Rhonda Boissiere-Crooks - Directress

I attended the University of Waterloo, Bachelor of Science in Biology. After, I went to Sheridan College in the Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Education (AMS) in September 2002. I have 3 busy boys - my oldest is 7 years old, next is 5 years old and my youngest is 3 years old. I feel truly blessed that they are all able to attend Northstar with me. I believe teaching was my calling. Ask anyone in my family and they would say it is what I was born to do (being the first of 5 kids helped). They all say that while I was heading down the Engineering / Medicine route they all knew deep down that teaching was where I should be and they had the faith to believe that I would find that out for myself. Sure enough, I did and here I am. I am a teacher because I enjoy it. I appreciate all the personalities and differences each child brings to the classroom. I love their honesty and I really enjoy the challenge of trying to figure them out and how to help each reach their fullest potential. It goes without saying that at the end of a hard day, week, month or even year there is genuine satisfaction in knowing that maybe, just maybe I had some small part in making a difference, an impact in the life of the next great.

Five years ago, I came for an interview at Northstar and was very happy to get the news that I was hired. About a month later I was back in the office nervously explaining that I had just found out I was expecting my second child and was due in early November. Much to my surprise, my contract was honoured and I began work in September only to deliver three weeks earlier than expected. I am sooooo thankful for the accommodating atmosphere here at Northstar and that all the teachers and administration takes things (especially the unexpected) in stride. Northstar has seen me through two pregnancies and I guess what has been most special to me is the wonderful group of people that I'm surrounded by. We all represent such diversity in culture and up-bringing and yet when we get together, the differences aren't even what you see or feel. It's just a big party with lots of laughter and stories that make you want to linger a little bit longer and keep the conversation going just a little bit more. I am here at Northstar because I wouldn't want to be anywhere else and I couldn't envision myself having so much fun in any other organization. I work with people who I can off load on every now and then and they understand where I'm coming from, they share in my moments and they make any burden I may have easier to carry. THANKS GUYS!!!!!

Margaret Korzeb - Directress

I graduated from Sheridan College completing Early Childhood Education. I received my Montessori Certificate from Montessori Centre International completing Montessori Theory and Methodology. I also received an International Diploma from Montessori Centre International. I started working at Northstar Montessori in October 1999. I have three children, two sons and one daughter. Teaching is a special calling, and from a very young age, I wanted to be a teacher and my dream came true. I started my Early Childhood Education back in Poland and when I came to Canada I continued my studies to become a teacher. During my practice teaching in kindergarten, I saw some Montessori materials and how the children were working with them. How those little children learned to read and count, how they were so independent captured my attention and inspired me to explore Montessori. With help from the management of Northstar and my family, I was able to complete the International Montessori at St. Nicholas school. I enjoy being a teacher and watching the children work and how they develop from year to year. I enjoy helping them learn and build their social skills. Working at Northstar for many years has given me a nice, positive experience. I feel that my teaching position at Northstar helped me to grow professionally dealing with teachers, parents and students. It has also helped me to be more confident with making decisions and planning different activities for the students. I could not do this without wonderful co-teachers that are always supportive and helpful in all situations.

Linet Panganiban - Assistant

I graduated from the Philippine Christian University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I also received my Montessori Assistant’s training at the Foundation for Montessori Education in Toronto which is an AMI Certification. I started teaching at Northstar in September 2001. I have two children ages 7 & 2 and they both attend Northstar. I chose teaching as I enjoy working with children and it is very rewarding. I chose Northstar Montessori as it has a great philosophy of teaching. The staff members are very dedicated in what they do. I have learned a lot since I started and I love to share my ideas to all of the students, staff and parents.