Our Faculty

Pattie London – VP of Education

With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, Pattie has built a distinguished career as a dedicated educator, leader, and advocate for quality child care. As a seasoned professional, she has specialized in nurturing and managing child care centres, developing innovative curricula, and implementing research-based best practices that promote the developmental growth of young learners.

In addition to her extensive hands-on experience, Pattie has been a trusted advisor for the College of Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) for over five years and serves on the advisory board for Halton Region, contributing her expertise to shape policies and practices that benefit children, families, and educators.

As the Vice President of Education, Pattie oversees operations at The Montessori Country School and nine Centres for Early Learning locations, collectively serving over 1,200 children across the Greater Toronto Area. With a shared passion for children’s development, she collaborates closely with educational teams to inspire both staff and students to achieve their full potential.

Pattie leads a team of over 240 educators, fostering a culture of excellence, purpose, and community. She is committed to the mission of “Inspiring Smiles and Building Community” by ensuring that each child receives an enriched learning experience while supporting families and empowering educators to fulfill their purpose of transforming lives through education.

Elsa van Staveren – Director of Employee Development & Experience

With over 24 years of experience in early years and education, Elsa is an accomplished educator and leader with a deep passion for fostering positive learning environments. She currently serves as the Director of Employee Development and Experience, as well as Hub Director, overseeing a network of 9 childcare centres and 2 private Montessori schools. In these roles, Elsa is committed to creating a culture of growth, collaboration, and continuous professional development for both staff and students.

Elsa’s journey in education began in 2001 as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), where she worked with all age groups and developed a strong passion for special education. Her extensive understanding of child development, combined with her dedication to inclusive education, has shaped her approach to teaching and leadership. Elsa holds a Bachelor of Education Degree and is a registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers, equipping her with the academic foundation and teaching credentials that have guided her throughout her career.

In addition to her classroom experience, Elsa has served as Principal at both the childcare centres and Montessori schools, roles that have allowed her to hone her skills in school operations, leadership, and staff development. Her experience as a Principal has made her uniquely suited to supporting school operations, overseeing staff training, and ensuring the effective implementation of educational programs. Elsa has been instrumental in developing and leading initiatives that enhance staff performance, promote ongoing professional development, and maintain a high standard of education across both locations.

Elsa’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every child is set up for success is matched by her belief in the power of strong partnerships with families. She strives to create an inclusive, nurturing environment that meets the individual needs of each child, while also empowering educators to excel in their roles. Her leadership, combined with her passion for education and her experience in school administration, makes Elsa a valuable asset in her current role, where she continues to inspire both her team and the families she serves.

Milton Campus

Ilena Vuaran – Director of School Operations

With an impressive 20-year career in early childhood education, Ilena brings a wealth of expertise and a proven record of exceptional leadership to her role in our Montessori school. Her deep commitment to quality and her ability to foster strong relationships with families have been hallmarks of her career.

Ilena began her journey in child development in 2004 and has since excelled in various roles, including Infant and Kindergarten educator, Preschool teacher, Assistant Supervisor, and Supervisor. Her extensive experience has equipped her with the skills to create nurturing environments where children and educators can thrive, ensuring the highest standards of care and education.

A graduate of Seneca College, Ilena is passionate about collaboration and team building, consistently demonstrating integrity and a dedication to excellence. As she steps into her new leadership role in Milton, she is committed to upholding the values and mission of our Montessori school, fostering a community that supports growth and learning for all.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Ilena celebrates her Italian heritage through her love of language, cuisine, and the arts. She is known for her thoughtful and optimistic outlook on life, guided by her personal motto, “Everything happens for a reason.”

Nobleton Campus

Janet Zaharchuk – Director of Academics

Janet has joined the Montessori Country School as our new Director of Academics. With over 30 years in the field of education, where she began as an elementary and Junior High classroom teacher, she then moved into administration as a Vice-Principal and eventually as School Principal. Janet enjoys all art forms and is passionate about competitive Ballroom Dancing. She has studied dance for the past 5 years and continues to do so to this day. Her professional goals include receiving her Doctorate in Education and authoring children’s books.

Janet advocates for the importance and relevance of continuous professional development. She has attended and participated in numerous conferences over the years across the USA and Canada. She broadens her scope of knowledge through extensive reading, researching, and by her willingness to continually learn and grow; a role model for students and staff.