Janine Marcotte, Principal and Owner

Hello, my name is Janine Marcotte, I am a directress and principal at Manotick Montessori. In 1989, I became a volunteer assistant with the Roman Catholic School Board where I tutored grades 1-4 in Mathematics and English. I also discovered how wonderful it was to teach the children movement with music, so I became a certified aerobics/aqua fit instructor in 1992, where I developed a movement program for children between ages 6-12. During my travels in teaching body movement, I was introduced to the philosophy of Montessori. I became so intrigued with this style of teaching that it led me to study at “Le Centre Montessori” in Montreal, under Anne McConnel and Cybil Devereux. I received my diploma in 1996 in the Montessori (Casa) philosophy. After studying the workings of many Montessori environments, I knew that it was time for me to open up a Montessori school, bringing with it a diverse curriculum based on Montessori philosophy with a very unique and creative edge. The school opened its doors in 1999, with full enrollment and we have been going strong ever since.

Robyn Smith, Directress

My entire working career has been devoted to working with children in various fields. In 1995, I graduated from Brock University, St. Catherines with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Child Studies. I continued to update my skills by taking Early Childhood Education courses from St. Lawrence College, Kingston and Algonquin College, Ottawa.

Prior to Manotick Montessori, I gained experience in the Montessori field working as an assistant. The independence, skills and knowledge gained by the Montessori students struck me and I decided to inquire about the method and philosophy that was used to instruct them. During the summer of 1997, I enrolled at the Montreal Montessori Training Centre and received my diploma in February 1998. Upon completion of my training at the Center, I acquired my own class.

The symbol of our school is the butterfly; Maria Montessori likened a child’s development to the metamorphoses of a butterfly. I am proud to be a part of the children’s educational growth and their transformation to confident, intelligent and independent members of our community — butterflies.

Helen Sabga, Toddler Directress

Hello, my name is Helen Sabga. I am one of the directresses in the toddler class. I started teaching at Manotick Montessori in January of 2006. My teacher career spans many years. While studying at The University of Toronto pursuing my B.Sc. in Developmental Psychology and Exceptionality in Human Learning I worked as a camp counselor, tutor, and Head Start Volunteer. I opened and directed a small pre-school in Trinidad and ran a private practice counseling and tutoring children with special needs. I spent 16 years at home with my 4 children. I feel very privileged to be working with your children. I am having a great experience!

Krystal Sabga, Toddler Directress

Hello my name is Krystal Sabga,I am a directress in the toddler classroom. I was born and raised in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Throughout my high school years in Canada I volunteered at Manotick Montessori in the toddler classroom, both for volunteer hours and also because I loved working with the babes. I graduated in 2004 from St. Mark on the honor roll and as an Ontario Scholar. I then went on to study Business Administration at Algonquin College for one year and again began to volunteer in the toddler classroom at the schools new location. Being more mature mentally, I had a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Montessori Method being put to use in the environment. Working with the babes I realized that this was my true calling. I enrolled in an Infant/Toddler Montessori Training program at the Canadian Montessori Academy and began my course during the summer of 2006. In the summer of 2007 I received full certification under A.M. I. (Association Montessori International).

Jeanette Kam, Assistant Directress

Hello, my name is Jeanette Kam. I am an assistant directress in the Casa class and am the extended care supervisor for the after school program. I have many years experience with young children. I have three grown children. When they were young, I stayed home with them. I have two beautiful grandchildren. I have worked as a professional nanny and have five years experience in the Montessori philosophy. I look forward to teaching in this new and exciting environment at Manotick Montessori.

Jennifer Sorensen, Elementary Teacher: Grades 1-3

Hello, my name is Jennifer McKendry. I am very happy to be teaching this year in such a creative and energetic environment at The Manotick Montessori School.

I graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Philosophy. Following this I became a registered Nutrition Consultant, graduating from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in Ottawa.

Throughout my schooling in Ottawa I trained and competed in Sport Aerobics and Obstacle Course competitions. All of this contributed to my interest and enthusiasm in working with children to help them develop to the best of their abilities.

I attended Griffith University on the Gold Coast of Queensland Australia and obtained a Master’s Degree in Teaching, followed by a Master’s Degree in Education and a Graduate Certificate for teaching students with special needs.

Some of my favourite activities are running, mountain biking, and spending time outdoors. I feel the diversity offered at Manotick Montessori School allows the children to develop a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Manon Forgues, Enseignante française

Bonjour, mon nom est Manon Forgues. Je suis originaire du Québec, plus précisément de l'Estrie. Il y a maintenant près de sept ans que je vis avec ma famille dans la belle région d’Ottawa.

Depuis maintenant 14 ans, mes intérêts m’ont amené à m’impliquer auprès des enfants en découvrant tout le bonheur que cela procure. Les six dernières années, j’ai pu travailler comme éducatrice auprès de jeunes avec des difficultés d’apprentissage ou de comportement. J’ai aussi découvert le milieu des autismes en travaillant avec de jeunes autistiques de six à douze ans. Ces années passées dans différentes écoles francophones de la région d’Ottawa des écoles ont été très enrichissantes pour moi et me laissent d’excellents souvenirs.

Maman de trois jeunes filles, cela m’a permise de m’impliquer comme bénévole dans leurs diverses activités tel que le soccer. Depuis ce temps, le soccer est une de mes activités favorites avec le vélo et le “jogging”.

C’est avec joie, que j’entreprends cette nouvelle année à l’école Manotick Montessori entouré d’une équipe extraordinaire. En me donnant comme objectif d’intéresser votre enfant à la langue francophone.

Anne Rowe, Elementary/Casa Directress

Hi, my name is Anne and I'm one of the elementary/casa teachers at Manotick Montessori. I have spent the last twenty years working with children of all ages, from toddler to casa and elementary in Montessori schools here in Ottawa. I attended both Sheridan College for early childhood education and the University of Western Ontario for my elementary teacher training. I also hold A.M.S. Casa certification.

It's wonderful to be involved with children in such a positive, nurturing environment as Manotick Montessori. I look forward to a rewarding year in our beautiful school.

Kathy Munkittrick, Casa assistant and phys-ed teacher for all programs

Hello my name is Kathy Munkittrick. Getting and keeping people moving and active-that always has been a goal for me. From coaching swimming (National Level 2 coach) to encouraging children and adults in fitness (AFLCA,YMCA,CALA (instructor/trainer) to teaching aquatics and guarding (NLS/Red Cross/RLSSC) - Fitness has been an integral part of my life.

My plan is to instill a desire to be healthy and fit for all the kids for their lifetime. I am encouraged by the enthusiasm I see in the children at Manotick Montessori and look forward to keep them moving!

Natasha Gray, Directress

Hello everyone, my name is Natasha Gray. I would like to begin by sharing with you a little bit about myself. I was born here in Canada, yet spent much of my childhood in the Caribbean. My school years were a combination of public and private education.

I was introduced to the Montessori philosophy in 1999, when I began as a teacher’s assistant here in Ottawa. After 4 years as an assistant, I made the decision to further my studies in the fascinating world of Montessori. I received my diploma in 2006, following the completion of a 3 year AMI teacher’s training for primary children ages 3 - 6 years.

During my teaching practicums here at Manotick Montessori, I was offered this wonderful opportunity to work with your children. I was also able to observe such a dedicated team and I am now very proud to be a part of that team. I look forward to my future here and can’t wait to share Maria Montessori’s vision with all of the children.

Mirka Sammon, Casa Assistant

Hello I am Mirka Sammon, a Casa Assistant at Manotick Montessori.

I grew up in Brno, in the Czech Republic where I attended Masaryk University. There I trained to become a teacher specializing in Physical Education and Russian. After graduation I came to Canada and worked as a Live in Caregiver for three years, taking care of two small children. I volunteered for the Bayveiw school literacy program in Ottawa South and also chaperoned skating, snowshoeing, and classroom activities. I have been involved with teaching rhythmic gymnastics, life guarding, and Running Room Clinics. I’ve always been interested in physical activities, and am an active participant in local marathons and triathlon races. I feel that it is important to stimulate young children and get them involved in recreation. Developing a healthy, active lifestyle at a young age will carry through into adulthood. I look forward to contributing to the success of the Manotick Montessori program and engaging young children in their formative years.

Each year brings new excitement and new faces, I look forward to meeting you all.

Haley Marcotte, Extended Care

Hello, my name is Haley Marcotte. I am a Nursing student  at Algonquin College. I have been volunteering at Manotick Montessori since I was 13 years old. I feel very privileged to have the opportunities to work with young children. I work in the after school program and also help run the schools summer programs from July-August. I love working at the school and hope to one day be a nurse.

Randa Haidar, Directress

Hello, my name is Randa Haidar. I am a directress in the casa class. The last few years of my life has been dedicated to working with children. I began teaching at Manotick Montessori July 2007 in the summer school/camp program.

I was introduced to the Montessori philosophy in 2004 and worked as an assistant for 1 year. Through observing the children in their classrooms I was fascinated to learn more about this unique method of teaching children. I enrolled into the Casa program at Canadian Montessori Academy during the summer of 2005 and completed the Early Childhood Montessori Teacher Education Program. I received my A.M.I Credential in 2006. During my training I gained experience working with children with special needs. I continue to update my skills and knowledge by taking educational courses offered at Algonquin College. I feel privileged to be working in such a wonderful environment here at Manotick Montessori and look forward to many years to come.

Baer, Therapy Specialist

Hello, my name is Baer. I am the newest addition to the school. I am a Golden doodle, 50% standard poodle, 50% Golden retriever. I do not shed and I am hypo-allergenic. I stay behind my master’s desk between the hours of 8:30am-10:30am where I then have my walk through South Point. I return to work until 12:30pm where I go home for lunch and then return back to the front desk by 1:30pm. I love all children, even those who pull my tail and try to ride my back, I also love paper and slippers so please try not to tease me by leaving them on the floor. I love spending my time at the school and helping those in need, I am a therapy specialist for little ones in tears or those who just need to hug me.