Meet Our Team
Passionate & Certified
Our Staff
All our teaching staff at Little Semlin Montessori school are certified Montessori guide and Early Childhood Educators, staff members also are trained in and hold First Aid certification.
We as teachers are certainly not perfect, but we are dedicated to consistently working to improve ourselves alongside the children within our care. We Sincerely believe that the most important thing is for the children to feel good about themselves - feeling a sense of belonging, welcome, security and love.
Anne Chen
ECE Montessori Guide
Manager
I have dedicated Twelve active years to my role as an Early Childhood Educator and Manager. Holding an ECE-IT and Montessori Certification, I'm equipped to nurture children aged 0-6 years. My credentials were acquired from the Chinese Montessori Children Society Infant and Toddler Certificate in 2014, as well as Montessori 0-3 & 3-6 Diploma with AMS & ECE with Capital College in 2015. Throughout my journey, I've grasped the profound significance of the Childcare Educator's role. Each day, we engage in numerous interactions with the children under our care, any of which can significantly influence their developmental trajectory. We bear the responsibility of protecting, promoting, and propelling the unique skills inherent in every child. I firmly believe that children are innate learners, and through an enabling environment, age-appropriate guidance, and enriching encounters, we can amplify their creativity and imagination, laying the cornerstone for lifelong learning. I view my role as an educator as a collaborative partnership with the families of the children entrusted to me. This symbiotic relationship hinges on mutual respect, transparent communication, and a shared vision for the child's growth. Beyond my professional life, one can find me venturing outdoors or engaging enjoying activities that refresh both my body and mind, such as camping, golfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and swimming. Moreover, my passion for travel ignites numerous adventures, and I'm excited about the prospects of more journeys in the future. If you're interested in sharing travel experiences, seeking recommendations, or exchanging tips on places to explore and why, feel free to engage with me on this enriching topic.
Booshani Nagalingam
ECE Montessori
Lead
I have been a qualified Montessori directress for many years. My Montessori journey began in Sri Lanka, where I completed a two-year AMI training program focused on teaching children aged three to six. I also possess an Early Childhood Education (ECE) and First Aid certification. I find immense joy in watching each child achieve their full potential and thrive in their endeavors. I firmly believe that children learn most effectively when they are given the freedom to explore at their own pace. My passion for the Montessori method has only grown over the years as I have witnessed its profound impact on our students' overall development and lives. In my spare time, you will find me gardening, reading, decorating cakes, enjoying my beautiful city, and traveling with my family. As Maria Montessori put it: " Success in life depends in every case on self-confidence and knowledge of one's own capacity."(from childhood to Adolescence)
Ida Chen
ECE Montessori Guide
Hello! My name is Ida Chen, and I have worked in education for over 13 years. My journey has taken me from teaching and counselling teenagers to discovering my passion for Montessori and early childhood education. Through these experiences, I have come to appreciate how the early years shape a child’s confidence, independence, and lifelong love of learning. As an AMI-trained Montessori Guide, I believe every child is a unique individual and deserves to be understood, valued, and respected. My goal is to create a calm, joyful, and nurturing classroom where children feel safe to explore, make mistakes, and grow with confidence. I hope every child feels that school is a second home — a place where they are happy, supported, and excited to learn each day. I also value building strong partnerships with families because children thrive when we work together. Outside the classroom, I enjoy staying active through Barre classes, travelling, and exploring new cafés. I also have a soft spot for collecting cute plush toys like Jellycats and Pokémon! I look forward to learning and growing alongside the children while building meaningful relationships with our classroom families.
Amanda Cha
ECE Montessori Guide
With over 10 years of teaching experience in South Korea and Canada, I have had the opportunity to work with children at different stages of their development. I began my teaching journey in South Korea, where I taught English to elementary and middle school students for five years. I later earned my AMS Montessori certification, which deepened my understanding of child-centered education and the importance of independence. After moving to Canada, I completed my Early Childhood Education certification and gained experience working with children ages 3 to 5 in a Montessori daycare. I also continued supporting students through online English education while in South Korea before returning to Canada. Working with children of different ages has taught me that every child is unique and needs genuine care, patience, and encouragement. I believe children learn best when they feel safe, respected, and supported. I especially value the Montessori approach of observing each child, following their interests, and providing opportunities to develop independence, confidence, and compassion at their own pace. Building strong relationships with children and families through open communication, respect, and collaboration is also very important to me. Outside the classroom, I enjoy traveling, spending time in nature, and exploring different cultures. These experiences inspire my creativity and bring fresh perspectives to my work with children.