Maleeha Imran - Directress

I started working at Northstar in 2000 as a student teacher, while undergoing my training at the Canadian Montessori Institute. I had previously worked at other Montessori schools; however Northstar’s level of commitment and the staff to provide true Montessori education to the students is what motivated me to stay on. I did my assistant teacher’s training through the Foundation of Montessori Education located in Toronto, which is an AMI certification, in 2003. In 2006, I returned to school on a part time basis and completed my Montessori training through the Toronto Montessori Institute. Working with children I believe is a calling. I am a teacher because it inspires me to better myself, knowing that my actions will be absorbed by an impressionable mind. Every child that I have come into contact with in the last 7 years has inspired me and I hope that I have done the same for them. I have been at Northstar as a student teacher, an assistant teacher and now as a directress. The community of Northstar truly works together at all levels to provide each child with their own unique Montessori experience which will enable them to become better leaders for tomorrow. Each child is respected for their own personality and learning style and the teachers and the administration work together to help them reach their potential. I hope that our dedication helps us reach higher goals.

Ana Claudia Nunes - Directress

I was born in Angola, Africa and moved to Portugal and eventually to Canada when I was at the age of two. My passions include children, animals and the environment, leading me to one of the noblest careers... teaching. From 1995-1998, I attended York University and graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. My focus was on child developmental psychology and mental health. After working in the health care field for many years I made the decision to go to school and pursue teaching. The traditional education model didn’t appeal to me, but after much research the Montessori education system fascinated me enough to pursue my dream of teaching. This began an amazing journey... I attended Sheridan College from 2000-2001 and completed my Post Graduate studies in Montessori Education. I continued the journey as I began my teaching placement at Northstar Montessori in the year 2000 and have been with Northstar ever since. I decided to remain at Northstar because of the high level of dedication to the Montessori philosophy and the warm atmosphere. From administration to staff to parents and children, it has always been a very loving experience for me. I continue to pursue teaching because of the gift of hearing a child read his/her first word, the genuine humour each student brings into the class (it can honestly cure the blues), and the unconditional love that a child is willing to give. These are only a few reasons that keep me planted in the garden of teaching.

I am also passionate about animals and the environment and remain determined to pass the knowledge and love I have for these things to children. I don’t have any children of my own, no one really knows what the future holds... but for now I have four beautiful animals that I adore and cherish as I do for all beings. These include two very silly and joyful dogs, and of course my two sweet bunnies. Ziggy, the bunny comes to school and plays a wonderful part of class pet. He is much loved and it brings much joy to witness the amazing relationship.

Imee Beltran - Assistant

(Coming back from maternity leave - info coming soon)