School Staff
Administration
Christine Tuttle
Principal
Christine Tuttle has been a dedicated educator at Maria Montessori Academy since 2007. After graduating from the University of Victoria in 2006, she earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia in 2007. After graduating from UBC, Christine began her journey at MMA teaching in the Gamma classroom where she completed her Montessori certification and developed a lasting connection to child-centered learning.
Christine stepped into the role of Vice Principal in 2015 and became Principal in 2024, continuing her commitment to professional growth by completing her Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2025. As a school leader, she places strong value on authentic collaboration, building inclusive community connections, and fostering an environment where both students and staff feel supported and inspired to learn.
Outside of school, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, sports, tending to her garden, and relaxing in the sun with a good book.
Haley Rymer
Vice-Principal
Haley Rymer has been part of the Maria Montessori Academy community since 2011. She began her time at MMA teaching science to grades 9–12 students in Omega, moving into the Vice Principal role in 2024.
Haley earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Victoria, followed by her teaching and Montessori certifications, and completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership through Vancouver Island University. In both the classroom and administration, she values a practical, hands-on approach that supports student curiosity and a collaborative school environment.
Outside of school, Haley enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her family, including her two children who attend MMA.
School Office
Chanel Emershy
Office Administrator
Miss Chanel has experience in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors in business operations and has an MBA in Global Business and a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Redlands, California. She has been a part of the MMA community since 2020 when her family moved to Victoria from Seattle, and her children started at the school. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, doing crossword puzzles, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.
Cory Waugh
Office Administrator
Cory Waugh joined us in 2023. She comes to us with a background in travel counselling and childcare. When Miss Cory is not at MMA, she can be found with her family, enjoying the outdoors and reading.
Jennie Lewis
Financial Comptroller
Jennie Lewis has worked at Maria Montessori Academy since 2011 as our Financial Comptroller. Miss Jennie loves working at the school and being responsible for the accounting operations of MMA. Miss Jennie has a CPA, CA designation as well as a Master’s in Public Administration. When she is not working, she is spending time with her family, gardening, or practicing yoga.
Deborah Arcuri
Office Administrator
Deborah Arcuri has been a member of the MMA office team since 2007. Miss Deborah has a wealth of experience having previously been the Office Administrator at Greater Victoria Christian Academy and West-Mont School. When Miss Deborah is not at school she loves to spend time with family, especially her grandchildren. Her passions include line-dancing, scrapbooking, walking, and travelling with her husband, Ron.