Teacher Profiles
Sonika Bhogal, Head Teacher, Infant Classroom
I am a registered Early Childhood Educator. I completed my ECE at Humber College in 2010. I have nine years of experience working with children of different ages. I have worked in daycare and Montessori settings. I joined MLCP in 2018.
I am a responsible, caring and fun individual. I enjoy watching movies, reading fiction novels and socializing with friends and family. My experience at MLCP has been wonderful. I am enjoying working with Infants. Working with younger children is very exciting. I love seeing things from their eyes. It is rewarding to see them growing and developing new skills.
I am a registered Early Childhood Educator. I completed my ECE at Humber College in 2010. I have nine years of experience working with children of different ages. I have worked in daycare and Montessori settings. I joined MLCP in 2018.
I am a responsible, caring and fun individual. I enjoy watching movies, reading fiction novels and socializing with friends and family. My experience at MLCP has been wonderful. I am enjoying working with Infants. Working with younger children is very exciting. I love seeing things from their eyes. It is rewarding to see them growing and developing new skills.
Ama Wills, Montessori Directress, Pre-Casa 1 Classroom
One day I was very curious to see what happens, in a Montessori setting
I'd worked with children in different capacities, daycares, camps and a school for special needs.
The year was 1994 when Nicola invited me through the door.
I saw teachers focussed on individual development, encouraging the children to become more independent.
I was amazed and could not turn away, now 27 years later, I'm here to stay.
I've watched children come and children go and take great pride in how I've helped them to grow.
"Why do you do this" I am often asked, to see the joy in a child's face as they master a task.
I share songs, rhymes, hugs and kisses galore, each child is made welcome as they come through the door.
Knowing that here is a safe place for them to be, where they can explore and learn naturally.
Montessori has touched my soul at its core, and made a believer of me forever more.
One day I was very curious to see what happens, in a Montessori setting
I'd worked with children in different capacities, daycares, camps and a school for special needs.
The year was 1994 when Nicola invited me through the door.
I saw teachers focussed on individual development, encouraging the children to become more independent.
I was amazed and could not turn away, now 27 years later, I'm here to stay.
I've watched children come and children go and take great pride in how I've helped them to grow.
"Why do you do this" I am often asked, to see the joy in a child's face as they master a task.
I share songs, rhymes, hugs and kisses galore, each child is made welcome as they come through the door.
Knowing that here is a safe place for them to be, where they can explore and learn naturally.
Montessori has touched my soul at its core, and made a believer of me forever more.
Penny Callender, Montessori Directress, Casa 1 Classroom
I have had two careers - one as a banker (18 years) and the other as a teacher. The teaching career has been the most rewarding. I joined MLCP in 1999. I started in Pre-Casa 1. Then moved to the Infants, where I decided to take the Montessori Course with the Canadian Montessori Education Institute (CMTEI). I was also in the Junior Elementary program for two years. Then I moved to Casa where I continue to enjoy all that Montessori offers.
When I'm not with the children I enjoy reading, walking through the conservation areas and developing my computer skills.
The children are the best part of teaching specifically their trust, honesty and love for each other. I love working with children at the Casa level. The challenges they bring and the sense of accomplishment they feel when they succeed at a task, is a pleasure in which to play a small part. The pride they feel with their successes is a joy to witness.
I have had two careers - one as a banker (18 years) and the other as a teacher. The teaching career has been the most rewarding. I joined MLCP in 1999. I started in Pre-Casa 1. Then moved to the Infants, where I decided to take the Montessori Course with the Canadian Montessori Education Institute (CMTEI). I was also in the Junior Elementary program for two years. Then I moved to Casa where I continue to enjoy all that Montessori offers.
When I'm not with the children I enjoy reading, walking through the conservation areas and developing my computer skills.
The children are the best part of teaching specifically their trust, honesty and love for each other. I love working with children at the Casa level. The challenges they bring and the sense of accomplishment they feel when they succeed at a task, is a pleasure in which to play a small part. The pride they feel with their successes is a joy to witness.
Mickal Hanna, Montessori Directress, Casa 2 Classroom
I joined MLCP in 2010 after completing my training through the Newborough Teacher Training Institute. I completed my internship with MLCP and was pleased when they asked me to stay with them.
Outside of the classroom I enjoy squash, playing guitar and travelling. Originally from Egypt we especially enjoy family trips back there as often as we can.
I love watching children grow throughout the year and feeling proud about their accomplishments. I also love simply being around young minds who are always eager to learn and know more!
I joined MLCP in 2010 after completing my training through the Newborough Teacher Training Institute. I completed my internship with MLCP and was pleased when they asked me to stay with them.
Outside of the classroom I enjoy squash, playing guitar and travelling. Originally from Egypt we especially enjoy family trips back there as often as we can.
I love watching children grow throughout the year and feeling proud about their accomplishments. I also love simply being around young minds who are always eager to learn and know more!
Aliya Ali, Montessori Directress, Casa 3 Classroom
I completed my MACTE Certification for Casa (3-6 years) from the Canadian Montessori Education Institute in Toronto. I joined MLCP in January 2012.
In my free time I like to paint in acrylics and oils and read books. I am also a member of a book club and I enjoy going for Nature walks.
Teaching young children is a great experience for me. I love having the ability to help children achieve their very best. I love being able to interact with children on their level and it is thrilling to receive instant feedback from them about my teaching performance.
I completed my MACTE Certification for Casa (3-6 years) from the Canadian Montessori Education Institute in Toronto. I joined MLCP in January 2012.
In my free time I like to paint in acrylics and oils and read books. I am also a member of a book club and I enjoy going for Nature walks.
Teaching young children is a great experience for me. I love having the ability to help children achieve their very best. I love being able to interact with children on their level and it is thrilling to receive instant feedback from them about my teaching performance.
Suganthy Thillaichandran, Montessori Directress, Casa 3 Classroom
I came to Canada in 1997, after emigrating from Sri Lanka. Back when I lived in Sri Lanka, I was a high school math teacher. In Sri Lanka, I completed my Bachelor of Science degree as well as special training for math.
Upon arriving in Canada, I completed my Early Childhood Educator diploma at Seneca College. Before beginning my position at Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering, I worked at the YMCA, Little Treasure Preschool and Learning Jungle School.
The method in which I taught at my previous workplaces and Montessori Learning Centre differed for me initially, as Montessori Learning Centre was a school-environment which was new to me, however I was able to adjust over time.
My experience at Montessori Learning Centre has been wonderful for a variety of reasons such as the positive environment, kind and respectful employees, a principal who I feel comfortable speaking to, and several social events that promote healthy workplace relationships. Thus, my comfort and ease at my workplace allows me to consider Montessori Learning Centre as another home.
I came to Canada in 1997, after emigrating from Sri Lanka. Back when I lived in Sri Lanka, I was a high school math teacher. In Sri Lanka, I completed my Bachelor of Science degree as well as special training for math.
Upon arriving in Canada, I completed my Early Childhood Educator diploma at Seneca College. Before beginning my position at Montessori Learning Centre of Pickering, I worked at the YMCA, Little Treasure Preschool and Learning Jungle School.
The method in which I taught at my previous workplaces and Montessori Learning Centre differed for me initially, as Montessori Learning Centre was a school-environment which was new to me, however I was able to adjust over time.
My experience at Montessori Learning Centre has been wonderful for a variety of reasons such as the positive environment, kind and respectful employees, a principal who I feel comfortable speaking to, and several social events that promote healthy workplace relationships. Thus, my comfort and ease at my workplace allows me to consider Montessori Learning Centre as another home.
Narda Caampued, Montessori Directress, Casa 4 Classroom
I worked as a teaching assistant in a Montessori school for three years. During that time, I was very impressed with the Montessori philosophy so I decided to take the Montessori Diploma Course. As soon as I finished the course, I sent my resume to MLCP. I went to the interview and received the job. I was so happy with what I had learned. As a Montessori parent and teacher I can help my son and those that I teach, to develop strong academic abilities, compassion and self-motivation.
I enjoy walking, watching movies, dancing, picnics at the park with my family, swimming, fishing, camping and travelling.
A teaching career is something that never ends, you continually learn and grow each day. I also learn from professional development, which is essential to my career. Teaching is not only student learning, but myself as well!
I worked as a teaching assistant in a Montessori school for three years. During that time, I was very impressed with the Montessori philosophy so I decided to take the Montessori Diploma Course. As soon as I finished the course, I sent my resume to MLCP. I went to the interview and received the job. I was so happy with what I had learned. As a Montessori parent and teacher I can help my son and those that I teach, to develop strong academic abilities, compassion and self-motivation.
I enjoy walking, watching movies, dancing, picnics at the park with my family, swimming, fishing, camping and travelling.
A teaching career is something that never ends, you continually learn and grow each day. I also learn from professional development, which is essential to my career. Teaching is not only student learning, but myself as well!
Sherra Muere, Montessori Directress, Junior Classroom
Sherra Muere is our Junior Elementary teacher. She has been with MLCP since the early 1990s and through those years has worked in different classrooms (PreCasa and Casa) before finally agreeing to the challenge of taking the Montessori Elementary Training Course.
Sherra holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Optometry which she completed before coming to Canada from the Philippines. Unable to pursue further studies in the field of optometry upon her arrival, she accepted a job as a nanny in Pickering. As fate would have it, all three children she cared for attended MLCP. Luckily for us, she accepted a job as a teacher’s assistant. Part-time hours became full-time hours, and before we knew it, she became a permanent “fixture” at MLCP. The years of being at the school have given her a chance to finally find her niche in life. She completed the Montessori Elementary course from CMTEI in 2015 and is now excited to share the knowledge gained from the course and encourage young minds to reach their full potential.
Every teacher she has worked with has been most appreciative of her calm, supportive, gentle and loving approach with the children. She is also a woman of many talents which she gladly shares, not only with her class but with the rest of the school. She has a beautiful melodious voice and has, also, within the last couple of years taken guitar lessons. We have also benefitted from her artistic abilities; her paintings have adorned our windows on various occasions. She has also been a big help during year-end productions for props and other ideas. She also enjoys directing the children during the various celebrations and performances. Their productions are always a delight to witness.
Sherra is the kind of teacher that will be well-remembered fondly by any student who she has had the pleasure to teach.
Sherra Muere is our Junior Elementary teacher. She has been with MLCP since the early 1990s and through those years has worked in different classrooms (PreCasa and Casa) before finally agreeing to the challenge of taking the Montessori Elementary Training Course.
Sherra holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Optometry which she completed before coming to Canada from the Philippines. Unable to pursue further studies in the field of optometry upon her arrival, she accepted a job as a nanny in Pickering. As fate would have it, all three children she cared for attended MLCP. Luckily for us, she accepted a job as a teacher’s assistant. Part-time hours became full-time hours, and before we knew it, she became a permanent “fixture” at MLCP. The years of being at the school have given her a chance to finally find her niche in life. She completed the Montessori Elementary course from CMTEI in 2015 and is now excited to share the knowledge gained from the course and encourage young minds to reach their full potential.
Every teacher she has worked with has been most appreciative of her calm, supportive, gentle and loving approach with the children. She is also a woman of many talents which she gladly shares, not only with her class but with the rest of the school. She has a beautiful melodious voice and has, also, within the last couple of years taken guitar lessons. We have also benefitted from her artistic abilities; her paintings have adorned our windows on various occasions. She has also been a big help during year-end productions for props and other ideas. She also enjoys directing the children during the various celebrations and performances. Their productions are always a delight to witness.
Sherra is the kind of teacher that will be well-remembered fondly by any student who she has had the pleasure to teach.
Christine Tenn, Montessori Directress, Junior Classroom
I started as a parent volunteer and became an assistant in a Casa classroom in 1999. Received Montessori training through the Canadian Montessori Teacher Education Institute for Casa and Elementary level. Ongoing professional development continues through CCMA and CAMT conferences and seminars.
I enjoy watching movies, reading, camping and spending time with my family and friends.
It is an honour to witness the joy and happiness in a child's eyes when they declare: "I know how to do it, I can do it by myself now". My students teach me something new everyday. The best lesson - Tomorrow is a new day and we get another chance to start over. They keep me young at heart!
I started as a parent volunteer and became an assistant in a Casa classroom in 1999. Received Montessori training through the Canadian Montessori Teacher Education Institute for Casa and Elementary level. Ongoing professional development continues through CCMA and CAMT conferences and seminars.
I enjoy watching movies, reading, camping and spending time with my family and friends.
It is an honour to witness the joy and happiness in a child's eyes when they declare: "I know how to do it, I can do it by myself now". My students teach me something new everyday. The best lesson - Tomorrow is a new day and we get another chance to start over. They keep me young at heart!
Verity Frudiger, Montessori Directress, Senior Classroom
Upon completing high school, I enjoyed a year abroad as an exchange student in Canada. I returned home to South Africa to enter a 4-year Secondary School teaching degree through the University of Natal at Edgewood. Following that, I accepted teaching positions at both high school and elementary schools primarily in Math, Geography, Music and Library Sciences.
With a successful application to emigrate to Canada, we, as a family, arrived in the fall of 1986. The September of the following year I was offered an assistant position with Nicola at MLCP. In 1988 I assumed the role of Elementary teacher for the then Grade 1 to 6; here I remain where, for many years now, I have taught Grade 7 and 8. Along the way I completed my Casa training through St Nicholas College in London, England, and then graciously accepted the position of Vice Principal at MLCP.
I deem it an honour to be entrusted with the impressionable minds of so many wonderful young people who ably hold our future in their tender hands - my years to date have been wonderful, the students teaching me so much in a mutually respectful Montessori environment; I in turn hope I have imbued them with the spirit to cherish knowledge with understanding. Thanks for the memories.
Upon completing high school, I enjoyed a year abroad as an exchange student in Canada. I returned home to South Africa to enter a 4-year Secondary School teaching degree through the University of Natal at Edgewood. Following that, I accepted teaching positions at both high school and elementary schools primarily in Math, Geography, Music and Library Sciences.
With a successful application to emigrate to Canada, we, as a family, arrived in the fall of 1986. The September of the following year I was offered an assistant position with Nicola at MLCP. In 1988 I assumed the role of Elementary teacher for the then Grade 1 to 6; here I remain where, for many years now, I have taught Grade 7 and 8. Along the way I completed my Casa training through St Nicholas College in London, England, and then graciously accepted the position of Vice Principal at MLCP.
I deem it an honour to be entrusted with the impressionable minds of so many wonderful young people who ably hold our future in their tender hands - my years to date have been wonderful, the students teaching me so much in a mutually respectful Montessori environment; I in turn hope I have imbued them with the spirit to cherish knowledge with understanding. Thanks for the memories.