Annabel Gills, School director and supervisor, MACTE-accredited Montessori teacher
I started with Stoney Creek Montessori, albeit behind the scenes, during the construction phase in 2017. I’ve loved this school ever since! I was the compliance manager, and then the supervisor, before assuming the role of School Director. In 2023, I will complete my MACTE-accredited Infant and Toddler Montessori certification. My 15-year career in drug and medical device regulatory and quality compliance also comes in handy for the school’s licensing and reporting requirements. My love for all things handy makes sure that the school premises are in tip-top shape. As a mom of two, I adore kids and especially all the blossoming personalities of our students. I love being a part of the Stoney Creek Montessori community!

Jennifer Davis, Assistant Supervisor and Senior Toddler Montessori teacher
I love working with preschoolers and find it very rewarding to watch precious children grow and strive in life. For 16 years, I ran pre-school programs for ages 1 to 5 year olds (8 years for the City of Hamilton and prior to that 8 years with the City of Etobicoke). I have a Montessori diploma in teaching toddlers aged 0-3 years. I also have a background in Recreation Leadership from Humber College. I have been with Stoney Creek Montessori since we opened our doors in 2017. I love what I do and take my job to heart. I am married to a wonderful and supportive husband and am a mother of two fabulous young adults, as well as a stepmom to three others.

Fareena Alam, Owner and Co-founder
My appreciation for Montessori pedagogy blossomed when I saw how my son thrived in a traditional Montessori school in London, England where we lived until Fall 2017. Offering the same nurturing care to other families, with a genuine emphasis on raising thoughtful, open-minded children, is my chief motivation for the founding of Stoney Creek Montessori. In addition to my involvement at SCM, I am a media engagement consultant for UN Women and a former communications specialist for UNICEF. I love gardening and am a certified Master Gardener. My husband – an experienced educator from Mississauga – our son and I are currently based in Connecticut, USA, while I remain closely involved in the running of SCM.

 

Bambini class (up to age 3 years)

Bree Borsellino, Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and MACTE-Montessori teacher-in-training
I have over seven years of experience in childcare and early education, and feel so fortunate to have found my place in the Bambini classroom. I have been with Stoney Creek Montessori since 2021. My greatest passion lies in early childhood development. I believe that every child deserves to be treated with deep respect as capable, unique individuals who bring their own strengths and perspectives to the classroom. It is a joy to create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore at their own pace. These early years are so full of wonder, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside them and their families during this special stage of life.

Stephani Bonyun, Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and MACTE-Montessori teacher-in-training
I am an RECE with over 8 years of prior experience in elementary and middle schools and an excellent record of working with students to achieve reading, writing and speaking goals. I am fluent in Portuguese and have also been an English as a second language (ESL) instructor for over 10 years, working with a different range of cultures and backgrounds, including children who wear hearing aids. I have been with Stoney Creek Montessori since 2022 and am thrilled to be part of the team.

Sonali Sonali, Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE)
I’m a proud graduate of Mohawk College, where I earned my certification as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE). I completed my placement at Stoney Creek Montessori and have since joined the team as a full-time educator. I’m passionate about working with children and deeply value the opportunity to grow as an educator in such a nurturing, inspiring environment that truly supports each child’s development.

Maple, Willow and Magnolia classes (aged 3-6 years)

Joan Mendoza, MACTE-accredited Montessori teacher
I am a MACTE-certified Montessori educator with over a decade of experience in Montessori environments. I am passionate about fostering a love of learning in children and creating nurturing spaces where they can thrive. As a devoted mother of two wonderful children, I cherish spending quality time with my family. In my free time, you can often find us hiking together, exploring the great outdoors, or cycling along scenic trails. I was previously a part of the Stoney Creek Montessori teaching team from 2018 to 2020, and rejoined in 2024. I am excited to contribute to the growth and development of children, helping them reach their full potential.

Shelly Ajoc, MACTE-accredited Montessori Teacher
I hold a MACTE-accredited Montessori Diploma in Casa and an additional Montessori Diploma in Lower Elementary. I also have a degree in Music with a major in Music Education. Over the past 6 years, I have been working closely with children in a Montessori environment, and it has been an honor and privilege to watch them grow into independent and successful individuals. As a mom, I love to spend time with my daughter. I am thrilled to be part of the dedicated team of educators at Stoney Creek Montessori.

Katelyn Macaluso-Emberson, MACTE-accredited Montessori teacher
A lifelong passion for teaching young children led me to Montessori education. After earning my Bachelor of Education, I began my Montessori journey in 2013 in Toronto and further enhanced my knowledge by completing my certification at Seton Montessori Institute in Chicago. I have experience in both toddler and Casa classrooms, and find joy in guiding children through these formative years. I fully embrace the Montessori philosophy – supporting independence, nurturing curiosity, and respecting each child’s unique pace. At home, I bring these same principles to life with my daughter by creating a hands-on environment that encourages exploration, choice, and a love of learning.

Farheen Usman, MACTE-accredited Montessori teacher
I hold a MACTE-accredited Montessori Diploma and have been working as an early childhood educator for over 15 years. Before my Montessori training, I completed a B.Ed. and an M.A. in Fine Arts. Supporting children’s growth and development remains the most rewarding aspect of my work. Outside the classroom, I enjoy painting, cooking, and traveling, which give me fresh inspiration both personally and professionally. I am excited to bring my passion and experience to the Stoney Creek Montessori community.

Aleisha Wanagat, Ontario College of Teachers certified
I am a registered Ontario educator (OCT) with experience in the elementary education sector. I am passionate about helping children thrive and reach their full potential. I hold additional qualifications in Special Education and English Language Learners (ELL) support. I am excited to be a part of Stoney Creek Montessori and look forward to contributing to the success of our students!

Support staff

Alexa Botelho, Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE)
I have experience working with children, including at a summer camp program for grades 6–8, and I recently completed my studies in Early Childhood Education at Mohawk College. I’m excited to begin this next chapter in my career, supporting children’s growth and learning every day.

Hina Husain, Classroom Assistant
I have been with Stoney Creek Montessori as a support teacher since January 2021. I have training as a Montessori assistant for the 3-6 years age group, and years of experience homeschooling my three children. In a previous life, I used to be a social worker and support counsellor with a background in dealing with sensitive and vulnerable communities.

Melissa Pecile, Classroom Assistant
I have always had a passion for connecting with children and watching them grow. My years of experience with children and families surpass 10 years. I have held many positions in different environments including group homes, foster care, speech pathologist care, and my most recent, familial homes, as a nanny. I am captivated by children’s presence and love to encourage them to observe and learn, while aiding support during the fundamental stages of their development. Externally, I exert a big kid identity and with that, display a positive energy that helps children feel comfortable and confident.

Kristy Shuker-Gilbert, Classroom Assistant and pre-school chef
I have hands-on experience preparing nutritious meals for children, developed through years of caring for my own family and working in daycares. I believe in the motto “good food first, fun food last,” and bring that same care and passion to every meal I prepare. I look forward to supporting the children’s growth and building warm connections with them and their families.

Danielle Ohorodnyk, Classroom Assistant and pre-school chef
I love helping others, especially children, as they begin to explore and understand the world around them. I believe in nurturing every child and ensuring each one feels seen, supported, and confident in their abilities. At Stoney Creek Montessori, I’m grateful to be part of a peaceful and respectful environment where children can grow with independence every day.