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. Sara Suzie Kim
Executive Director
She is the Founder and Executive Director of a Kindervalley Montessori Academy organization in
Calgary, Alberta, with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a
master’s degree in education with a specialty in Montessori Education and is recognized for her
leadership in delivering authentic, high-quality Montessori programs.
She provides strategic vision, organizational leadership, and program direction, overseeing
curriculum excellence, educator mentorship, and long-term educational planning. She is deeply
committed to advancing Montessori education through innovation, including nature-based and
future-focused learning models that prepare children for a rapidly changing world.
As an educational leader and founder, her mission is to build learning environments that nurture
independence, confidence, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning, while supporting
families and strengthening the broader community through high-quality early childhood education.
Ms. Carmela Lomandas
Assistant Director / Casa 3 Lead Teacher
I am a Licensed Teacher with a Bachelor of Elementary Education and a member of the Math Teachers Association of the Philippines, bringing over 22 years of teaching experience—both in Canada as a Montessori teacher and in the Philippines as a Grade Six public school teacher.
I hold a MACTE-accredited Montessori Diploma, a Certificate in Foundations of the Montessori Method (Alberta), and a Level 3 – Alberta Child Care Supervisor Certification.
With extensive experience supporting children’s academic, social, and emotional development, I focus on child-centered, developmentally appropriate, and individualized learning. As Assistant Director, I guide daily operations, curriculum planning, staff mentoring, and classroom supervision, working closely with teachers, parents, and the Director to create a safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment where every child can grow confidently and thrive.
Ms. Marium
Bambini Lead Teacher
Ms. Marium holds a Bachelor's Degree in Art and a Montessori Diploma. Passionate Montessori lead teacher dedicated to fostering a love of learning in young children, with 9 years of experience in creating engaging and child-centred learning environments. Also, a skilled part-time esthetician committed to helping clients achieve healthy, radiant skin through personalized treatments and expert skincare advice.
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. Sally
Casa Teacher
My name is Ms.Sally - Casa Teacher. Since 2011, I have been studying, completing practicum placements, and building extensive hands-on experience in early childhood education in Vancouver, Canada. Throughout this period, I have worked at various early learning centers, where I applied what I learned in real classroom settings and deepened my skills through long-term roles. This exposure has allowed me to develop a strong professional foundation, a deep understanding of child development, and a lasting passion for fostering a love of learning.
These experiences led me to truly believe in the long-term educational value of the Montessori approach, its power to foster independence, self-motivation, and confidence in children. This belief inspired me to pursue formal training in Montessori education, through which I have refined my educational philosophy and gained a deeper understanding of the essence of the method. My focus is on creating a nurturing, child-centered environment that supports independence and lifelong growth in children.
Ms. Po
Jr. Bambini Teacher
Hi! My name is Po. I am from Hong Kong. I earned my Bachelor's degree and Master's in education from Hong Kong. I also have an Infant Toddler Montessori Diploma in Canada and ECE Level 1. As an educator who works with children over 11 years, my goal is to help children enjoy a happy childhood and to make them independent. During my free time, I go hiking, make Macrame, and create postcards with rubber stamps.
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. Marilou Ibea
Teacher
My name is Marilou Ibea, and my dedication to my job has led me to several years of experience as an Elementary Grade Teacher and Special Education Teacher. I decided to become an Early Childhood Educator Assistant because I am passionate about the foundational years of learning. I use my extensive teaching experience to provide nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate activities for my young students.
I believe that all children are unique and always have equal rights to access quality education, regardless of their disabilities, socioeconomic status, race and beliefs. As a teacher, I advocate kindness, respect and equality for all human being.
Nadia Mednini
Educator & Montessori Specialist
I am a passionate educator with a degree in English Literature from ISLT Tunisia and a Diploma in Montessori Early Childhood Education (ages 3–6) from Montessori Teacher College (MTC). With over seven years of teaching experience in my hometown, I bring a deep understanding of diverse educational settings and child-centred methodologies.
Over the past four to five years, I have specialized in Montessori education, developing expertise in creating nurturing, prepared environments that support curiosity, creativity, and independence. My teaching philosophy centers on hands-on learning, purposeful exploration, and the holistic development of each child—academically, socially, and emotionally.
As a multilingual educator fluent in Arabic, French, and English—with a working knowledge of Italian—I am able to build strong connections with children and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This global perspective enriches my teaching and fosters inclusivity in the classroom.
Outside of education, I have a strong passion for sports, particularly handball. As a former skilled player in my hometown, I learned the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—values I bring into my educational practice every day. I am dedicated to inspiring young minds and empowering children to become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.
Helen Jo
Toddler Montessori Classroom Teacher
Hello! My name is Helen, and I am an Early Childhood Educator with over five years of experience
working in licensed childcare programs in Calgary. Throughout my career, I have worked as an
educator, supervisor, and director, supporting children, families, and fellow educators in creating
safe, meaningful, and engaging learning environments.
I believe that every child is unique and capable, and I value building genuine relationships with each
child. I enjoy creating learning experiences through play, exploration, and hands-on activities while
supporting children's social, emotional, and cognitive development. I also believe that strong
teamwork and open communication are essential to providing the best care for children.
Outside of work, I enjoy journaling, reading, and spending quality time with friends. I also love
learning and growing both personally and professionally. I am excited to be part of the team and
look forward to getting to know all the children and families!
Namrata Dhawle
Montessori Early Childhood Educator
My name is Namrata Dhawle, and I am a passionate Montessori educator with over 20 years
of experience in early childhood education. I am AMI-certified for children aged 21⁄2–6 years
and dedicated to creating nurturing, inclusive, and child-centered learning environments
where every child feels valued, respected, and inspired to learn.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in the Montessori principles of independence, observation,
and respect for each child’s unique developmental journey. Drawing inspiration from both
Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches, I encourage curiosity, creativity, critical thinking,
and a lifelong love of learning through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Throughout my
teaching journey, I have had the privilege of working with children and families from diverse
cultural backgrounds, which has deepened my appreciation for diversity and strengthened
my commitment to fostering inclusive environments where every child feels a strong sense
of belonging.
Throughout my career, I have served as a Lead Teacher, School Founder and Director, and
Montessori Education Consultant, supporting the development of Montessori learning
environments, curriculum design, and teacher training. I have a strong passion for early
literacy and numeracy and am the author of Phonics – Let’s Make It Simple, a phonics-
based educational resource designed to make early literacy engaging and accessible for
young children.
I believe that every child has unique potential, and I am committed to inspiring children to
become confident, compassionate, and independent learners while building meaningful
partnerships with families and the school community.
Enrichment Program teachers
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.