We have an amazing team of support staff; including a counsellor and classroom assistants. Our classroom assistants all have a solid foundation of Montessori knowledge, enabling them to assist in the Montessori environment.
Please see our full support staff list below.
Alex Garneau
Alex Garneau has worked at MMA since 2014. She works as a classroom assistant for Elementary PE. Miss Alex finished her community support and education assistant program at Camosun college. When she is not working at the school she is hiking or painting. Miss Alex values inclusion in the community.
Ali Paul
Ali Paul has been at Maria Montessori Academy since 2012 and her role in our community is primarily as a Classroom Assistant. She pursued her Early Childhood Education, after completing an undergrad in creative writing. When she’s not at Maria Montessori Academy; she’s tediously working on her novel, taking photographs, practicing yoga and enjoying nature!
Alia Tuttle
Bio coming soon!
Ashley Brilhante
Ashley Brilhante has been a member of the MMA community since 2022. Her children have been attending MMA since 2015, making the school feel like a second home. With a diverse background including roles as a Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, Project Assistant, and various financial positions, Ashley is passionate about supporting others. She’s thrilled to work in the CA role, a position that aligns perfectly with her interests. When she’s not at work, Ashley enjoys spending quality time with her family, indulging in creative hobbies like sewing and yarn work, and immersing herself in a good book.
Bella Bastien
Bio coming soon!
Brittany Rivera
Brittany Rivera has been at MMA since September 2023. She works as a classroom assistant in Gamma in Lower Elementary. Brittany has her community support diploma and ECEA certificate. When she is not working, she’s spending time with her two busy pugs or hanging out with family.
Caitlin Goodwin
Bio coming soon!
Clare Fensom
Clare Fensom began working at MMA in 2022 as a Classroom Assistant in Sweet Pea. She is a licenced Early Childhood Educator and brings 5 years of ECE experience in a Junior Kindergarten setting to MMA. She has previously worked with children as a school bus driver and Girl Guide Leader. Clare brings background knowledge of farming, gardening and nature knowledge from various travel experiences. She enjoys helping the children learn while facilitating growth in their emotional and social well-being. She enjoys the warm, friendly community of MMA. Outside school you will find Clare gardening, hiking, traveling or visiting family and friends as much as possible.
Hannah Everest
Hannah Everest began her work at MMA in 2022, and is excited to return as an EA in Lower Elementary and as an OOSC assistant this year. Hannah has always had an immense love of learning through diverse methods, holding her BA (Honours) degree in Dance from the University of Winnipeg, as well her ECE-A certificate. Hannah has several years experience teaching dance to children of all ages, as well tutoring, mentoring, and teaching art and craft classes as well. In her spare time Hannah loves learning and expressing herself creatively through reading, writing, going for walks in nature, watercolour painting, and of course, dance.
Hannah Kovits
Hannah Kovits began working at MMA in 2023 as a Classroom Assistant in Omega. She grew up in Arizona, but moved to Victoria for university and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria. Hannah has worked as a Behaviour Interventionist, working with youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, helping them learn new skills and social techniques. In her free time Hannah enjoys reading, making art, and spending time with family.
Jenna Kurz
Jenna first started at MMA in 2010. She spent time working with preschool, kindergarten and lower elementary and later moved into Sigma. She then left to have a family and spend time with her 2 girls but has recently returned back to Sigma as a CA. Jenna went to Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario and received a BEd and BA (psych). In her spare time she enjoys being active, baking and spending time with family and friends.
Louise Goodwin
Louise Goodwin lived and worked on both sides of the Atlantic; ophthalmic/aural nursing in Britain, and later obtaining a B. Ed and a Dipl. Sped from U.B.C. She has worked as a teacher and therapist with children with deaf-blindness, sensory needs, Learning Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder. More recently she obtained a post-graduate diploma in Mental Health and undertook the Maria Montessori Academy Classroom Assistant Course. Miss Louise tries to keep up her French and sign language and joined the MMA family in 2014; she enjoys working with and supporting children in this caring environment. Miss Louise enjoys her family of eight siblings, continuing to support/raise her three children and granddaughter.
Lucy Wang
Lucy Wang joined MMA in 2023 as an Educational Assistant in Upper Elementary. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Concordia University. With a passion for both learning and teaching, Lucy finds joy in collaborating with educators and supporting students. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys hiking, swimming, and indulging in a good book.
Madison North
Madison North started working at Maria Montessori Academy in 2024 as a Classroom Assistant in Delta class. She completed a Bachelor of Education at UVIC. Additionally, she specialized in art education and has spent time teaching art classes. When she is not in the classroom she spends time rock climbing, painting and making pottery.
Mia Curtis
Mia Curtis joined MMA in 2018 as a classroom assistant with Sigma after finishing her Education Assistant certificate at Northern Lakes College. When she is not at school, Miss Mia is active with her two children supporting them in their many extra curricular activities, sewing, knitting or seeking adventure outdoors.
Nicole Payie
Bio coming soon!
Scott Metcalfe
Bio coming soon!
Stephen Vincent
Stephen Vincent joined the MMA team in 2018 as a Classroom Assistant with the Omega contingent. You can find him happily making a mess of the kitchen with Miss Kathy during Foods calass, or trying to motivate the grads on days that feel particularly long. He enjoys the warm community the staff and students foster at MMA. Outside of the classroom you can find him at the playground with his son or playing his guitar in the garage, and pretending to be a rock star.
Tolu Olunloyo
Tolu Olunloyo joined MMA in 2024 as a Classroom Assistant in Upper Elementary. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Tolu grew up in Calgary, where she developed a passion for working with children. She brings valuable experience from her role as a summer camp counsellor over the past three years. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Victoria, Tolu plans to further her education with a law degree. She enjoys reading and writing poetry, watching movies, attending concerts, and cherishing moments with her loved ones in her free time.
Information Technology Support
Belle Prado
Belle Prado joined Maria Montessori Academy in 2024 as an IT Support Technician. Originally from Manila, Philippines, Belle arrived in Victoria in September 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and is currently pursuing a Diploma in Business Administration and a Certificate in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics at the University of Victoria. Prior to joining MMA, Belle worked as an Oracle Systems Specialist, where she honed her expertise in technology and systems management. Outside of work, she is an AI enthusiast, loves music, and serves as a worship leader in her spiritual community. In her free time, Belle enjoys exploring the beauty of Victoria with her family.
Maintenance Team
Al Tucker
Bio coming soon!
Brad White
Bio coming soon!
