School Staff
Support Staff
Alex Garneau
Classroom Assistant
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.
Ashley Brilhante
Classroom Assistant
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.
Caitlin Goodwin
Classroom Assistant
Caitlin Goodwin started at MMA in 2023 as an Education Assistant in Lower Elementary. She completed the Behavioural Science program at Seneca College in Ontario. Caitlin has previously worked as a Personal Support Worker and Behavioural Interventionist, providing supports for children with diverse needs. In her free time, she enjoys camping, music and spending time with her family and friends.
Hannah Kovits
Classroom Assistant
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.
Tolu Olunloyo
Classroom Assistant
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.
Ali Paul
Classroom Assistant
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!
Brooke Macfarlane
Classroom Assistant
Brooke joined MMA as an Out of School Care Teacher in 2025, after being a student at MMA from preschool through Grade 12. Having grown up as part of the school community, she is excited to give back to a place that has been such a meaningful part of her life. Brooke is currently working toward completing her Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification and is passionate about supporting children’s growth, learning, and development in a positive and nurturing environment.
Outside of school, Brooke enjoys going to the gym, attending concerts, spending time with friends and family, and travelling to new places. She loves making memories with the people closest to her and brings her caring personality and positive energy to the MMA community.
Sidney Nesbitt
Classroom Assistant
Biography coming soon!
Makayla Lemus
Classroom Assistant
Biography Coming Soon!
Mia Curtis
Classroom Assistant
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.
Scott Metcalfe
Classroom Assistant
Scott Metcalfe started his journey at MMA in 2022 as a Classroom Assistant in Sigma. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport & Fitness Leadership/Sport Management. Scott completed an internship in China through Tsinghua University & Beijing Sport University. He has devoted most of his years to the youth in the community through after-school care and sport programs at various schools and recreation centres. Scott is currently the Head Coach & co-owner of Soccertron, where he facilitates numerous youth soccer programs across Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island. He is also the Head Coach for Eli Pasquale Basketball & Champions Academy. In his spare time, Scott enjoys attending live music venues and various professional sporting events.
Yaroslav Kucher
IT
Biography Coming Soon!
Astra Lund-Phillips
Classroom Assistant
Astra (she/her) joined the MMA community in 2026 as a Classroom Assistant in Sunflower and a Preschool Out of School Care team member. She earned her Early Childhood Education Assistant Certificate through coursework at UBC, and holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Victoria in Political Science and Journalism, with a certificate in French. Before working with our preschool and kindergarterners, she spent time supporting and teaching children as a nanny, summer camp leader, and veteran babysitter. She is always trying new hobbies and classes, and currently is taking courses to improve her French and singing. She volunteers with political and advocacy groups, enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her loved ones, including many foster cats over the years.
Brittany Rivera
Classroom Assistant
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.
Sage Barlow-Young
Classroom Assistant
Biography coming soon!
Elisa Sosa Nicora
Classroom Assistant
Elisa’s journey at MMA began in early 2026 as an on-call Classroom and Out-of-School Care Assistant. She now works as a Classroom Assistant, supporting middle school students. She holds a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Victoria. Her broader educational background includes educational leadership, primary teaching, English-language instruction, and educational assistance. Originally from Paraguay, Elisa has worked with students at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels in Costa Rica, The Bahamas, and Canada. She is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments that foster confidence, independence, student success, and lifelong participation in physical activity. When she is not working, she enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her loved ones.
Nicola Ng
Classroom Assistant
Biography coming soon!
Olivia Hyubers
Classroom Assistant
Olivia arrived at MMA as a Teacher on Call in 2024 and by the end of the school year joined the Gamma class as a Classroom Assistant. She has a Bachelor of Arts (2015) degree and Bachelor of Education (2018) degree from St. Francis Xavier University and is currently pursuing a Masters of Counselling from City University. Olivia moved to Vancouver Island from her home in Nova Scotia in 2019, and settled quickly in Victoria, teaching students in grades 4, 5, and 6 at another independent school before landing at MMA. When not working or studying, she enjoys camping, reading, and travelling across Canada during summer holidays.