About the TeachersMs. Brita Lumis I studied linguistics at Brock University, where I graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts. I graduated with honors from Sheridan College with a post-graduate diploma in Montessori Early Childhood Education and was awarded the Early Childhood Teaching Credential in 2001 from the American Montessori Society. I have been involved with the Ancaster Montessori School since 1984 and a Montessori Teacher there since 2001. Since 2004 I have been the school’s Administrator. I used to teach in the classroom, where I spoke English and typically gave lessons to each child in the use of the Montessori learning materials. Now, the children are free to explore and develop their skills, confidence and independence in each of our two classrooms under the care and guidance of our other excellent teachers. Every day it is personally rewarding to see young children learning naturally through spontaneous activity. Cooking, reading, art, music and my two cats are a few of my favourite interests. Mme. Renée Perazzo In high school, I achieved a Bilingual Diploma from École Secondaire George P- Vanier, following which I worked as a bilingual receptionist and field services representative for 15 years at a Wellness Company. During those years, I graduated with a Wellness Certificate from Sheridan College and became self-employed, developing health programs and providing information sessions and counseling for clients. Always speaking French with the children in the class gives them an immersion experience. It is a pleasure to see the children benefit from a natural acquisition of the language. As an Assistant to the Montessori Teacher, I prepare the classroom environment so that the Montessori materials are always ready for the children to discover. I live a short drive from the school with my husband, two cherished children and our dog, Oscar. I help coach girls’ basketball, play volleyball and badminton and enjoy being with family and friends. Ms. Margaret Breckon I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Education degree from Queen’s University. I was a member of the first graduating class of Sheridan College’s Montessori Teacher Education program, where I achieved my Montessori Early Childhood Teaching Credential from the American Montessori Society (A.M.S.) After graduating from Sheridan, I taught a Montessori Casa (ages 3-6) class in St. Catharines for several years. The school went from Toddler to Grade 12. In my last two years there, I was also editor of the yearbook. My role as a Montessori teacher at the Ancaster Montessori School gives me a wonderful glimpse into the world of young children. I am constantly amazed by their achievements and by the unique personality of each child. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love cycling along the brow or on the Rail Trail early on a summer morning when most of the world is still asleep. I find the world fascinating and follow events through reading. I am also learning to play the piano. Mrs. Heather Austria I graduated with honours from the University of Windsor with a degree of Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Child Psychology. I also achieved certificates in Baking and Pastry Arts as well as Patisserie from George Brown College. I was employed for a number of years at bakeries in Toronto and in management in the hotel industry. In Windsor, I worked as a Montessori teaching assistant in a Montessori Casa (ages 3-6) class at Lakeview Montessori School. I entered their Montessori Teacher Education program, where I graduated in the summer of 2007 with the American Montessori Society (A.M.S.) Early Childhood Teaching Credential. I enjoy working at Ancaster Montessori School. I think the beauty of teaching and caring for young children, is that through observing them you learn something new every day; not only about them, but also about yourself. My son was a student at the Ancaster Montessori School and I believe it has enriched many aspects of his life. Since my family and I moved to Hamilton we spend much of our time on home repairs and exploring the area. My son’s favourite place thus far is climbing the rocks at Albion Falls. We enjoy spending time with friends and family. We also care for our cat, who is celebrating his 20th year. Mrs. Cheryl Adams In 1996 I began studies at Redeemer University College. There I majored in music and theatre, graduating with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in 2000. In 2001 I received my Orff 1 certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. I then continued my studies and achieved a certificate from Musikgarten in Music for Babies, Music for Toddlers and Cycles of Seasons for children three to five years. I have been teaching music since 2000. I have worked in Oakville and Stoney Creek at a music school and have enjoyed volunteering to teach music. I was introduced to the Ancaster Montessori School in 2004 when the family of one of my cherished music students had a four-year-old daughter attending classes there. I have been teaching music at the Ancaster Montessori School ever since. My Musikgarten students are able to explore and learn to play a variety of different instruments. They also engage in such activities as chanting, singing, dancing and musical games. Musikgarten incorporates various teachings based on Orff, Kodaly, Suzuki, Dalcroze-Eurythmics, Dr. Montessori and Dr. Tomatis. I give recorder lessons using child-sized recorders and offer private lessons in piano, vocal and music theory rudiments. It is very rewarding to see the children growing and learning to love music. I love to see the look of excitement on the children’s small faces each time I come to the door of their classroom. I believe that all children are musical and that education in music from an early age offers numerous benefits to the developing mind. I strive to give children the opportunity to derive the same enjoyment and comfort from music that it gives to me. I am fluent in English, Dutch, Spanish and Papiamento (the Native language of Aruba). I also have a basic understanding of Portuguese and Italian. As with language, music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Aside from teaching, some of my favourite things to do include spending time with my wonderful husband, practicing and studying music, cooking, reading, sewing and knitting. About Us / Montessori / Classroom / Teachers / F.A.Q.s |