Ms. Kristine Lande – Executive Director & Head of School (Principal)
Meadow Montessori is Ms. Kristine’s passion! Involved with Meadow Montessori since 2004, she chaired the Board of Directors for several years as it evolved from a preschool to a BC Independent school. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership from Trinity Western University and is certified as a BC Independent School STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) teacher. She is also our Safe School Coordinator, a certified MindUp educator, and a strong advocate for youth and adult mental health.
Ms. Kristine has an obvious love of children and learning, a knack for sharing wisdom, and strongly believes Montessori is an approach that helps kids develop a lasting love of learning. She is a very dedicated leader of our team here at Meadow Montessori School.
Ms. Maria – Vice Principal/Primary Program Manager & Kindergarten Teacher
Our much loved Kindergarten teacher and Vice Principal/Primary Program Manager brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education field, including 17 years of teaching in the Montessori Kindergarten classroom. She holds a Professional Independent Schools Teaching Certificate, a 3-6 Montessori Diploma by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and is also a Certified Early Childhood Educator (ECE).
“Growing up near an orphanage in Warsaw, Poland made me aware of the importance of cognitive, mental, physical and emotional stimulation in a life of every child and it shaped my desire to work with and guide young children. While studying Education at Lund University (Sweden) I was a part of newly implemented integration programs for children requiring extra support within a regular classroom setting. Becoming a teacher was a natural progression for me and I strive every day to make your child’s thinking visible to you. The Montessori perspective on child’s intelligence goes beyond a basic curriculum and I will expand it further with fun, innovative, outside-the-box activities. I’m looking forward to meeting you all so we can work together on guiding the leaders of tomorrow.”
Ms. Stephanie – Special Education & Upper Elementary Teacher
Since graduating from UBC with my Bachelor of Education, I have had the amazing opportunity to work with every age group from Kindergarten to Grade 7. My students have always had diverse experiences and needs, and working with such a variety of unique individuals has taught me how to adapt my teaching style to the learning styles of my children. Since I have always had an interest in working with children with special needs, I gained Special Education Certification from Queens University.
When I am not teaching or studying you will find me with my family, keeping active with my two busy young boys. I also enjoy travelling, photography, and writing and one day I hope to write a children’s book. I moved to Vancouver from Ottawa, Ontario when I was 6 years old. My grade 1 teacher was an absolutely amazing educator and role model, and it is through my experiences in her classroom that I decided I would one day grow up to be a teacher myself. The lasting impact teachers have on the lives of their students is profound, and I strive in all I do as an educator to nourish the curiosity of my students, provide a positive classroom climate, act as a role model, and ultimately to foster a love of learning.
Ms. Lisa – Fine Arts Director & Upper Elementary Teacher
Hello, my name is Lisa Lake, I am a graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design earning a degree in Fine Arts with a specialty in drawing. This wonderful experience of artistic growth led me to art education where I strive to build skill development and expand visual perception. For the last 20 years I have been working with students of all ages in Maple Ridge and surrounding communities. In 2013 I furthered my teaching practice by earning my BEd and teaching certification through SFU. I enjoy teaching at Meadow Montessori where we focus on the whole child.
In our art program I am introducing students to engaging artistic traditions, techniques, materials, and I enjoy seeing our student’s artistic abilities grow and used to show their learning in many other areas of the curriculum. When not working on all things art & science, I enjoy spending time with my three kids and visiting the family home on Galiano Island.
Ms. Irene – Lower Elementary Teacher (Grades 1 & 2)
Hi! My name is Ms. Irene. I completed my Bachelor of Education degree with specialization in Early Childhood Education at UBC. Since then, I have taught in various schools in Korea and the UK and have years of experience working with students and teachers of diverse backgrounds.
I have a strong passion for teaching children. As a teacher, my goal is to bring children to their full potential and help them fulfill their dreams. I believe that children learn best when they are engaged in their learning. Thus, it is crucial for a teacher to understand the children’s interests and needs and plan lessons that are fun and child-centred. Through my teaching experiences, I have learned to design fun and engaging lessons which accommodate various learning styles of children. I am confident that I create a safe and stimulating environment where all students feel loved and accepted and truly enjoy their learning.
Ms. Navneet – Lower Elementary Teacher (Grade 3)
Biography to come!
Ms. Anna – French Teacher
Ms. Anna left home when she was 18 and went to work as an Au Pair in France, caring for 3 young children and working in MacDonald’s where she began to learn French. After completing a teaching degree and spending another year living in France, she taught French and German in a comprehensive school in England. Deciding that she wanted to teach French in a fun, interactive way, Ms. Anna set up and ran her own business teaching at the elementary level, teaching over 300 children per week. After many years working in mental health, law, French Immersion High School and as a private tutor, Ms. Anna is so happy to be back teaching elementary students at Meadow Montessori.
Ms. Kirstie – Early Childhood Educator Primary Room
Biography to come!
Ms. Jackie – Upper Elementary Educational Assistant
Hello, my name is Jackie Lutz, and I am an EA working in one of the Upper Elementary classes. I have always known that I wanted to work in this field. Growing up I had a brother that was born with cerebral palsy, and it was through that childhood my love for exceptional kids began. My plan was to begin this career at an early age but instead I married and had 3 beautiful kids, so I worked nights and weekends as a server so that I could be home with them. Working with the public as a server gave me a lot of experience tending to a variety of people from many walks of life. At the age of 40 I went back to school and this past fall I completed my program and was lucky enough to do my practicum at Meadow Montessori. Right from the very first day I knew that this school was a hidden gem! I’m so happy that I was given the opportunity to join the team!
Ms. Charlotte – Upper Elementary Educational Assistant
Biography to come!
Ms. Tiffany – Lower Elementary Educational Assistant
Hi! My name is Ms. Tiffany and I am an Education Assistant in the Lower Elementary class. I was always fascinated with the field of psychology, and knew I wanted a career that allowed me to exercise that passion. I went to university and completed a Bachelors degree in Psychology. During my studies I took an interest in child and industrial psychology. For many years I took the industrial route and worked in disability management. This provided a wealth of experience but lost its lustre after having my own children. I knew I needed a meaningful change and Education Assistant was everything I was looking for by combining my education, experience, and passion for lifelong learning. While my oldest started school, I was in a fortunate position to be able to go back and complete my Education Assistant diploma. I am very grateful that I was able to complete my practicum with Meadow Montessori, graduate with honors and be given a position at this wonderful school.
Ms. Mildred – Lower Elementary Educational Assistant & After-school Supervisor
I find working with children very rewarding and enjoy knowing that I help them on their difficult days as well as play a part in making them happier and more confident daily. There is never a dull moment, and every day is different than the last. I enjoy the spontaneity of learning and playing and getting to know each child’s unique personality.
I obtained my bachelor’s degree in education in 1999 and after graduation I travelled to Hong Kong to work as a caregiver. That experience helped me decide to pursue a career working with children in a professional setting. I have worked as an Early Childhood Educator for nearly 3 years now and am having a great time here at Meadow Montessori.
Ms. Courtney – Primary Educational Assistant & Before-school Supervisor
Bio to come!
Ms. Jessica – Administrative Assistant and Secretary of the Board
Ms. Jessica joined the school in 2016 and provides administrative support for our Director, Principal, and teachers. She has a background in a variety of office environments and has 10+ years of reception experience as well as graphic design. Jessica is a voracious reader and loves hiking, surfing, yoga, painting and pottery. She enjoys seeing the children learn and grow and laugh, never a dull moment! She has been the Secretary on our Board of Directors for the past 4 years and also has two lovely children who received a great educational foundation and love of learning at Meadow Montessori !
