy. As I continued to work in a Montessori School for several years, I witnessed the results first hand, of the education of the “whole child”. Montessori truly honours the child’s individuality, paying attention to the intellect, spirit and the social emotional growth of every child. The children are encouraged in their independence, and through their independence, they develop a sense of confidence. This confidence is the key to each child’s continuing growth and success in all areas of development. The exploration of the environment through sensorial learning, further allows the child to have a clear and direct understanding of the world around him/her.
It is a truly beautiful method of education. Needless to say I went on and completed my Montessori training at the Foundation for Montessori education in Toronto; where I received my diploma through the Association of Montessori International. This enabled me to teach children from 2 ½ – 6 + years of age. I joined Prince Edward Montessori School 8 years ago as a Casa teacher at the Mississauga Campus. In 2019 I transferred to the Toronto Campus to work in
administration.
Cathy Lindley
Physcial Education and Music Teacher
After graduating with high honours in 1978 from Sheridan College’s Early Childhood Education/Montessori Program, (MACTE accredited), I taught as a classroom Directress for 9 years with the York School. (formerly York Montessori). In 1988, I was hired by Sheridan College to implement the first workplace Montessori Daycare Center at the Mississauga Civic Center. This was also a Lab School, for training Sheridan College Montessori and E.C.E. student teachers. I remained there until the birth of my daughter in 1993. I went on to return to the Lab School in Oakville and taught there until the birth of my son, two years later.
I also became a certified Fitness Instructor Specialist with Can-Fit-Pro, (Canadian Fitness Professionals); and in addition, hold fitness certification in pre/postnatal, adult and children’s fitness.
As music and movement with children has always been a passion of mine, I have taken many courses in these areas. In 1995, I came across Prince Edward Montessori School after it had just opened and started my daughter there in 1996. I then became the Music and Gym teacher. My son also became a Montessori Casa student, two years later. My children stayed for the three year Montessori Casa program and needless to say, I stayed a lot longer! I am now in my 27th year at PEMS and also teaching adult fitness.
Marzanna Litwiniuk
Teaching Assistant
I have been with Prince Edward Montessori School for 18 years. I hold a Diploma in Social Work from Poland and have also completed many workshops related to Montessori Education and Child Development over the years.
I began my career in Poland working at a care home for children with special needs. I was employed there for approximately two years followed by several more years employment, running art workshops for children and youth in Mississauga.
I then became a Teaching Assistant with Prince Edward Montessori School. During the past eighteen years, I have prioritized continuous learning and continue to stay abreast of new developments in Early Childhood education as well as continuous learning in the field of Montessori Education.
I am a proud mother, step mother, grandmother and a great supporter of children of all ages.
Renci Pan, R.E.C.E, A.M.I. (Primary Diploma, 0-3 Assistants Certificate).
CASA Directress
I graduated from Mohawk College in Hamilton with Early Childhood Education Diploma. After a few years of working as a Registered Early Childhood Educator in different school settings, it was there that I discovered my new calling, Montessori. I like the beautifully crafted environments designed to meet the needs of children in this specific age range. Every material in a Montessori classroom supports an aspect of child development, creating a match between the child’s natural interests and the available activities. Children can learn through their own experience and at their own pace. After receiving my AMI primary diploma at the Casa level from the Foundation for Montessori Education, Toronto, I have been in the Casa classroom ever since.
I continue to build my expertise with young children and have completed my Assistant to Infancy(0-3 years old) AMI training in 2023 summer.
I have embraced Montessori as a lifelong passion and build my craft on a daily basis.
Gosia Pytkowski, R.E.C.E.
Teaching Assistant
(Financials)
I have over twenty years of experience in education and am the proud mother of two children. I have spent most of my time in the Montessori field but I have had opportunities to work within childcare centres, specifically toddler and kindergarten age programs.
I have had the privilege of being part of Prince Edward Montessori School since 2001. I hold an Early Childhood Education Diploma received from Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (finished with high honours). I completed the Children’s House Assistant Course through the Association of Montessori International, (A.M.I.). In addition, I am a registered Early Childhood Educator, through the College of Early Childhood Educators, (R.E.C.E.).
I have been involved with the Family Literacy Program in the Peel Region for the past two years and have also recently received a certificate in Behaviour Solutions and Conflict Resolution. I continue to seek out opportunities to learn more and grow as an educator!
I have always had a passion for working with children and I believe that every child should be valued and treated with respect. Working with children allows me to grow as a person. Everyday with the children is a worthwhile learning experience and a rewarding experience for me.
Barbara Zmaczynska
Teaching Assistant
I was born and raised in Poland and am the mother of two amazing children. I became interested in teaching/education while in high school and began volunteering in an orphanage. I also became part of a “Poetry Group” that helped youth at a juvenile facility with their reading and writing.
While engaged in these teaching activities, I found that I had a great interest in helping and working with children of all ages. Teaching and education quickly became my passion. I have worked with school aged children as well, overseeing an aftercare program. In 2007 I became a Teaching Assistant with Prince Edward Montessori School in and I have worked at both campuses with toddlers and preschoolers. I continue to enjoy working with a great family of educators.
I have continued to keep up to date with Montessori Education and Early Childhood Development, through many courses and programs along the way. I have obtained numerous certificates related to children’s education; including, but not limited to children’s social/emotional development, behaviour management, stages of development and many more. I continue to rely on my ability to communicate effectively with children and adults while providing quality care for all of our students.