About Okotoks Montessori School
"As teachers we can only help the work going on, as servants wait upon a master."
- Maria Montessori
Our Philosophy
Okotoks Montessori Preschool bases its teaching methods upon the Montessori principles, defined by Maria Montessori.
The Montessori method has discovered that a child under the age of six years possesses an extraordinary power to learn and absorb effortlessly, based on their surroundings. A child naturally wants to touch everything and our environment completely fulfills that need. The classroom allows children to learn in an environment that is structured, with a blend of independent work and freedom of choice, which aids in the child developing concentration, self-discipline and the inner joy of discovering for themselves. We focus on fine/gross motor skills, practical life and the use of senses incorporating nature, writing, math, geography, reading, botany and geometry.
Meet our Team
Our teachers are Alberta credited, Bachelor of Education certificated as well as Montessori accredited to teach this program.
Sharlene Brown
Okotoks Montessori Administrator
The two loves of my life, my girls, were ready for Preschool and I wondered, where do they go? I walked into the Montessori School and it was a surreal moment, I felt like I was home. Montessori allowed them independence; freedom to make choices; all the while giving them an academic foundation on which to build.
I am often asked if Montessori is for everyone. My answer is a resounding YES YES YES, our staff truly believe it is an education for every child.
Teaching a Montessori child is the most gratifying job I could ask for. Seeing their eyes light up when they have mastered their work, the glow of accomplishment when they show me their materials, the challenges they overcome with developmental aides; it's a wonderful place that I need to be.
My birthday is September 16th
A few of my favourite things are my girls, Mr. Brown, my floofer Charlie, my chickens, my coworkers, travelling and my sisters Wanda & Shauna.
A fun fact about me is I am a fraternal twin (Shauna).
Brandy Walker Schneider
Assistant Teacher
My birthday is April 28th
Some of my favourite things are:
favorite color is sky blue, favorite food is sushi, favourite movie is A League of their own, when not teaching at Montessori, you can find me coaching competitive soccer,
My favourite activity is hiking or camping with my two kids; Jaxon and Lucas, my husband Chris and my dog Ginny.
A fun fact about me, I have represented my city, province and country while playing soccer.
Karyn Paschke
Assistant Teacher
My birthday is August 4th
Some of my favourite things are:
the colour Pink, any activity in the water - swimming, kayaking, fishing, camping with my partner Mr Joe, our 4 children and their partners, grandkids and our friends, dinners out, so I don’t have to think about what’s for dinner 🤣 (especially for steak and seafood, yum).
Interesting fact about me: I was born and raised in New Zealand and came to Canada in my 20s to travel the world. This was slightly delayed by having a family and so now that dream is back on track, to travel and see new countries and cultures.
Tanya Corney
Teacher
My birthday is July 25th
Some of my favourite things are:
I am married and have six adult girls, my favourite colours are pink (just because) and orange because Halloween is my favourite holiday.
I enjoy spending my free time gardening, biking, hiking and in my kayak.
My favourite thing to do when not at school is travel!
A fun fact about me is I used to equestrian show jump, play competitive volleyball and am a red seal baker.
Ava Parsons
Assistant Teacher
My birthday is June 9th.
Some of my favourite things are:
Fishing, boating, watching football, eating seafood, going to rodeos, spending time on my friend’s farm (we breed Nigerian Pygmy Dwarfs)!
My favourite thing to do when not at school is travel with my husband! My favorite place I’ve been to so far is Saint Tropez!
A fun fact about me is: I run a Christmas charity to collect presents for children of families in need every year called the Diamond Valley Angel Tree.
Charlotte Hopwood
Teacher
Birthday: March 24
Colour: red
Food: fish tacos
Movie: The Notebook
Activity: Hiking
A fun fact: I have a budgie named Jerry
Suzanne Cooper
Teacher
My birthday is May 31st
Some of my favourite things are:
I love the ocean, my favourite colour is teal, I love Pepsi zero/Diet Pepsi, I love to ride my bike, kayak and have fun in nature although I don’t get to do it near enough,I am married and have three girls.
A fun fact about me is that I have swam with dolphins and I absolutely loved it!
Kristina Duquette
Assistant Teacher/PUF
My birthday is April 8th
Some of my favourite things are:
My favourite colour is blue, my favourite food is nachos, and I enjoy spending time with my boys and my dog.
Fun fact about me is I enjoy crocheting and being outside
Michella Sawatzky
Assistant Teacher
My birthday is August 21st
Some of my favourite things are:
My favourite colour is blue, my favourite food is Pho, my favourite things to do are camp and paddleboard
Fun fact about me is I’m a mother of 4 and grandmother of 3.
Alison Hammond
Speech and Special Needs Aide
My birthday is March 4th
Some of my favourite things are:
Spending time with my family and walking my two dogs, my favourite sound is listening to waves as I walk along a beach. I love playing card/board games and my favourites are Deer in the Headlights and Happy Little Dinos!
An interesting fact about me is that I volunteered at an animal rescue in South Africa for a month and it was amazing!!
Kori Toma
Preschool Teacher
My birthday is August 25th
Some of my favourite things are:
My favourite food is cheesecake, my favourite colour is green, my favourite movie is Mamma Mia and my favourite game is Dutch Blitz.
A fun fact about me is that I really enjoy crocheting and knitting.
We are so pleased for Maddie and Luke as they welcome their sweet baby girl Millie.
We hope to see Maddie (& Millie) back soon at Okotoks Montessori!
Madison Sargeant
Teacher Assistant - on MATERNITY LEAVE
My birthday is August 25th
Some of my favourite things are:
My favourite food is cheesecake, my favourite colour is green, my favourite movie is Mamma Mia and my favourite game is Dutch Blitz.
A fun fact about me is that I really enjoy crocheting and knitting.
We are so pleased for Maddie and Luke as they welcome their sweet baby girl Millie.
We hope to see Maddie (& Millie) back soon at Okotoks Montessori!
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Discover the enriching experience of Okotoks Montessori Preschool. Schedule a visit to explore our facilities and learn more about our programs.
Join our team!
We are GROWING!
As we grow we will post positions below,
Interested applicants may forward their resume to the school via email at admin@okotoksmontessori.com
