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.
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.
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.
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.
Hello everyone, my name is Xue Han, and you can call me Iris. I am a qualified Early Childhood Educator specializing in Infant and Toddler care as well as Special Needs education in B.C., Canada.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with you and your children at Ironwood Montessori Academy. My passion for early childhood education has been with me since I was a little girl, and I have spent several years working in this field. I firmly believe that every child deserves to be loved and nurtured.
As a naturally patient and responsible person, I am dedicated to being a valuable member of the IMA team. My mission is to create an enjoyable, inclusive, and safe environment where your children can learn and thrive.
My professional goal is to provide the highest quality care and guidance, focusing on a child-centered, holistic approach that values each child as an individual. I look forward to supporting your children on their journey of growth and development.
I’m Christie. I began working in this field when my young son was three years old. Since the birth of my two children, I have enjoyed reading numerous books and studies on child development, particularly those focused on the early years. I believe that children need a fundamentally healthy and happy environment to thrive. As an ECE and Montessori-trained teacher, I am committed to providing children with time, affection, and positive guidance to support their growth and development.