OUR TEAM

Bettina Tioseco
HEAD OF SCHOOLS & LEAD MONTESSORI GUIDE

Ms Bettina is the dynamic Head of Westside Montessori Schools and the visionary behind our school expansion into both Elementary and Infant Toddler Years. She is one of the few Montessorians who is a certified Montessori Guide for children from birth through to age twelve. Ms Bettina has over 25 years of Montessori teaching experience with expertise in both the Casa and Elementary levels and holds her Independent School Teaching Certificate with the BC Ministry of Education. She is committed to developing confident, independent, resilient students with a love of school and a joy for learning while leading our team of teachers.

Nicole Aktug
ELEMENTARY LEAD TEACHER

​Nicole brings over 20 years of experience in elementary education to her role at Westside Montessori Elementary. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from UBC, along with certificates in Curriculum Design (University of Calgary) and Educational Leadership (University of Oregon). Her leadership blends inquiry-based, Reggio-inspired learning with evidence-based literacy and math practices. She values authentic assessment to inform instruction and support each child’s development. Passionate about creativity, collaboration, and play-based learning, Nicole is excited to help shape a rich and joyful elementary experience at WMS.

Portia Geczi
CASA MONTESSORI GUIDE

​Ms Portia has a long history with Montessori which began when her mother taught at WMS since it began in 1986. Portia’s personal journey started at the age of three as a Montessori student herself. Her first role at WMS was as an Educational Assistant. After spending a year inside the classroom she was inspired to take the Montessori Casa Training Program for ages 3-6 offered by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Training Centre here in BC. Ms Portia began working as a fully qualified Montessori Teacher and Early Childhood Educator in 2010 and co-teaches the Friday Junior Kindergarten Program. In addition to her role in the classroom, Ms Portia is also the coordinator for both local and international practicum students at WMS.

Garland Lam Turner
​CASA MONTESSORI GUIDE & ART TEACHER

Ms Garland is a talented and engaging Montessori educator who has been a valued member of the Westside Montessori School team since 2011. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Manitoba and brings creativity and artistic expertise to her work with students. Ms Garland is a certified Early Childhood Educator and Montessori teacher for children ages 3 to 6. She also holds an American Montessori Society (AMS) Elementary Diploma and an Independent School Teaching Certificate from the BC Ministry of Education.

Paola Tioseco
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

Ms Paola is instrumental in her role as our school administrator. With over a decade of experience as an elementary school teacher and two years as preschool educator, Paola brings a wealth of experience to WMS. Aside from ensuring that our day-to-day program runs seamlessly, her passion for teaching brings a cohesion and a clear vision to the team. Paola holds a current teaching certificate with the BC College of Teachers, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Family Studies, a Bachelor of Education Degree from UBC, a Graduate Diploma in Advanced Professional Studies from SFU, an Early Childhood Education Assistant Certificate and an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Montessori Assistant Certificate from the Montessori Training Centre of British Columbia. She has been part of the WMS Team since 2015.

Gabrielle Thomson
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT & DANCE TEACHER

Ms Gabbie is a valued member of the WMS team, supporting the day-to-day operations of both campuses while contributing across many areas of school life. Originally from the UK, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Ballet, a teaching qualification with the Royal Academy of Dance, an AMI Montessori Assistant Guide certification and an Early Childhood Educator Assistant certification.

In addition to her administrative role, Gabbie teaches dance, supports students in both our Casa and Elementary programs and helps lead after-school activities. Her versatility, professionalism and positive spirit make her an important part of our community, and her warmth and enthusiasm are appreciated by students, families and staff alike.​

Akane Inoue
CASA MONTESSORI GUIDE

Ms Akane has been a part of Westside Montessori School since 2019. Akane holds her American Montessori Society (AMS) Primary Teaching Diploma and ECE Certification. As a Montessori child, she loved her school experience and continuous to maintain long lasting connection with her Montessori teacher. This drew her to become a Guide herself and to return to the classroom. Ms Akane brings a lovely calm and peaceful demeanour into our spaces. She is dedicated to the children in her care which is evident in the strong bonds that develop. Ms Akane is also a part of our Spring and Summer Infant Toddler sessions.

Ivory Stanton
​CASA MONTESSORI JUNIOR GUIDE

Ms Ivory joined WMS in 2018 alongside her daughter who now attends our Elementary. Ivory holds her AMI Montessori Assistant Certificate and ECE Assistant Certificate. She is multi-talented with diverse interests and hobbies that she shares with our students. This ranges from rock hounding, handwork such as felting, culinary pursuits to aquariums. Ivory also leads our Enrichment science experiments which is a Friday favourite. Ms Ivory is in charge of afternoon outdoor play activities for our Extended Day students. She plans fun games and activities based on the children’s interests. ​

Andrea Craig
ELEMENTARY MONTESSORI GUIDE

Ms Annie has had a long history at WMS. She originally worked at our Oak Street location alongside Ms Bettina from 2009 to 2011 and at Camp Westside over the years. For 12 years, from 2012 to 2024, Annie taught Lower Elementary in the Surrey School District. She holds her Bachelor of Arts History degree and a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC). She completed the NAMC Montessori Teacher Training as well as the Orton-Gillingham approach to Literacy. Annie brings her warm, nurturing nature, experience in social emotional child development and elementary expertise to the Elementary teaching team. 

Nina Wu
UPPER ELEMENTARY CO-TEACHER

Ms Nina is a BC-certified teacher with degrees in the Arts and Education from Queen’s University. She brings experience in independent school classrooms, supporting students through whole-class, small-group and individualized instruction. Ms Nina shares her warmth, professionalism and a strong commitment to inclusive, student-centred learning.

Leslie Pashby
CASA FRENCH TEACHER & ELEMENTARY CO-TEACHER

A longstanding member of the WMS community, Ms Leslie first came to the school as a parent in 2011 and joined the teaching team in 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario and brings a broad range of teaching experience to the classroom.

Over the years, Ms Leslie has become well known for the enthusiasm, creativity and energy she brings to her French program. We are pleased to welcome her into a new role as an Upper Elementary Co-Teacher, where her experience, strong relationships with students and deep understanding of the school community will be a valuable addition to the teaching team.

Chloé Hurst
ORFF MUSIC & CHOIR TEACHER

​Ms Chloé teaches our Orff Music Program as well as Elementary Choir. She uses an elemental approach using basic forms of movement, speech, body percussion and singing. Orff, like Montessori, is essentially “learning by doing." Ms Chloé's extensive musical experiences include piano mastery, opera, and music theory. She holds both a Bachelor and a Masters of Music degree from UBC. Ms Chloé is also a BC Ministry of Education educator and Head of Early Music Education at the Vancouver Academy of Music. She has been teaching at WMS since 2010.

Ivana Kasmanova
ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM ASSISTANT ​

Ms Ivana is a dedicated Montessori Guide known for her nurturing presence, positive energy and highly organized approach to teaching. A certified Montessori Foundation and Early Childhood Educator, Ivana brings over eight years of experience to the classroom. She spent two years at the Casa program as an EA where she formed strong connections with students and families. Now, she is thrilled to join the elementary team and continue fostering joyful, purposeful learning rooted in Montessori principles. ​

Senara DeAlwis
ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM ASSISTANT 

Ms Senara joined WMS in 2023 and quickly became a key member of our Elementary team. She comes to us from Sri Lanka and now calls Vancouver, BC her home. Ms Senara holds her AMI Montessori Infant Toddler, Casa and Elementary Assistant Guide certifications as well as her Early Childhood Educator Assistant credential. Senara has also completed her Lower Elementary Montessori Teacher Training. Her warmth, enthusiasm and joyous outlook greatly impacts the harmony of our classrooms. Senara's organization and attention to detail help to keep our Elementary program running smoothly.

Cami Cai
CASA MONTESSORI JUNIOR GUIDE

After completing her practicum with us last school year, Ms Cami is excited to continue her journey at Westside Montessori as part of the Casa teaching team. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and recently completed her training in Early Childhood Education and Montessori education. Ms Cami brings a gentle, engaging presence to the classroom and enjoys creating meaningful learning experiences through stories, cultural activities and hands-on work.

Tanya Jellison
CASA YOGA, MINDFULNESS & MOVEMENT TEACHER​

Ms Tanya quickly found a second home at Westside when she joined our Team of Specialist Teachers. Her warm personality and vibrant adornments for every special event and holiday bring much joy and excitement to her Tuesday Yoga classes. The children look forward to seeing her welcoming smile as well as discovering which songs, Yoga cards or special trinkets will be a part of class that day. Ms Tanya helps to foster body awareness and positivity while developing the importance of breath and calm.
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​Stefany Ostos
ELEMENTARY MONTESSORI GUIDE (MATERNITY LEAVE)

Ms Stefany is a wonderful addition to our Elementary Team. She has her Master's Degree in Education and her Bachelor's in English and Child Pedagogy. Stefany has completed her Elementary Teacher Training with Association Montessori International (AMI) from the Montessori Training Centre of BC. Stefany is originally from Bogotá, Columbia. She spent time in China and Denmark before settling in the west coast of Canada. Stefany is passionate about child development. She contributes to a space where students feel loved, heard, safe and trusted while fostering their independence and confidence.  

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