Many directresses (teachers) at LMS. have a University degree or College degree, as well as Montessori training. Some of our Directresses hold a B.Ed. degree as well, although this is not compulsory for our staff.  Most of our classroom assistants have University degrees and some are involved in completing their Montessori training as well.

French Languauge – Magda Swisterski

At Lakeview, French language is introduced as early as at the Toddler level through a variety of age appropriate activities such as games, songs, sorting objects, crafts, etc.

Casa children and Junior Elementary students (JK to grade 3) are involved in 30 minute lessons three times a week. Senior Elementary students (grades 4-8) follow Ontario FSL curriculum program enriched by cultural projects and events related to French and French  Canadian culture and history.

All Elementary students have access to the supplementary French computer games and educational programs in order to increase their language skills, improve vocabulary and pronunciation. Conversational French is stressed at all times.

I have been with LMS since 1988. I received my Master of Arts Degree in Europe.  I’ve taken many French language courses in France and have obtained my FSL Teaching Certificate from the University of Windsor. I also have my Ontario Teaching Certificate as well as my Montessori Diploma.

Melody Robinet – Music, Art and Drama

I believe educating children in the arts can expand creativity, teach diversity, build community, and develop higher order thinking skills.  This year at Lakeview Montessori, we are implementing a new Arts Program that includes drama, music, and visual arts.  The arts offers unique ways of experiencing and learning, and students will have the opportunity to think and feel as they explore, problem solve, express, interpret, evaluate the artistic process and see the results of their efforts.  Throughout the year, students will benefit from the arts expectations outlined by the Ontario Ministry of Education as well as the Montessori curriculum.

At Lakeview Montessori, we believe in preparing students for success in the world as it is today and as it will be in the future.  We believe this means promoting technological awareness and understanding in an ever-advancing world.  This year, in addition to traditional art, music, and drama, we will integrate technology into our Arts Program through the use of composition software, Garage Band, online resources, green screen and video editing software.

I look forward to the ongoing development of the new Arts Program with Lakeview Montessori, as well as the opportunity to learn and grow alongside my students. It is my personal goal that students will be able to utilize the arts as a tool for social and emotional development, civic engagement, and global interpretation.

Keegan Brennan – Phys Ed, resource, IT, Leadership Course

I will be heading the Physical Education program this year, as well as, providing resource support and leadership programs for the students of LMS.

After graduating from the University of Windsor in 2010 with my BEd, my wife and I moved to Northern Alberta where we both taught for the last two years. We have recently have moved back to Windsor, to be closer to our families and to raise two little ones of our own: twin boys – Caellum and Finnegan.

While teaching Phys. Ed. in Alberta, I had the opportunity to work and coach with some of the top coaches and teachers in the province. Since then I have facilitated leadership and coaching workshops designed to encourage both academic and sporting excellence amongst youth. My goal is to make this a year that the students won’t forget. I like to bring a lot of energy to the classroom and pride myself on creative and innovative planning. I hope to share my knowledge and experience with the students in the classroom through coaching and the leadership program that we will be offering. I will encourage the students to become student leaders within the school and community, both bettering themselves and the people around them. I believe education is a journey that students and teachers need to take together.

Teachers have as much to learn from students, as students have to learn from teachers and I greatly look forward to taking the journey with the students of LMS. I eagerly look forward to ushering in a fantastic school year and getting to know the staff, students and parents of LMS.

Resource Staff

My name is Janet Ste. Marie and I am very excited about another year at LMS. I have Bachelor of Physical Education and Bachelor of Education degrees and I bring with me 16 years of teaching experience in the Private school setting, working with students from grade 1 to grade 10.  For the past two years I have had the pleasure of working as resource teacher in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior classrooms.  This year I have the opportunity to work exclusively in the Junior classrooms, allowing me to work more closely with the younger students.

As resource teacher, in addition to working on a one-to-on basis with students, I work cooperatively with parents, teachers and other professionals to formulate and implement Individual Plans tailored to each student’s specific needs and strengths. I also have the pleasure of working again this year with the student council as teacher supervisor which allows me the opportunity to continue to relate to students throughout the elementary school.  I look forward to continuing to learn the Montessori method, working with the Montessori materials  and applying them to my work with the students.

Eda Ciellza – Toddler 1

I have been working at Lakeview, with Toddler, Casa and Elementary, since December 2003.  I completed my Bachelor of Education degree in Europe and taught grades 1 and 2.  Shortly after starting at Lakeview I decided to complete my Montessori Early Education (2 1/2-6 year old) training.

This year I have again the great privilege to be the Toddler 1 Directress. My goal is to provide a sense of security, nurturance and loving care that Toddlers need to thrive during this stage of intensive learning. The first few years of a child’s life are the most formative years. It is a time when children effortlessly absorb concepts and habits.  It is also the period when roots for a love of learning are established.

Our Toddler classroom is carefully planned to meet the needs of Toddlers and is organized for their convenience.  Areas of learning are defined, yet the space is open to allow plenty of room for social interaction and activities required for growth and development.

My role as a Montessori teacher is one of guide and observer, whose ultimate goal is to intervene less and less as the child develops.  I will provide individual attention as the Toddlers deal with positive experiences and achieve independence.

Ilknur Tepe – Toddler 2

My name is Ilknur Tepe and I am a passionate Montessori Directress, who is a loving, caring, patient person and who loves being surrounded by children. I enjoy being in a position to help in children’s growth and education and always look for the best in each child. I became a member of the Lakeview family when I started as a volunteer in 2002. Since then I have worked in many different levels as an assistant and the longest time was with the Toddlers. This year I have the great privilege to be the Toddler 2 Directress. I posses a Kindergarten teaching diploma from Germany and also have my Montessori Early Childhood diploma.
Toddlers are a lot of fun! They are ready to learn and are excited to progress. Our classroom is carefully planned to meet the needs of each individual child with hands on age-appropriate materials and activities that are designed to arouse their interest and involvement, challenge their natural curiosity and assist their early learning potential. The Toddler classroom provides the perfect opportunity for them to start understanding the world around them.

My goal for this year in the Toddler classroom is to build a trusting relationship between each and every child in order to make each them feel safe in their environment while they are away from home and family. As a Toddler Directress, I will help the  children build skills such as independence, concentration and confidence that foster their growth as successful learning individuals and prepare them for their Casa education.

I look forward to a fun-filled year, where Toddlers develop new skills and knowledge, and where we can watch them grow in our carefully prepared learning environment.

Cinzia Fiorino Politi – Casa 1

This will be my 3rd year at Lakeview Montessori School. I have been a Montessori teacher for 8 years. I went to the University of Windsor and earned my Bachelors Degree specializing in Sociology, as well as the Montessori Early Childhood Education Diploma for Children 2.5 to 6 years. In 2009 I took a year off and completed my Early Childhood Education (ECE) accelerated program and now I am registered with the College of ECE.

My Goal is to help each child achieve a sense of independence and confidence. I want the classroom to feel warm and inviting where I can foster each child’s love of learning. I will challenge each child to reach their potential. It is an honour to be teaching your children and I look forward to getting to know them and having a fantastic year.

Marie Vegh – Casa 2

I have been a part of the Lakeview family since 2003, although I have been working in the Montessori field since 2000. Over the past 15 years, I have been fortunate to offer my volunteer services to children with diverse abilities. I possess the Montessori Early Childhood Education Diploma for children ages 2 ½ to 6 years as well as a Diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE). My son, who is 16 years old, graduated 3 years ago from LMS. He was admitted into Assumption College High School into their IB Program. He is a living testimonial to the benefits of a Montessori education. He developed a strong academic foundation, independence and true sense of self direction as a result of his experience and education at LMS.

The full Casa program involves three years of learning. We are working to help our students develop focus, concentration and independence. There are 5 main subject areas which include Language, Math, Sensorial, Practical Life and Cultural. All lessons involve concrete learning to help create muscular memories. You can expect that your children will learn to read, apply mathematical operations, identify the oceans, the continents and the provinces of Canada. Children who attend 5 days will be exposed to more and have more opportunity to reach levels of mastery in their work. Each level of learning prepares the children for the next step. Children at this age are very curious and they are eager to learn. At LMS our intention is to earn the children’s trust while at the same time helping them to feel safe enough to work to their full potential. I consider myself to be a very patient and encouraging teacher, with a warm and caring approach. My goal for the Casa 2 class is to help set the foundation that will enable the students to be successful in their future educational endeavors. Together, this year, we are going to achieve great things.

Connie Rajki – Casa 3

I received a Bachelor of Education degree in 2001.  Shortly after, I began working at LakeVIEW Montessori and became intrigued by the Montessori philosophy and materials.  I was amazed at how much the children were learning and how the concrete hands-on materials were a benefit to children of all abilities.  I decided to learn as much as I could about Montessori education and consequently completed my Montessori Early Education Training (2 ½ – 6 years old) in 2003 and the Elementary Training (6 – 9 years old) in 2005.  In November 2011, I became a Registered Early Childhood Educator after completing my ECE equivalency.  My experience at LakeVIEW Montessori since 2001 includes teaching in the Toddler, Casa and Junior classes.

Montessori education fosters a child’s natural instinct to learn.  The classroom is set up in such a way that as a child’s independence, concentration and co-ordination increase they are able to progress with the materials at their own pace.  Activities in the Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math and Cultural areas are available for the children to choose as their needs dictate.  One of my goals for this coming year is to foster a love of learning in each student.  I want them to enjoy their time at school and to meet their full potential.  I also want to promote a sense of stewardship so that the children care for each other, our classroom and the larger environment around them.

I truly believe in Montessori teaching and provide as evidence, the eager and enthusiastic attitudes of my children; both recipients of a quality LakeVIEW Montessori education.

My name is Cherie Sulyak and I continue to be inspired by the Montessori Method of teaching.  I began working at LakeVIEW Montessori School in 2007.  Before that I had fun teaching at a Montessori school in LaSalle.  In addition to being a graduate of the University of Windsor with an Honours Degree in Business Administration, I also received honours in the Montessori Teachers Education Program.  While attending university I taught swimming and leadership courses to children ages one through to adults.  Before moving to Windsor I lived in Saudi Arabia and also went to school in France.  While living abroad I enjoyed travelling extensively to different countries within most of the 7 continents.  Since coming back to live in Canada, I have also enjoyed visiting 8 of the 13 other provinces/territories, with the goal of visiting them all.  I love travelling, but currently enjoy a more relaxing cruise vacation.  I am married with 2 children, both of whom attend LakeVIEW Montessori.  My son is in his last year in the Senior class, while my daughter is in the Intermediate class.  I believe that the Montessori Method of education provides not only a strong foundation for academics, but also fosters independence skills and a love for learning.  It is for these reasons that I consider myself very fortunate to be working at LakeVIEW and also have my children attending.

Renee Ryerson – Junior R Elementary Directress

For me, Montessori education was love at first sight! Immediately I fell in love with the materials and the pedagogy of Dr. Maria Montessori. My experiences teaching children have been heart warming and inspirational. It is amazing how easy children learn, using these fascinating materials.

I have been a part of the LMS family since 2001. Every group of children excite me to want to learn more with them and they keep me refreshed and energized every year. I am always anxious to meet each new face, to get to know them, and to guide them through the most important part of their education. It is the foundation that is key in developing a positive school experience and I am honoured to be a part of that steppingstone of their development. Most important, I want to inspire the children in my classroom to share a love for learning, to be responsible, independent and self-sufficient students. My goal is to create a unique experience for each child that will encourage success in education for life.

My personal studies include a Family and Social Relations background, as well, I posses an Early Childhood Education diploma, with honors. I am a graduate of both the Early Childhood and the 6 to 9 Montessori Teaching Programs. As well, I am a recipient of the Elizabeth Van Stem award, advocating for Early Childhood Education.

Along with teaching the children, I enjoy instructing future Montessori Educators in our Montessori Teacher Ed Program. I am available to do Math and Language tutoring too. As an advocate for keeping things GREEN, I enjoy writing proposals on behalf of LMS, in attempt to receive grants for the school. I am also a member of the Procedure Committee at the school.

Bethany Wood – Intermediate W Elementary Directress

Ms. Wood was influenced by her fourth grade teacher. He never gave up on her with his unending patience and encouragement. She knew then that she wanted to be a teacher like him
and, hopefully, one day have the opportunity to do for another child what Mr. Scott had done for her.

Ms. Wood has received her Correctional Practices, E.CE, and Social Work diplomas. In 1987 she was introduced to LMS when she was given the opportunity to work here as an assistant in the Senior room. She has her Montessori training in all levels and is a strong believer in its philosophy and Mastery, Autonomy and Purpose. In 1993, Ms. Wood opened her own school in Chatham. Since then she has rejoined the LMS team as a teacher in the Toddler and Intermediate rooms.

As the Directress for the Intermediate W room, she hopes give the students all that I am to help them through their struggles and find triumph. To seek out answers to help them work through their hurdles, to offer them every possible chance to be successful and be all that they can be. I believe that every child in my care will be given the necessary tools to carry with them to ‘try’, through confidence, esteem and perseverance.

Sarah Troup – Intermediate T Elementary Directress

Tammy Russo – Senior Elementary Directress

I have been a Montessori directress for over 15 years now, with teaching experience at Casa, Lower and Upper Elementary levels. I have been the Upper Elementary directress at LMS since 2000. I am a mother of 3 boys, all of attend LMS. In the Senior class, we closely follow the Ontario Curriculum, M.Y.P. programming, as well as adding many extra and unique lessons in Botany, Zoology, Geography and History of Humankind. Students are given 2 assignment sheets each month that outline their work for each given week. With the exception of scheduled lessons, the students independently choose their work each day. They are expected to have all assignments completed by the end of the week. On Fridays each student has a one-on-one meeting with me to review their work assignments and discern what work needs to be completed over the weekend. I find that this method of instruction produces independent, organized and capable students who are very successful in their high school years of education, even in accelerated learning environments.

In the Senior Class we respect a teaching ratio of 15:1. We, as Montessori educators, assume that every child is a unique individual and we try to meet their developmental needs and their interests to the best of our ability. You will quickly become aware of an increased level of responsibility as part of your child’s experience in my class. A level of initiative, priority, autonomy and accountability are skills that we focus on for the benefit of the growing child.

I received certification through TMI in Richmond Hill, Ontario. I definitely believe that I have found my calling in life and am so fulfilled and inspired by the work that I get to do with your children each and every day. We welcome you to come and see the great things happening in our class.