Our Team
At Kawartha Montessori School (KMS), our teachers are pivotal in delivering top-tier educational experiences to our students. We insist on having teachers who are well-qualified, committed, and expertly trained in Montessori methods. Here’s a snapshot of our extraordinary teaching staff:
- Expert Training: Our teachers have undergone rigorous Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) or Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) accredited training, providing a profound understanding of Montessori principles and techniques.
- Best Graduates: We onboard only top graduates from renowned Montessori institutes such as the Toronto Montessori Institute, Montessori Teachers College, and Association Montessori Internationale.
- Highly Educated: Our teachers often hold Bachelor of Education degrees alongside their Montessori training, indicating their deep comprehension of child development and pedagogy.
- Continued Teacher Education: We support our teachers’ continual growth by offering regular professional development opportunities like conferences, workshops, and courses to enhance their knowledge and enrich their classrooms.
- Specialist Instructors: Our French and Arts programs are led by highly skilled specialists with remarkable experience, training, and education.
- Handpicked Support Staff: We choose our support staff, including Casa Classroom Assistants and KMS Specialist Instructors, based on their experience, training, and education to cater to our student’s unique needs.
- Committed Administrative Staff: Our administrative team ensures smooth day-to-day operations of the school and helps maintain a robust teaching staff.
Carolyn Donaldson
Head of School
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Child Development, Montessori Early Childhood Diploma, Bachelor of Education (OCT), Early Childhood Education (RECE)
What do you like to do outside of school? When I am not at school, my favourite thing to do is spend time with my family outdoors. We love hikes, playing disc golf, pickleball, downhill skiing, and spending time at our family cottage. We love playing board games, card games, and having movie nights too! I make time for running several times a week and enjoy reading if I can squeeze it in.
What drew you to Montessori Education? I heard about Montessori when I was completing my Bachelor of Education at Trent. A friend recommended I do my alternative placement at KMS and I’m so glad I did! Observing in the classrooms, I knew almost immediately that I had found the teaching philosophy that aligned best with my values and teaching style. And I’ve been here ever since!
What is your favourite subject and why? My favourite subject in a Montessori classroom is math! The materials are so brilliantly designed and call to the children in such unique ways. From the Golden Beads all the way up to Racks and Tubes – I love them all!
Carrie O’Toole
Vice Principal / Learning Strategist
Qualifications: BA Psychology, Bachelor of Education (Member of OCT), Leadership and Outdoor Education Diploma
What do you like to do outside of school? I love the outdoors and staying active outside. Over the years this has led me to pursuing many fun adventures with my family (my daughter, son and husband) on a mountain bike, road bike, downhill skills, nordic skis, canoe tripping and exploring different areas of the world. I can often be found at a soccer field too – I love watching both of my children play this beautiful sport.
What drew you to Montessori Education? After graduating from teacher’s college I covered a maternity leave at KMS. Even after a day here it was hard not to fall in love. The pedagogy, the people, the warmth and the curiosity and love of learning in the classrooms was unlike anything I had seen anywhere before. I was hooked!
What is your favourite subject and why? It is hard not to have an appreciation for all the subjects in a Montessori classroom with all the beautiful materials, however, over the years I have gravitated to learning more about executive functions. Executive functions are the part of the brain that help us get things done (planning, prioritizing, organizing, time management, emotional control, initiating tasks, sustaining attention, etc). This is really my favourite subject and I love learning more about this, and supporting students, parents and teachers in their journey of strengthening these important, valuable, lifelong skills.
Teachers
Shannon Botulenko
Casa Teacher
Qualifications: I earned my Early Childhood Montessori Teachers Diploma through Montessori Teachers College. I also have my Correctional Worker Diploma and over 20 years of experience working with children in educational settings.
What do you like to do outside of school? Outside of School I enjoy kayaking, swimming, camping and various sports with my family. I also enjoy reading and cooking.
What drew you to Montessori Education? I love the Montessori philosophies to follow the child, develop independence and foster curiosity.
What is your favourite subject and why? I really enjoy all 5 areas of the curriculum. My favourite is the arithmetic area. I love how the Montessori teachings incorporate concrete learning as well as taking in the sensitive periods of the child into consideration and ensuring that all of those needs are met.
Bethany Brinkman
Casa Teacher
Qualifications: IBachelor of Education and Bachelor of Music. Additional Qualification Courses in Primary/Junior Part 1 and Kindergarten Part 1.
What do you like to do outside of school? I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exploring the outdoors through biking and hiking, and working at camp. I almost always have a crafty project on the go, and I love singing whenever I get the chance!
What drew you to Montessori Education? I was first drawn to Montessori education after watching my nieces flourish in the approach – their independence and joy for learning is inspiring. I love how Montessori empowers children to do things for themselves from a young age, building their confidence.
What is your favourite subject and why? My favourite Montessori subject is language. I love reading and it’s so rewarding to teach the building blocks that help children discover and make meaning of the world around them.
Brooke Sharkey
Casa Teacher
Qualifications: I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator with the College of Early Childhood Educators and graduated from St.Lawrence College. I also have my diploma in Social Service Worker program from Algonquin College.
What do you like to do outside of school? Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Being in the outdoors, hiking, swimming, at the beach, and checking out new parks for my daughter to explore. I am also a bit of a foodie and enjoy trying out new restaurants.
What drew you to Montessori Education? What caught my attention with Montessori Education is how the philosophy embraced children where they are at academically and encourages children to be independent while fostering their curiosity.
What is your favourite subject and why? My favourite subject growing up was French. I really enjoyed learning a new language and sharing that with others. Here at KMS the section I enjoy teaching the most is practical life. The children often find joy in being able to be a contributor in their community and helping one another out through our daily routine.
Kacie Winterberg
Casa Teacher
Qualifications: I have a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Anthropology and Religion from Dartmouth College, an elementary multiple subject teaching credential, a Montessori Assistants’ diploma and will finish my Montessori Guide certification from Montessori Teachers College in May of 2026.
What do you like to do outside of school? Outside of school I love to cycle, cook, and do crafts with my family. I also love photographing the aurora borealis. I’m happiest when it’s snowing, so in the winter you can always find me outside tobogganing, snowshoeing, and romping in the snow.
What drew you to Montessori Education?Seeing my daughter experience the community, curiosity, and joy of learning in her Montessori school inspired me to get my training to bring this education to more children. Everything about Montessori is so thoughtful and respectful of children, and it is an education I would recommend to anyone.
What is your favourite subject and why? My favourite area of the Casa Montessori curriculum is Sensorial. Sensorial provides such a strong foundation for all future learning through such gentle and interesting materials. I have yet to meet a three year old who isn’t charmed by the smallest block of the pink tower, and honestly, I feel the same way.
Casandra Lee
Casa Teacher
Qualifications: Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Environmental Studies. AMI Casa Primary Diploma
What do you like to do outside of school?
When not at KMS, I love to paint, write stories, read, and cook. Some other favourite activities are taking long walks and spending time with friends and family.
What drew you to Montessori Education?
In 2015, I worked at a Montessori school as an Art and Gardening teacher. I knew very little about the Montessori philosophy and how the classrooms worked. When I entered the classrooms, I observed how special the environment was for the children. The freedom and independence were beautiful to witness. From that experience, I was inspired to receive my Montessori training.
What is your favourite subject and why?
I have a lot of favourite subjects and they seem to change from year to year. I went from history to science to literature to psychology. Now as an adult, my favourite subject to study is art.
Christine Pellerine
Casa Teacher
Qualifications: I have earned my Early Childhood Education MACTE accredited Montessori Diploma with the Canadian Montessori Teacher Education Institute. I also have a background in Event Planning with studying Catering and Event planning at George Brown College.
What do you like to do outside of school?
I love to spend time with my family, going to watch my boys play hockey. I also enjoy reading, gardening, travel, swimming and going for long walks with my dogs.
What drew you to Montessori Education?
I like that the Montessori education follows the pace of the child. I feel that every child is unique and are at different levels when it comes to their learning, letting the child move at their own pace is just beautiful.
What is your favourite subject and why?
My favourite subject is the Language curriculum. Each stage of the Language curriculum is designed to cater to the unique needs and abilities of children at different developmental levels.
Shannon Mitchell
Lower Elementary Teacher
Qualifications: Lower Elementary Montessori Diploma, Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in History and World Religions, Early Childhood Education diploma
What do you like to do outside of school? I love spending time with my family playing games, going for long walks and hikes, snowshoeing, baking, cooking and reading. We also love to take family road trips every summer.
What drew you to Montessori Education? The Montessori principles that foster a child’s natural curiosity, independence and love for learning really speak to me. I am excited to continue to grow as a Montessori educator.
What is your favourite subject and why? My favourite subject to teach is Language. I love the light bulb moment as students master new language skills, and then suddenly the world of reading is opened to them!
Aimee Quinlan
Lower Elementary Teacher
Qualifications: I have a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in English and Mass Communications and Casa Montessori Teacher certification from Toronto Montessori Institute.
What do you like to do outside of school? I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also love to create art, make music and dance. I love to garden and read, as well as travel and camp.
What drew you to Montessori Education? When my children were young, I was looking for a place for them to discover a love of learning. I found KMS, enrolled my kids, and almost immediately decided to go back to school and get qualifications in order to follow this unbelievable path of the world of Montessori.
What is your favourite subject and why? I love all of the subjects and the materials that help to teach them. If I had to pick a favourite today, I would lean toward Culture, and especially Geography. Helping young children understand the world, and watching them discover who they want to be within it, is always awe inspiring.
Danielle Brinkman
Upper Elementary Teacher
Qualifications: Bachelor of BPhEd, BEd
What do you like to do outside of school? I love to go camping, to spend time with my family, and to play music.
What drew you to Montessori Education? The Montessori way is so intentional, child centered and the classrooms are so warm and beautiful. These aspects are what drew me to Montessori Education both as an educator and as a parent.
What is your favourite subject and why? I love all of the areas of curriculum in Upper Elementary but if I had to choose a favourite it would be the culture curriculum. In the culture curriculum, we always start by telling the story of the big picture. This provides a solid foundation for researching and discovering more about specific aspects within their broad understanding. Each student is able to dive deeper into what they find personally interesting. In this way, children are set up for meaningful work and they are able to develop a lifelong love of learning!
Libby Echlin
Upper Elementary Teacher
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Bachelor of Education
What do you like to do outside of school? Outside of school I like to be with my family and spend time with friends. I love being outdoors in any capacity, but my favourite place is Algonquin Park where I spent my summers growing up.
What drew you to Montessori Education? After working in the public school system for many years, I was drawn to learning about other education approaches. I instantly connected with the Montessori philosophy of following the child as an individual when teaching and I have been hooked ever since!
What is your favourite subject and why? I love any opportunity to be creative and expressive, which is why I have always been drawn to learning and teaching Language and the Arts.
Keenan Cole
Middle School Teacher
Qualifications: I completed my undergrad at Trent University with a Bachelor of Arts and Science, with a joint major in Biology and French. I went on to earn my Bachelor of Education at Trent, where my teachables were Biology (Intermediate/Senior) and French as a Second Language (Intermediate/Senior).
What do you like to do outside of school? Outside of school I’m heavily involved with the local rugby community as both a player for the Peterborough Pagans senior men’s team and assistant coach for the u18 girls rugby team. Furthermore, since 2022 I have helped coach the varsity girls rugby team at Lakefield College School. Aside from rugby the majority of my free time is spent either in the gym or kayaking with my dad!
What drew you to Montessori Education? I was personally drawn to Montessori education since I believe it aligns heavily with my own personal philosophy of education that looks to foster both critical thinking and inquiry based learning approaches. In addition, I believe that the skills that students acquire through Montessori education are ones that they’ll be able to apply in all aspects of their life as they progress and evolve along their own educational/professional
What is your favourite subject and why? Ever since High School, Biology has always been my favourite subject to both study and teach. Biology is an area that covers such a vast majority of topics that I always find myself going down new rabbit holes of information that always seem to peak my curiosity and leave me in awe of the natural world.
Winter Tran
French Teacher
Qualifications: I hold a B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics from McMaster University and a B.Ed. from OISE at the University of Toronto, with teaching qualifications from primary through senior divisions. I also have additional qualifications in Special Education, Visual Arts, and French as a Second Language, and experience teaching French in the public school system.
What do you like to do outside of school? When I’m not soaking in the joy of spending time with my rambunctious daughter, I am outside admiring trees, playing with my camera, coasting happily on my bike, enjoying an eclectic array of music genres, honing my French and Vietnamese, or sitting at cafés steeping myself in the works of talented writers and slowly chipping away at my own stories that I hope to publish for my daughter one day.
What drew you to Montessori Education? I was drawn to Montessori because the method aligns closely with my own philosophy of learning—that learning is at its most meaningful when it sparks genuine curiosity and builds on each child’s natural interests and gifts.
What is your favourite subject and why? The humanities – particularly the language arts, performing arts and visual arts. Why? Because they’re awesome. Undervalued by many, but I consider them among our most powerful tools for self-expression and communication, for bringing about the kind of world we want to live in, and for keeping alive our connection to the core of who we are.
Lucy Heo
Music and Art Specialist
Qualifications: Master’s completion of Arts in Music and Diploma of Arts and Technology
What do you like to do outside of school?
Besides teaching at school, I love to spend time with my family, such as bike rides, playing board games, and cooking together. I also love to paint, read, craft, crochet, and compose songs. I am working on a diamond painting of Starry Night by Van Gogh as a new hobby.
What drew you to Montessori Education?
I was walking through the path to becoming a music therapist, and I found an amazing opportunity to be a music and arts specialist at KMS.
When I studied Montessori philosophy, I was inspired by its educational model, which supports the development of skills to help children’s learning journey by respecting their own pace, voice, and mind.
As a Music and Art teacher, I feel beyond motivated and excited to apply this whole-child approach method in teaching music and art classes.
What is your favourite subject and why?
I have always enjoyed and loved Music and Arts throughout my entire life because they give me freedom and motivation of imagination. It also allows me to express myself creatively and freely.
Mia Park
Culinary Arts Specialist
Qualifications: I completed the Superior Course in Pâtisserie at Le Cordon Bleu in Ottawa in 2011. Since then, I’ve spent the past 12 years working in both baking and cooking. In 2023, I launched my own home based brand, Mija BAKESHOP, where I continue to create and share my passion for handcrafted sweets.
What do you like to do outside of school? Outside of school, most of my time is spent working. I manage orders, shop for ingredients, and handle many parts of my small business. It keeps me busy and I truly enjoy it.
What drew you to Montessori Education? I was drawn to Montessori education because it encourages children to learn through experience and self discovery, rather than simply following instructions. This hands on, child centered approach is very different from traditional methods, and I believe it aligns closely with my own values. I want to be a guide who helps children learn through meaningful life experiences rather than just words.
What is your favourite subject and why? Since childhood, I’ve always loved the arts especially visual arts and physical expression. I enjoy working with my hands and creating things, which is why I’ve recently developed an interest in embroidery and hand stitching. Creative work brings me peace and joy.
Lindsey Gershfeld
Senior Administrator
Qualifications: Graduate of Public Relations
What do you like to do outside of school? I love getting quality time with the family; going on walks with our dog, swimming at the beach and building sandcastles, enjoying weekly movie nights, and finding new things to try. I’m currently working on my pickleball and skiing skills, weather permitting!
What drew you to Montessori Education? The thing I love most about Montessori is the development of a genuine love and appreciation for learning; it is what I hope for my child as he grows. I also really like the idea of teaching the whole child, and meeting them where they’re at.
What is your favourite subject and why?
Literature and writing is definitely my favourite; fiction and non-fiction. It is a wonderful way to express ideas, learn about people and the world around us, or just to get lost in another universe.
Dianne Kingsley
Licensing Supervisor & Administrator
Qualifications: Registered E.C.E.
What do you like to do outside of school? When not at work, I enjoy running my kids from one sporting event to the next. We also spend a lot of time camping during the summer.
What drew you to Montessori Education? I first learned about Montessori while studying Early Childhood in College. Once I had children, I knew that Montessori was what I wanted for them. Four children and 20+years later – I know it was the right choice.
What is your favourite subject and why? My favourite subjects in school growing up were Psychology and Accounting but when I get to spend time in the classrooms here at KMS my favourite area of curriculum would have to be Math. The materials are beautiful and really foster a concrete connection to learning that just doesn’t happen in the mainstream classroom.