Staff

 

The Academy employs teachers who are specially trained professionals in the Montessori method and certified as Early Childhood Educators. In addition, First-Aid is a requirement for all of our teachers. Our educators are knowledgeable in child development and are available as a resource to you. We have Spanish, French and Cantonese specialists and an Art assistant are also a member of our teaching staff.

All of our staff is hired on the basis of character, dedication, experience and professionalism.

Adhering to the Child Care Ministry regulations, all teachers, assistants and staff must clear a criminal check to ensure your child’s safety.
Our staff is committed to serve the best interest of each child by modeling respect and kindness.

Our staff has affiliations with the Early Childhood Educators of BC, BC Montessori Association and Association Montessori Internationale (AMI ).

 

Staff Profiles

Julia Hogeling
Science World Campus
Directress

Julia joined Reach for the Stars Montessori in 2007. She began by substituting at all of our campuses. Julia will continue to be an asset at our Science World campus, as she takes on the directress role. Julia has over eight years experience working in AMI Montessori environments. In addition to her AMI Diploma and Independent School Teacher Certificate, Julia holds a Masters in Montessori Education and a BA in Geography. She is acknowledged for her excellent rapport with children of all cultural backgrounds. Julia has re-introduced French into our program.

Cristina Ribeiro
Science World Campus
AMI Assistant

Cristina is very excited to join the team at Reach for the Stars Montessori at the Science World campus. Cristina is transferring from our Main Street Campus, where she assisted for the past school year.  The parents state that Cristina's bright smile lights up the room. She has obtained her A.M.I. assistant diploma from the Montessori Training Institute of B.C. She also holds a current ECE, Infant and Toddler, First Aid and Food Safe Certificate.   Cristina has worked with children ages one through to five for the past eleven years in Vancouver. Cristina enjoys interacting with children and guiding them to be nurturing, loving, caring, accepting, helpful and confident individuals with exceptional communication skills.   The children find Cristina very nurturing, loving, caring, and accepting. Through her delicate approach, each student walks away with a higher sense of self-worth.

Aileen Guerrero
Directress
Nanaimo St location

  

Lourdes Vasquez
AMI Assistant
Nanaimo St Location

Lourdes joined Reach for the Stars Montessori in 2007.  She comes to us as a qualified AMI Assistant and ECE with five years experience in a group childcare setting and nine years experience as a caregiver.  In addition, she holds a special needs license.  Lourdes is an efficient, responsible, organized and caring individual.  The children are drawn to her nurturing characteristics and love of songs and stories.  Her enthusiasm is a welcomed asset to the team.

 


Adrienne Klassen
Directress
Main Street Location

Adrienne is thrilled to launch our third location near Main and 15th in Vancouver. The numerous parents that have already met with Adrienne state that she is extremely warm, kind, energetic, caring and full of life.  Adrienne has earned her A.M.I. certification from the Montessori Training Centre of BC.  Adrienne has also completed relevant coursework in the department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia.  She has completed coursework in Infant Psychology, Child Psychology and Development Psychology.  In addition to directing the children through the Montessori philosophy, Adrienne will also conduct enrichment sessions in Cantonese.  Your children will benefit from Adrienne’s knowledge, patience, creativity and energy. She is very passionate and committed to deliver the highest standard of education.

Andrea Jones
Co-Directress
Main Street Location

Andrea is pleased to join the staff at the Reach for the Stars Montessori Learning Academy.  Under the guidance of an experienced Montessori teacher, Andrea began as a teacher's assistant and fell in love with the Montessori Method.  With a strong belief in the philosophy of Montessori education, Andrea went into the training to become an A.M.I. Primary Directress.  She graduated from the Montessori Training Center of B.C. in 2007 with a diploma to teach 3-6 year olds. She also holds a current ECE and First Aid Certificate.  Following her training she then helped open Langley Montessori School where she taught for one year.  Missing her Vancouver home, she moved back to join our team. Her passion for teaching is motivated by the constant rewarding experience.

Grace

Cantonese Language Specialist
Grace Ling

Gloria

Spanish Language Specialist
Gloria Alonso


Helena

Helena Diogo
Founder and Administrator

Helena holds a degree in Business Administration and certificate in Management Science, with a background in Communications.

Helena became intrigued with education for children prior to the birth of her first daughter.  She quickly concluded that children have the potential to reach amazing heights if given the opportunity.  In the last 6 years, Helena has had 3 children and has opened 3 reputable and well recognized schools in Vancouver, with an AMI certified teaching staff.  Helena is responsible for managing all facets of the organization. 

Helena aspires to make a real difference in each child’s educational experience.  She accredits the success of the school to the support she has received from her family, the students and their families, the cooperation from the Montessori Training Centre of BC and of course the dedicated and hardworking teachers at Reach for the Stars Montessori.
Helena continues to be passionate about improving educational opportunities for children and she looks forward to serving the children of the community in providing enriched programs.