“Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war.” This is the Montessori quote that drives Tony’s work. That fundamental idea that we can change the world through high-fidelity Montessori education, for him the definition of peace includes the individual, the family, the community and society at large.

A few years after training as an Elementary Montessori Guide in Bergamo, Italy, Tony started Dundas Valley Montessori School. Since those early days with only 8 students, DVMS has grown to 275 students on 3 campuses, with students from 18 months to 18 years. He established Canada’s first authentic Erdkinder and developed a high school built on the idea of a village as a curriculum.

He has been on the board of the CCMA for almost 20 years and served as Chair and Vice-Chair for much of that time. He has been Canada’s foremost lobbyist for Montessori, and was successful in creating 13:1 ratios for authentic Montessori programs in Ontario. Most proudly, he is father to two Strata graduates including the first High School graduate from our Family of Schools.

Kathleen MacKinnon is head of Elementary Administration, She attended the University of Guelph and holds a BA in Psychology. Kathleen obtained her Montessori teaching certificates for Casa, and Elementary from the Toronto Montessori Institute. Kathleen has been teaching for over 20 years in London, Oakville, and of course Dundas. In her free time… oh that’s right, she doesn’t have any because she is a busy mom of two active, little girls. Before parenthood, Kathleen enjoyed traveling around the globe as the Children’s Summer Camp Chair for Children’s International Summer Village. Now, she enjoys spending time with her family, golfing and biking. She looks forward to the time when her girls are a bit older and they can all enjoy travel adventures together.

Mairi Achong is the Learning Resource Specialist at DVMS. She was bitten by the Montessori bug when her little sister attended a Montessori school as a child. Mairi completed her practice teaching at the Ecole Montessori International after receiving training from the Montessori Centre International, based in the UK. She taught in francophone and bilingual Montessori schools in Montreal for fourteen years, becoming passionate about inclusive education.

Since 2014, Mairi has specialized in adapting the Montessori curriculum for children with learning differences. She holds the Advanced MACAR (Montessori Applied to Children at Risk) certification from the Shelton School in Texas and Orton-Gillingham Level II Practical Linguistics from the Claremont School in Toronto. Joining the DVMS community in 2015 was a dream come true: the opportunity to work with students and staff throughout all levels of the school. She is committed to helping each student realize their goals.

Mairi is the mother of four children (the youngest attends the Lower Elementary program at DVMS) and has two grandchildren. She lives in Hamilton with her family and pets. Outside of school, Mairi dedicates her time to lifelong learning, reading, music and spending time outdoors with family.

Catherine Warne is a Montessori guide in the Upper Elementary environment. Over the past ten years she has been fortunate enough to work in almost every level at DVMS. Catherine completed her Montessori Elementary training at the Toronto Montessori Institute.

Catherine also holds a BA in Anthropology from McMaster University, was raised in Dundas, and spent her primary years at Central Park public elementary school, which is now Dundas Valley Montessori School. She now resides in Hamilton with her partner and two children. When she is not working, you can most likely find her on a trail enjoying the natural world.

Jodi Northey is the guide in DVMS’s Lower Elementary North Montessori environment, and was formerly the assistant in Casa North. Jodi received her AMS (American Montessori Society) Montessori Casa training and her elementary training from TMI (Toronto Montessori Institute). Jodi also has an Honours B.A. in psychology and sociology from Trent University. Two of Jodi’s teaching years have been at the elementary level, so she is a well-rounded Montessorian. Her other interests include reading, sports, and running. Oh, and singing at the top of her lungs in the car by herself.
Jodi lives in Burlington with her partner, two kids, and a dog. Jodi also brings some non-Montessori experience to her role as a guide: her first job was working as a clown for a flower shop. Duties entailed standing on the curb, walking back and forth down the sidewalk, dancing, and flagging down cars driving by. This was in downtown Peterborough, where she grew up, and right across from a Holiday Inn, which meant sometimes boys’ hockey teams would come for tournaments and throw snowballs at her from the other side of the street. So, she became a snowball-dodging, dancing clown.

Joanna is a Dundas native who knew from her earliest days that her career would ultimately involve two things: teaching and dance. Making this dream a reality has been her lifelong pursuit in every sense of the word. A childhood devotion to ballet flourished and evolved, and ultimately brought her to the creative pulse that is Montreal. While completing her undergraduate degree in Contemporary Dance at Concordia University, Joanna worked as a ballet teacher at a local Montessori school. Inspired by both the method and by her young students, she decided to pursue her Elementary Teachers’ Diploma at the Toronto Montessori Institute.

Since 2002, she has enjoyed the opportunity to teach at both the elementary and adolescent levels in Oakville and Hamilton. A lifelong learner, Joanna is continuing to explore new ways to teach and inspire young people; she is currently a graduate student at Vancouver Island University, where she is pursuing an M.Ed. in Montessori Leadership with her thesis focused on Montessori Parent Education. As an educator, she believes that dance and the performing arts can play an important role in a young person’s development. She carried this belief forward in running a successful theatre and film summer camp that operated in Westdale for 20 years and has now reopened at DVMS this past summer.

Since 2016, Joanna has been a co-guide in our Lower Elementary South classroom. This fall she will be moving into the Upper Elementary level where she is excited to bring her passion for teaching and learning to older students. Joanna is a loving parent of three children, who attend DVMS’s Casa, Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary programs.

Noeleen has been with DVMS as Lower Elementary Guide since 2010.

After graduating York University with a BA in History, Noeleen completed her Montessori Training with Toronto Montessori Institute, receiving her Casa, Lower, and Upper Elementary Diplomas. She has also participated in the AMI Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies and has her AMI Montessori for Aging and Dementia certificate.

Over the years, Noeleen has worked in Toronto (her classroom was housed in what was once the Eaton’s family indoor swimming pool!) and beautiful Bermuda, where she was a guide and Elementary Program Coordinator.

Two Truths and a Lie Noeleen Version:

-she is happily married and has two incredible teenage daughters that attended DVMS and Strata

-she loves earl grey tea, dogs, sun shiny days, and the mighty Boston Red Sox

-her mum attended a Montessori school as a child and met Dr Montessori

(Just kidding, no lies here all truths!)

Dylan is a Casa-trained director from the M.A.C.T.E accredited Montessori Teachers College in Toronto. He assisted at one of the busiest and most respected schools in the GTA, Taddle Creek Montessori before being head hunted by Tony Evans, who saw potential in the young squire in 2007. Dylan started at DVMS with a class of 8 children and was the director of Casa North for 13 years. He has now switched roles and is working as an assistant in the YCC community to learn more about that plane of development. He still finds time to have an extra-curricular career as a recording artist & Mohawk College radio dj. Born and raised in Hamilton, Dylan lives in the quaint Gage Park neighbourhood and is happily married to Strata’s wonderful administrator Skye Collins. They have 3 children who are all enrolled at DVMS, Strata and SiTE.

From the very beginning, Montessori has always been in Shalyn’s blood. As a child, she attended the Montessori House of Children school in London, ON from Casa until grade 8. DVMS’s own Kathleen MacKinnon was one of her guides! Shalyn received her B.A. in psychology from Laurentian University in Sudbury and her AMS (American Montessori Society) Casa certification from Sheridan College in 2007. For the past 14 years Shalyn has worked as a Casa guide and is now excited to embark on the next stage of her Montessori teaching journey, by joining our Upper Elementary team. Shalyn lives in Paris, ON with her husband, young son, and daughter. Her children attend DVMS’s Lower Elementary program. While Shalyn was an active soccer player before having children, life now is spent either at the baseball diamond, hockey arena or horse stables! Shalyn loves to bake, crochet and read whenever time allows.

Many years ago, Serena discovered Montessori while looking for an alternative form of education for her children. She stumbled upon DVMS and she was sold. Drawn to the warmth of this little community and to the beauty of the philosophy, she committed herself to learning as much as she could about this method of education. After completing her Montessori Assistant training at the AMI Foundation for Montessori Education in Toronto, Serena worked as a Toddler Assistant at White Oaks Montessori School in Mississauga. Although grateful for the experience, she was very fortunate to land an assistant position in Casa South in 2011 (with a much shorter commute). Hungry to learn more, she dove into the full Montessori teacher training programme. Since 2014, Serena has been a Classroom Guide in Casa South, which she has called home since 2011. Serena feels honoured to be working in this community of educators who are so dedicated to creating the best environments for the children to thrive in. In her previous life (before having kids), Serena spent most of her time creating and performing dances. If you look closely, you may still catch her stealing moments to leap with the children among the trees.

Kristy has worked with the youngest children of DVMS in our Young Children’s Community since its inception in 2015. Along with the other YCC staff members, Kristy strives to maintain an open, loving and respectful environment for 18 months to 3 years.

In addition to her BA Hons in English lit Kristy acquired her AMI 3-6 training and Orientation for 0-3.

Kristy assists in facilitating monthly parent therapy meetings as well as the coordination of the Parent-Infant Programs.

Currently, Kristy resides in Dundas with her husband Ben and four children.

Kate Millie believes that the most important citizens are our smallest. She has dedicated her life’s work to advocate for the best for the smallest and is a speaker, consultant and mentor for teachers and families that raise our smallest citizens. Kate recognizes the capabilities of our youngest children and supports the important role early childhood educators, assistants to infancy and families have in nurturing healthy early child development.

With 15 years experience promoting Montessori pedagogy as a way to live life, Kate holds her Association Montessori Internationale diplomas at the 0 -3 and 3 - 6 level and a Masters of Education in Montessori Education. Kate has taught at the Nido, Toddler and Casa levels on three different continents and has acted as Academic Director for two large International Montessori Schools in Beijing, China.

At DVMS, Kate facilitates all programming for children ages 0 - 6 and their families. Kate is one of the guides for YCCS, a community for children ages 18 months - 3 years old and conducts monthly parent therapy sessions for families in that community.

A BA Grad from Brock University, and certified Assistant Montessori Instructor, Ally has found her niche in the Young Children’s Community at DVMS. Aiding in the growth and development of these little people fills her heart. Ally discovered the Montessori way of learning while nannying for a Montessori family. She continually finds herself surrounded by youth. As a professional Figure Skating coach at several clubs and Summer Camp Director, Ally gives all she can to this youthful generation.

Growing up Ally participated in many sports, most competitively figure skating. She continues to enjoy gymnastics, soccer, curling, track, hiking and water sports. Ally is a country music fan and enjoys spending weekends with friends and family at the cottage.

Jenn is the French assistant in YCC North.

Having a university background in French, Jenn had been told for years to “get into teaching”; however, the public school system never really appealed to her. She had first heard about Montessori education upon returning from a 2-year stay living in Montréal. You know when everything just seems to fall into place so perfectly? That's how it's been for Jenn ever since she started pursuing a career in Montessori education.

As of the summer of 2021, Jenn is AMI certified as an assistant for ages 0-3 and 3-6. Being able to incorporate her love of the French language with the Montessori philosophy is a perfect fit!

In her spare time, Jenn loves hanging out with her cat, Franklin, and practising mindfulness through yoga and meditation.

Catherine Reipas has over 30 years experience working with children of all ages. She entered the Montessori world in 1999 and spent 13 years as a lower elementary guide in Oakville. In 2002 Catherine took a little detour to own and operate a Montessori inspired art studio for children. Truly missing the classroom and the school environment she returned as a supply at DVMS. In this roll she was able to work in almost every environment and meet almost every child. This roll allowed her to get a real understanding of how special DVMS is and made her want to join the team in a more permanent role.

Catherine resides in Oakville with her husband, 2 children and beloved dog. She takes every opportunity to escape to her ‘CAMP-NOT COTTAGE’ near her hometown in Northern Ontario.

Growing up in Dundas, Jaclyn played soccer, spent summers camping with her family and nurtured her love of reading. After completing her undergraduate degree in Child and Youth Studies at Brock, she took some time to research a variety of educational approaches. Having returned to Dundas to nanny for the summer, she discovered Montessori and scheduled an observation at DVMS. She was hooked. Jaclyn began her journey as a Montessori guide in 2013, practice teaching in Elizabeth and Holly's Casa East environment at DVMS while earning her AMI (Associate Montessori Internationale) 3-6 diploma.

After guiding two Casa classrooms for 5 years, Jaclyn is thrilled to be back at DVMS, as a guide in Casa North. She is passionate about inclusivity and cultivating a love of learning in each and every child. Her goal is to find a moment to share a belly-laugh with (at least) one child each day. Outside the classroom, Jaclyn enjoys cooking and baking all things delicious, reading novels, spending time in nature and snuggling with her cat, Nimbus.

Hello, my name is Delta and I hold AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) Montessori teacher certifications at the Assistants to Infancy (0-3), Primary (3-6) and Elementary (6-12) age levels. I also studied a course for Montessori for Ageing and Dementia from the Maria Montessori Institute in London, England. I am currently broadening my early childhood education knowledge through various courses. My passions are children, studying and karate.

I have more than 20 years of experience in early childhood at different age levels, i have my own two adult children and I have co-owned a Montessori School in Mississauga.

I am very excited to have joined DVMS last year as a Young Children’s Community guide and now as a Casa guide. I am looking forward to many years with these wonderful community of colleagues and parents.

Elana holds her infant/toddler certification from the M.A.C.T.E accredited Montessori Teachers College and is currently working on her AMI Assistants to Infancy Training from Montessori Training Centre B.C. Post-Secondary studies include the Applied Music Program at Mohawk College and Brock University for Classical Voice studies. Elana discovered the joy of working with young children while teaching music for 12 years. Many people over the years told her Montessori would be a great fit for her values and love of children. After several years of owning a music school and café she finally took the plunge and has never looked back. Elana is a regular guest lecturer at the Montessori Teacher’s College lecturing on Music. Elana considers it an honor to work with the youngest children in their most important years of their development. She is thrilled to be part of the DVMS YCC and school community.

Shannon is the Assistant in Casa East and is Mom to two lovely children who inspire her every day and bring so much joy to everyone they meet.

Shannon has a B.A in Child Studies and is AMI certified as a Casa English Assistant through the Foundation for Montessori Education. She had the honour and pleasure of being trained by Sandra Girlato, who was trained by Dr. Maria Montessori’s granddaughter herself.

Shannon’s career has always had a therapeutic focus and has included Community Development as well. She is a Behavioural Specialist and a certified Mental Health First Aid Responder.

She has spoken at many conferences across Ontario and was recruited by the United Nations to speak on her work with children.

She firmly believes in celebrating the uniqueness, of each child and their strengths and abilities.

She passionately believes in the power of compassion, humour, self-development, gratitude and teamwork and is so grateful to be a part of the DVMS family.

Paz grew up between Western Canada, England, and Sarnia, Ontario, eating ice cream, swimming, and traveling with her family. She found her way to Montessori through her interests in child development and mental health and earner her Primary (3–6 years) AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) Diploma in June of 2021. She completed her practice teaching at DVMS and is thrilled to be back working with Jaclyn and the children in Casa North. Paz also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour from McMaster University and is pursuing further studies in clinical psychology and infant–parent mental health. Paz is committed to promoting education “as an aid to life” as Dr. Montessori said and believes in the power of Montessori as a lifestyle within and beyond the classroom. She aspires to integrate her experiences in academia and mental healthcare with her passions for child advocacy, dance, and literature to bring her whole person into her work. When Paz is not in the classroom, you might find her reading, hiking, or ballet dancing.

Emma Cassidy joined the DVMS team in 2019 as a Montessori Learning Resource Guide in the Lower Elementary Department. Since then, she has completed her Montessori Elementary Guide training at the Toronto Montessori Institute, and she will be joining Noeleen (Guide), Sylvia (French Guide), and Phebe (Assistant) in guiding the children of Lower Elementary South. She looks forward to applying the knowledge base she has accrued in her training in the upcoming school years.

Emma has a degree in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University and has a post-grad in Autism and Behavioural Science from George Brown College. She has always loved working with children but wanted a more natural teaching environment; as fate would have it, she stumbled upon the Montessori pedagogy and subsequently began to study it immediately. She completed her Casa level training in 2012 and has worked with infants through to the elementary-aged children in schools in Toronto, Burlington, and now Dundas.

It has been an honour and privilege for her to work with various individuals with learning resource needs. She has had the opportunity to use her wide range of experience and education to adapt the Montessori curriculum to meet the child's needs so that it can remain an inclusive and accessible environment to them. Currently, she is thrilled to support each individual in Lower Elementary South while nurturing and fostering the classroom community.

Lauren began her work with children as a camp counsellor for the Hamilton YMCA while attending McMaster University for Political Science. It was here she developed a cosmic desire to be an agent of peace in the world, and was drawn to work with children. This led her to pursue a Graduate Diploma in Education (and a yoga certification) in Australia, and later an AMI diploma through Montessori Northwest in Portland, Oregon. Somewhere in between the two degrees she worked in an orphanage and taught English in Mexico while attempting to learn Spanish.

Fresh out of Montessori training, Lauren opened a small Elementary classroom at her local Montessori school in Salem, Oregon. It was when her Visa expired that she returned to Toronto and worked for a Montessori School in Oakville. She now lives in Hamilton’s harbour front with her husband and daughter, who also attends DVMS. You will find Lauren buzzing around happily in Lower Elementary North. Outside of teaching, Lauren reads, bakes, enjoys coffee and writing, and dreams of completing the PCT one day.

Lauren Monk joined the DVMS community in 2020 as a classroom assistant in Lower Elementary North. After quickly becoming inspired by the Montessori environment she set out to receive her 6-12 assistant certification and is looking forward to continuing her Montessori education in the future. Lauren was born and raised in Dundas and has a love for dance, reading, outdoor adventures and baking.

Phebe Jarrett attended Strata durning the start of the program in 2012. Her two younger siblings are both now in Strata as well! After finishing her schooling she came back to join the staff in 2020 as an assistant in Lower Elementary North. She completed an assistant training course through AMI and this year she is excited to be joining Noleen and Emma in Lower Elementary South! Phebe has always had a passion for working with children and cannot wait to further her education in the Montessori way.

During her free time she loves to try out new recipes and enjoys going on hikes with her puppy!