About Us - Kindervalley Montesssori Philosophy
About Us - Kindervalley Montesssori Philosophy
Kindervalley Montessori Academy
Our Team
Our teachers are the foundation of our school. With their combined experience and love for children, they ensure your child gets the maximum learning from our program.
Ms. Shiranka Hewawasan
Administrator / Montessori Programme Coordinator
Assistant Director
Hi there! I’m Shiranka. I've been in the teaching world for 25 years and I love every bit of it! My passion is to provide children with many different opportunities and experiences to foster at a tender age and explore the challenging world ahead of them by creating a warm, multicultural environment where every child feels supported and excited to be a part.
I have years of experience in leading the English and Humanities Departments of my previous schools coupled with Canadian experience of ensuring kids not only succeed academically but also grow independently.
Administering many roles with numerous responsibilities is something that I enjoy and my leadership style allows me to successfully accomplish these protocols to make a difference.
Adding to my decades of experience, I’ve also received Asia’s International Award for School Administration of the Year 2022-2023 and the Innovative Thinker Award in Child Development 2022-2023. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colombo Sri Lanka, where I’m presently reading for my Masters. I’m a certified teacher in Early Childhood Education with a Diploma in Montessori and Child Psychology.
I'm also a proud mom of 2 grown-up boys. In addition to work life, you’ll find me reading, painting, creative designing and travelling.
My goal here at Kinder Valley is to set the Montessori philosophy at the forefront of my decisions while nurturing the student growth and closely interacting with the KMA community by ensuring their concerns are met in a timely manner.
Ms. Carmela NarcisoLomandas
Supervisor/ Casa Teacher
My name is Carmela, a Licensed Teacher – (Bachelor of Elementary Education) in Philippines and Member of Math Teachers Association of the Philippines. Twelve years of teaching experience both in Canada as a Montessori Teacher and back home Philippines as Public School Teacher for Grade Six. I have also a certificate of Foundations in the Montessori Method, Alberta and Level 3 – Alberta Child Care Supervisor
Ms. Marium
Bambini Lead Teacher
Ms. Marium holds Bachelor's Degree in Art and; Montessori Diploma.
Ms. Mikeltie Pitre
Jr. Casa Lead Teacher
Ms. Mikeltie holds BSW Diploma from Mount Royal University; Child development Worker Government of Alberta; Montessori Assistant Certificate. MACTE/AMI Montessori Diploma in progress.
Ms. Anula Bedekar
Casa Lead Teacher
My name is Anula Bedekar. As an undergraduate, I received a Bachelor's of Fine Arts from the prestigious Faculty of Fine Arts at MS University, India. I spent several years travelling with my husband and eventually settled down in the picturesque city of Calgary to start a family. My hobbies include painting, culinary arts and yoga. I completed my Early childhood Montessori Diploma with MACTE accredited Montessori Teachers college, Calgary. Having spent more than 10 years of my career teaching children in reputed schools in multiple countries, I feel confident and well-poised to lead my classroom at Kindervalley Montessori Academy. I am deeply passionate about carrying forward the life and work of Maria Montessori, who is a pioneer and a shining light in the universe of early child development. The one thing I always attempt with the children in my classroom is to kindle their curiosity. I believe being curious is the golden key to an interesting and fulfilling life. I am excited and wish to be a positive force in the growth we anticipate at Kindervalley in the coming few years.
Ms. Nadia Mednini
Casa Lead Teacher
My name is Nadia Mednini.I am a passionate educator with a degree in English Literature from ISLT in Tunisia and a Diploma in Montessori Early Childhood Education(3-6 years). With more than 7 years of teaching experience in my hometown. I possess a deep understanding of diverse educational settings. In my 2-3 years of experience in Montessori settings, I have developed expertise in creating nurturing environments that foster curiosity, creativity, and independence. My teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning, exploration, and social-emotional growth. As a multilingual individual, I fluently speak French, Arabic, and English and I have a working knowledge of Italian. This linguistic diversity enables me to connect with students and families from diverse backgrounds. Outside the classroom, I'm passionate about sports, particularly Handball, where I excelled as a skilled player in my hometown. This experience taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Last, I am committed to inspiring young minds and empowering children to reach their full potential.
Ms. Akemi
Bambini Teacher
My name is Akemi, I'm from Japan. I'm glad to have a opportunity to teach and guide wonderful children.
I work as an Education assistant for the Jr. Bambini class, I have ECE Level 1.
I love playing and talking with children. My aim is to be a good role model, encouragement, emotional support, and physically support children, to help them grow and become a good citizen. In my spare time, I like baking, making fermented foods, gardening, hiking, and spend quality time with my family.
Ms. Jin
Teacher
Ms. Jin have more than 10 years of teaching experience as a child care worker. She holds Montessori assistant teacher training certificate.
Ms. Vasudha Pokhriyal
Jr. CASA Teacher
My name is Vasudha Pokhriyal and I am an early childhood educator with 16 years of experience with children, and have a postgraduate degree in Arts. In my view, the child is a powerhouse of energy and curious by nature who always wants to learn and grow. Every child has a different potential to explore and learn new things. Children are a great source of knowledge and I learn so much from them. I am passionate about kids and love to see them grow and develop into fine citizens. I came from India and have devoted a big chunk of my life to developing kids which has inspired me to opt for this course for my professional development
Ms. Hiromi Hughes
Casa Teacher
My name is Hiromi Hughes. I am originally from Japan, I hold a diploma in Office Management from a Japanese college, and a certificate as a Counselor of Psychology from the Japanese Ability Development Association (2014). I also hold Level I in Early Childhood Education (ECE) as well as the Infant Toddler Montessori Certificate. Having lived in various countries, I bring a wealth of cultural experiences and a global perspective to my work with children. I desire to make a positive impact in my community and that has led me to volunteer extensively wherever I have lived whether it is in Japan, Saudi Arabia or here in Canada. I am committed to continuously expanding my knowledge and skills, ensuring that I provide the best possible care and education to your children and see them as wonderful young learners. As a proud parent of three children, I deeply understand the joys and challenges of parenthood and continually work to expand my dedication to creating fun and wholesome environments where children can grow, learn, and thrive.
Ms. Pawandeep
Jr. Casa Teacher
My name is Pawandeep. I hold a Degree in Bachelors of Education, Masters of Political Science, Masters of Punjabi and Masters of History with 5 years of experience in teaching in India. For the past 7 years, I have been working as an Early Childhood Educator (Level 3). During my time as an Early Childhood Educator, I have honed my ability to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn and grow. I believe in implementing developmentally appropriate practices that cater to each child's individual needs and learning styles. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to adapt my teaching approach based on the needs and behaviors of the children in my care.
Special Education Teachers
Ms. Soon Young Esther Kim
Music Teacher
I am Soon Young Esther Kim who is the music Teacher at Kindervalley Montessori Academy. Studied at the University of Calgary (Bachelor of Music) and the City University of New York (Master of Music and Doctorate of Musical Arts). I got the opportunity to study with Daniel Ferro, Patricia McCaffrey and Gäit Sirguey during my stay in New York. I am a level 3 Kodály Teacher Certificate Master of Music Education from Western University and is a published journalist at Kodály Society of Canada Journal, Alla Breve, 2019. A highly-trained singer, educator and mentor and patient teacher who is able to help students find their interest and talent in music to accomplish their potential. Some of my students who have excelled well have been recognized for having won local voice and piano competitions in Calgary. I have also performed on many stages around the world, including the United States, Canada, Italy and Korea. I am an active participant in diverse communities. Sang Claud Choi’s compositions with K pop star Kim Bum Soo in the concert, ‘We Are Together’ at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary to celebrate the friendship between Canada and Korea. On behalf of Calgary, the Japanese consulate requested me to sing The Canadian Anthem in 2015. I am also a part of the Calgary Korean Choir. In 2016, I was given the opportunity to sing in the United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey, during the Annual Conference Clergy Meeting in the US. I was also invited to sing the National Anthem at Jack Singer’s Hall at the graduation ceremonies of Bow Valley College in 2018 and 2019. Currently I am conducting the children's chamber choir while directing the children in musical theater.
Ms. Jinny
Chef
My name is Jinny and I am from Korea. I am working as the chef who prepares delicious and healthy food for our children at Kindervalley Academy and also working as a helper teacher for the Toddler class. I also have ECE level 1 and Safe check advanced Food safety Certification. I am a positive person who can relate and blend with children of all age groups with my Tender Loving care. I love cooking, traveling and being with my children during my leisure time.
Ms. Julia
Sports Teacher
Hello, my name is Julia, and as someone who has worked with both children and seniors, I have developed a passion for helping others thrive. During the winters, I serve as a ski racing coach and previously worked as a camp counsellor. Currently, I am a sports teacher at Kindervalley, and I am thrilled to be a part of this community. I'm excited to bring my passion for education and athletics to the kids. My goal is to continue making a positive impact in the lives of those around me and to help empower the next generation of athletes.
It brings me joy to witness the growth and progress of those I work with, and I am eager to contribute to the success of this group of individuals.
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