Lower Elementary 1

Mrs. Ivy Gama - Directress

I graduated from the University of Goa, India, with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and history. My passion for teaching began in high school when I started tutoring, and it was then that I realized I wanted to pursue education as a career. I went on to earn a Bachelor of Education degree, specializing in History and Geography.

I gained 13 years of valuable teaching experience at the elementary level in Bahrain, where I thoroughly enjoyed supporting the holistic development of children with diverse needs. After moving to Canada in 2012, I had the opportunity to observe children in a Montessori environment. I was deeply impressed by their independence and focus—even at the young age of two and a half—which inspired me to explore the Montessori method of education. In 2014, I completed my Montessori training at TMI and earned a diploma to teach children aged 2½ to 6 years. Since then, I've had a memorable 11-year journey working with Pre-Casa students. I now look forward to continuing this rewarding path at Northstar Montessori, a well-reputed institution, as I transition to the Lower Elementary level. I am excited to serve as a positive role model and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the children under my care.

Lower Elementary 2

Mrs. Michelle Kim - Directress

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Ryerson University. My passion for nurturing the whole child inspired me to further my studies at Montessori Teacher’s College, where I specialized in Lower Elementary education. I also recently earned my K–6 teaching certification from Moreland University.

Driven by a deep appreciation for culture and diversity, I pursued a teaching opportunity at an international school on a small island just south of South Korea. This experience has enriched my perspective and strengthened my adaptability, open-mindedness, and flexible thinking—qualities I bring with enthusiasm into the classroom.

Outside of the classroom, I am passionate about traveling, exploring new cultures, and trying new things, from food to languages to outdoor adventures. Whether it’s hiking a new trail, learning a new skill, or discovering a different way of thinking, I’m constantly seeking growth, and I encourage my students to do the same.

Mrs. Cora Rueda - Directress

The wealth of experience teaching young children in a global perspective and the authentic inspiration of Dr. Maria Montessori have led me to a deeper commitment in providing an outstanding Montessori Education to our young learners. My academic qualification includes a diploma in the lower elementary education at the North American Montessori Training Center in British Columbia, Early Childhood courses offered via Seattle University and a continuing education in the lower and upper elementary program at the Toronto Montessori Institute.

I am a happy mother of four, two girls and two boys. Spending quality time with my family has made me enjoy life to the fullest as we strongly support each other at all times. My older girls work hard in their university studies while my two boys are enjoying their academic life in high school.

I am extremely delighted to share "the big part of me" to all our students and teachers alike here at Northstar Montessori School. I carry with me the treasures in "discovering the child" and the genuine love for children that would help them maximise their fullest potential as they grow and develop at their own pace. As a Montessori teacher, I firmly believe that giving out the best of one's self to help the child is one great strength that has kept me going. I find it truly rewarding when I see the joy of learning through the children's eyes, and the comfort of achieving their goals as they work hard each day. I feel honoured to be a part of this wonderful school. Lastly, I would like to thank the Northstar Community for giving me this great opportunity to share my gifts and skills to our young learners and I look forward to a fantastic year!

(Currently on medical leave.)

Lower Elementary 3

Mrs. Asna Dossul - Directress

I attended Montessori as a child and feel it continues to benefit me in my life. After completing my B.A. from the University of Waterloo in 2013, I obtained my AMI Primary diploma in 2018 and AMI Elementary diploma in 2022. My training as a directress further enhanced what I had learned as a child, and I feel very in tune with the Montessori philosophy which has become second nature to me.

I value how Montessori education incorporates being outdoors in nature. There is so much to learn from and observe being outside and I appreciate the flexibility Montessori schools provide in accessing the outdoors. I also appreciate the importance of independence and adaptation in Montessori philosophy. I look forward to joining the Northstar community and Lower Elementary faculty for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Lower Elementary 4

Mrs. Lubna Ahsan - Directress

Hello! My name is Lubna Ahsan, and I am so grateful to be part of this wonderful school community. My journey as an educator began with a Master’s degree in English Literature from Pakistan, and my passion for working with children inspired me to pursue Montessori training. I completed my Casa Diploma from Montessori Teachers College in 2019, followed by my Lower Elementary Diploma in 2024. Each step has deepened my love for the Montessori philosophy and strengthened my dedication to helping children grow, learn, and thrive at their own pace.

Outside of the classroom, I live in Milton with my husband, our two children, and our sweet Maltese pup, who brings joy to everyone with his playful cuddles. As a family, we love creating memories together—whether it’s cooking favourite meals, enjoying hikes, traveling to explore historical and cultural places, or simply appreciating the beauty of nature.

I feel truly privileged to support children on their learning journeys and look forward to building meaningful connections with both students and families.

Elementary Support

Mr. Harshdeep Singh

My name is Harshdeep Singh, and I am currently pursuing my Montessori Lower Elementary program while completing my training at Northstar Montessori. This journey reflects my deep passion for education and my commitment to fostering the growth and development of young minds. I am driven by a desire to create nurturing, engaging, and inclusive learning environments where children can thrive.

I have always been drawn to working with children, inspired by their curiosity, creativity, and unique perspectives. My interest lies in understanding how each child learns and tailoring my approach to support their individual needs. I believe in the Montessori philosophy of encouraging independence, self-discovery, and a love for learning.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I enjoy a variety of hobbies. I love reading, especially books on child psychology and educational methodologies, which deepen my understanding of young learners. In my free time, I engage in outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

Through my training and personal interests, I aim to inspire children to explore, learn, and grow with confidence. I am excited to continue this journey, blending my love for education with my dedication to making a positive impact on young lives.

Ms. Tanya Kakkar (Mademoiselle or Mlle Tanya)

Bonjour! My love for the French language began in school and blossomed into a lifelong passion, leading me to study French professionally while earning a master’s degree in accounting. For the past few years, I've had the joy of teaching French, where every day is a new adventure filled with cultural discoveries and language fun. I truly enjoy interacting with my students, watching their confidence grow as they explore the beauty of French. My goal is to make each lesson as charming as a French café experience, where learning is both delightful and memorable. Let's embark on this exciting journey together and turn every French lesson into a wonderful adventure! I'm thrilled to a part of Northstar Montessori. Let's work together to create a warm space where everyone can learn, grow, and shine brightly!