Sandra Figueiredo - Directress

I completed my Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Zoology and Chemistry from the University of Bombay. I completed my Montessori training at London Montessori Centre, U.K. and graduated in Early Childhood Education from St Joseph’s College, Halifax. I joined the Northstar Montessori School in September 2006. I have two daughters. The oldest one is nineteen years old and is presently studying at the University of Toronto and is in her third year of studies. She plans to pursue optometry next year. My youngest daughter is seven years old and is in grade two. Teaching has been my profession for the last 23 years and I have enjoyed every moment of it as I love imparting education and nurturing young minds. It gives me a sense of purpose and brings me fulfillment when I observe the knowledge that my children acquire as they grow. I am happy to be at Northstar because it is well reputed for its high standards of excellence. The Northstar team is diverse and supportive and I find the atmosphere fun and stimulating.

Ligaya Velasco - Directress

My Journey as a Montessori Teacher is a circuitous one if not it happened by chance. I have a degree in Animal Science from Araneta University in the Philippines hoping to become a Veterinarian. After working a short stint in an aviary and small animals breeding farm, I decided to try my luck here in Canada. Still undecided as to what field to pursue, I took an Administrative Assistant course at Sheridan College. After I obtained my certificate I enrolled in Early Childhood Education. I graduated in 1996 with high honours. I stayed home for a couple of years while raising my younger children who are now 11 and 10 years old. Later on I worked in a daycare, before and after school programs, summer camps and various child care settings.

I started working here at Northstar on September 2005 as a teacher assistant. With the generous support of NMS, they offered me to take the Toddler Program at Toronto Montessori Institute. I graduated last summer 2007 and earned a Montessori Certificate to teach Toddler. I believe as a teacher I have a lot to offer. I can make a positive impact on a young child’s life. I find a sense of success being involved in all aspect of their development and growth. Through my experience I can help prepare the child for life and encourage them to reach their full potential. Each child I cared for is an accomplishment and particularly as a toddler teacher, each day is a rewarding experience as I learn from each individual child. As a member of the Northstar family my goal is to guide and help the student succeed in life by upholding the genuine Montessori Method of teaching. I believe in the values and virtues that we promote in our school. I am proud to belong to a school that offers quality Montessori education from toddlers to elementary.

Suraj Panwar - Assistant

I graduated at the University Of Jodhpur in India. I also obtained my Montessori diploma at The Canadian Montessori Teacher Education Institute here in Toronto in 2005. I began working for Northstar in November 2006. I have two boys who are all grown up and both are working within their careers. I became a Montessori teacher due to my personal interest in studying and practicing in the Montessori approach of Early Childhood Education. Having raised my own children in this method, I wanted to use my knowledge and experience to direct other children to success. While searching for employment in Montessori schools, I had the opportunity to visit several schools. I observed and found that NS has a well prepared environment according to the Maria Montessori philosophy of Education and I was offered a job at the time when I was available to start immediately.