Meet the Team
Dedicated & Certified
Jess May
Director
ECE III in training, B.G.E, TESL
Montessori NAMCE 0-3
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Jess studied early childhood education at Bob Jones University in South Carolina and graduated with Bachelors in General Education. Jess also completed her Teaching English as a Second Language certification in 2019. She then worked as an English teacher at Genesis Preschool in Jaworzno, Poland for 2 years teaching English to children ages 2-6 as an assistant teacher. Jess’ travels then took her to Switzerland for a year to Au Pair. Locally Jess has worked at the Shilo daycare and ACC daycare. Jess first discovered Montessori in university and it stuck in her mind. She loved the idea of helping children learn and become independent and following the child. After seeing a Montessori School opening in Brandon Jess was thrilled at the opportunity. After working with us Jess has completely fallen in love with the philosophy and flourished as a teacher. Jess worked to complete her 0-3 NAMCE diploma while with us and has naturally progressed to become our leader.
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Jess May ECE II, B.G.E., TESL, Montessori NAMCE 0-3
Thilini Fernando
Lead Teacher Ages 2 - 6
Association Montessori International dip 3-6 , BSc TT, MSc Psy
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Mrs. Fernando has been an educator for over 13 years, with experience teaching infants through middle school.
Mrs. Fernando completed her Montessori diploma for primary ages 3-6 from Good Shepherd Maria Montessori Training Centre in 2008. Her Montessori Diploma is an accredited Association International Montessori diploma which is the leading Montessori Teachers education college.
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Mrs. Fernando then completed her Bachelors Degree in Teaching Technology from Sikkim Manipal University IN in 2009. With the BSc. In Teaching Technology Mrs. Fernando was able to study more about educational psychology, educational methods and educational philosophies. The program covered areas on how to introduce, design, develop, utilize and manage technology in the field of education.
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Mrs. Fernando was inclined to further educate herself to continue to expertly support her Autistic students. She completed a Autism Spectrum Certification from the Institute of Early Learning Fairfax County Nova in 2017.
Finally just this year 2023 Thilini completed her Masters in Applied Psychology and Behavior change at Cardiff Metropolitan University UK.
Through her career Mrs. Fernando has worked in the US for 7 years in total as a lead Montessori Teacher. She has worked as a Montessori consultant to leading private schools in Sri Lanka. In 2016 Mrs. Fernando served as a vice principal at a leading Montessori School in Sri Lanka with 250 students ranging from 3-6 years of age and 30 staff members to manage and support. In 2020 - 2022 Mrs. Fernando co-founded a Montessori inspired day care with her colleague which was closed due to covid. At present she is working at Special Education Unit at the Ladies College Colombo with children of different challenges and abilities.
Mrs. Thilini Fernando AMI dip, BSc TT, MSc Psy
Gehad Hassan
Lead Teacher Ages 2 - 6
and Ages 6 - 9
MACTE dip, BSc MM
Mrs. Hassan is an experienced Montessori Lead Directress with a passion for fostering holistic development in young learners, with over 8 years of dedicated practice. Gehad embarked on her professional journey in Mass Media Communication, earning a bachelor’s degree with a specialization in Broadcasting and TV from M.U.S.T University in Egypt in 2015.
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Her initial career goal was to observe and engage with children to develop a project for a children's TV channel. However, her path eventually led her to the field of Montessori education, where she obtained a MACTE-accredited Montessori Diploma ages (2-6) and (6-9) from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies in the U.S.
Throughout her 8-year journey, Gehad has furthered her Montessori education by obtaining Montessori philosophy courses and classroom management courses from Acacia University. She has also gained a comprehensive Montessori overview of upper elementary education ages (9-12) covering grades 4 to 6.
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She played a pivotal role in establishing Montessori departments within top international schools in Bali and Egypt. Her commitment to the Montessori philosophy is evident in her ability to create engaging learning environments that cater to children's social and emotional needs.
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Her most recent contract involved teaching children aged 6 to 9 at a private Montessori School in Bali. Beyond the classroom, Gehad actively engages with the school community, conducting workshops for parents and fellow educators. She brings innovation to her English as a second language teaching through methods such as A~Z reading and the Orton Gillingham technique.
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Mrs. Gehad Hassan MACTE Dip 6 - 9, Dip 3 - 6, BSc MM
Maanbir Kaur
Teaching Assistant
ECE 11
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I have always enjoyed working with children and have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2019. I graduated from Assiniboine College in the spring of 2021.
Upon completing my degree, I took a position with the YMCA. I loved my position teaching preschool in a 2-6 classroom.
After working for a few years I decided to go back to school and further my studies. During this time I happened to come across a job posting for Montessori Smile.
When I was in college I learned about the Montessori method, and it fascinated me. I knew I wanted to teach children the best way possible. I chose to apply and accept the position at Montessori Smile because as an educator I believe it is important to nurture each child’s interests and strengths. I love everyday that I can watch my students explore their own world while developing life skills. I have a very fulfilling and rewarding career. My future goals are to obtain my ECE level III and become a certified Montessori teacher.
Sumera Al Ahdal
Teaching Assistant
BA, CCA
Sumera started her Montessori journey working as a Kindergarten Teacher at Dr. Maria Montessori Child Development Centre in Pakistan.
After working at this school for 2 years she established a strong understanding for the philosophy.
Since moving to Brandon Manitoba she has worked as an Educational Assistant for the Brandon School Division and with the afterschool program with the YMCA.
Most recently Sumera joined us as an EA from Meadows School where she has now found her way back to Montessori with us.
Lili Zhang
Teaching Assistant
M.A. CAA
Lili is an enthusiastic and dedicated child care assistant with more than 20 years experience in education. She has a Masters degree in Arts from the Shandong University, China. Her journey in education began 20 years ago when she first discovered the Montessori Approach. This experience inspired her to pursue her dream of becoming an early childhood educator in Canada. Lili believes in the power of independence, self-directed learning and respect for each child's unique abilities. As a child care assistant Lili is committed to providing a safe, supportive and enriching environment for children. She works closely with teachers to ensure each child's emotional, social and developmental needs are met.