Management Team
With a background in Marketing and Communications, my passion for working with children truly blossomed after my own daughters thrived in the Montessori environment. I hold an AMI Diploma as a Primary Teacher (ages 3-6) and have many years of classroom experience. I am committed to providing authentic Montessori education and fostering strong, respectful relationships with teachers and families. I look forward to supporting your family’s journey at Ironwood Montessori Academy!
Our Educators
Hello! My name is Yazhu, and I am the head teacher in the Primary Willow classroom. I graduated from the Montessori Training Center of BC with an ECE diploma and an AMI diploma. Originally from China, I have a background in international banking and earned my degree in South Korea before moving to Canada in 2011.
I have always been fascinated by the Montessori method and greatly admired its principles. My spouse and I chose to raise our first child using this approach, which inspired me to learn more about it and gain a deeper understanding as our child grew. This led me to enroll in Eduardo’s AMI 3-6 diploma program, a decision that has profoundly impacted our family’s life.
I have been with Ironwood Montessori Academy for five years, during which time I have developed into a Guide and had the opportunity to work in an authentic Montessori environment. My relationship with the pedagogy has deepened as I incorporate it into my daily practice, and it has truly become a part of who I am. I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have embarked on this educational journey and am excited to share the joy of Montessori education with many more children and families in the future.
While I love being in the classroom, I also have a passion for life’s little details. Since childhood, I have studied music, and I am now a professional chef in Vancouver, a wine sommelier, and an avid traveler. I firmly believe, as Dr. Montessori taught, that the ability to appreciate small details is key to finding happiness in life. I am deeply thankful for Dr. Montessori’s guidance and am committed to making a positive impact on the world. Together, let’s create a better future.
Ms. Vivian holds a Master Degree in Linguistics, TESOL certificate and AMI Montessori Primary diploma as well as an Early Childhood Education certification. She worked as a language instructor in Japan before discovering the Montessori Pedagogy.
Ms. Vivian has a deep love for children and a passion for Montessori. She has been working as a Montessori directress (Montessori teacher) for over 10 years, and she truly understands why Maria Montessori believed that the multi-age group is fundamental to the Montessori Method.
Ms. Vivian has had the pleasure of observing the true benefits of the three year cycle in the casa environment. She has seen her third year children blossom into confident and responsible citizens who are eager to learn, and to guide and mentor the younger children in the classroom. As their teacher, she found great satisfaction watching them grow from observer to leader.
Ms. Vivian believes that each child is unique, and has the potential to grow to his/ her fullest potential in a happy, safe and nurturing prepared environment. Her favorite quote from Dr. Maria Montessori is now Vivian’s motto, “Help me to do it by myself.”
In her spare time, Ms. Vivian loves to spend quality moments with her family, try new activities, practice yoga, travel, as well as exploring and learning different cultures and languages.
Aileen is an AMI-certified 0-3 head teacher with nearly four years of professional teaching experience. She is passionate about nurturing young minds and believes that with a little sunshine, every child can flourish and shine brightly. Her teaching philosophy centers on treating each child and parent with genuine care and respect.
Aileen is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive environment where children feel safe to explore, learn, and grow. She uses the Montessori method to encourage independence, curiosity, and a love for learning, providing individualized attention to help each child discover their unique strengths.
Committed to continuous professional development, Aileen strives to enhance her teaching strategies and classroom environment. She is excited to be part of the Ironwood Montessori Academy community and looks forward to supporting the healthy and happy growth of every child in her care.
My name is Ari Pan, and I am the head teacher of our Arbutus class. Born and raised in China, I discovered my passion for Montessori education ten years ago when I had my first child. That experience inspired me to dedicate my career to serving young children as an Early Childhood Educator. I hold a master’s degree in Education from Loyola University. In 2018, I earned my Montessori Assistant to Infancy Diploma (ages 0–3) from the Montessori Training Center of BC, followed by my Montessori Primary Diploma (ages 2½–6) from the Montessori Training Center of San Diego in 2022.
One of my favourite quotes by Dr. Maria Montessori is: “The education of even a small child does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life.” This reminds me that early childhood education lays the foundation for everything that follows. By nurturing children’s independence, curiosity, and confidence from the very beginning, we help them build a lifelong love of learning. My goal is to create a safe and engaging environment that respects each child’s individuality and supports their development in a joyful, hands-on way. Together, we’ll build a foundation of confidence, kindness, and a love of learning that will accompany them throughout their lives.
Greetings, I am Willow’s assistant teacher. My name is Fabiana, but you may call me Fabi!
Being Brazilian, I can converse in both Portuguese and Spanish. It was my boys, now thirteen and twenty, who first introduced me to the idea of wanting to work with children. Raising my boys has taught me that love and attention are the two most important things for children. Here at Ironwood Montessori Academy, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned during my Montessori 3-6 assistant training and I’m here to help your children grow and develop into confident, independent lifelong learners.
Ms. Wan holds an honor diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Visual Arts from the University of Victoria. As a Montessori preschool teacher, Ms. Wan is passionate about fostering children’s creativity, cognitive development, and curiosity through hands-on artistic expression and direct engagement with nature. Her approach aligns with Montessori principles, encouraging child-led learning in an enriching and supportive environment. A dedicated educator and mother of two, Ms. Wan is committed to inspiring young minds and guiding their growth with patience, creativity, and care.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Wan enjoys painting, baking, hiking, traveling, and exploring with their family. She is excited to part of your child’s educational journey and watch them grow!
It has been a blessing to be part of this great team since 2022. I enjoy spending each day with children and believe that every child is unique. I hope we can support them not only in their natural quest for knowledge and independence, but also in their journey of self-creation and in striving to realize their full potential.
I love reading. I first learned about Dr. Maria Montessori when I was pregnant, and during that time I read several parenting books — including Montessori’s own works. My husband and I have been married for ten years. We have a six-year-old son, a ten-year-old dog, and a sister-in-law who’s forever eighteen, just like a sister. What I look forward to most each year is summer vacation, when I can reunite with my family in China. I’m excited for the journey ahead and to meet you and your child(ren)!
My name is Albee, and I’ve been working in early childhood education for eight years. I graduated from the Education University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (Honours). I currently hold certifications in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Infant–Toddler, and Special Needs in British Columbia.
I have a deep love for children. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned throughout my teaching journey is how special it is to connect with each individual child. Every child is unique—each with their own emotions and world. I believe that offering love, patience, and genuine care is the key to understanding their thoughts and building trust.