OUR TEAM | lodestar

Our Team

Head of School Welcome,

A little background on me. I graduated from the University of Toronto in 2005, with a B.A. in English. I’ve been working with children for 20 years now, in various facets. Some of the highlights of my career include serving as head foreign teacher at Corem Language Institute in Busan, South Korea for 2 years. I taught English as a second language and assimilated the foreign teachers to their work and living environment. Prior to working in Asia, my experience in the role of floor supervisor at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada helped shape my path and brought out my interest in leading by example, quintessential for a teacher of a Montessori classroom.
After returning from my travels in Asia, I attended Montessori Teachers College in Toronto, where I graduated as class representative and valedictorian. I worked as a Casa teacher for three years at Petite Maison Montessori, an accredited Montessori school, heading my own classroom and conducting the music program. I left PMM to pursue owning a Montessori establishment in downtown Toronto. I am co-founder and former co-owner of both Liberty Prep School and Liberty Prep Parliament, where I acted as supervisor, co-principal, and teacher for 4 years.

The love of learning that can happen in the Montessori environment is the blossoming effect of an accomplished Montessori teacher.
The Montessori method is very near and dear to my heart, and I have found the perfect setting to offer an amazing alternative of learning. Lodestar follows the child’s interests in detail, honouring the very core of the philosophy.

Sincerely,

Erin Kerr

Hello! I’m Miss Maddy, the Head Teacher of Casa South and the Assistant Supervisor at Lodestar. I’m 24 years old, Muskoka-grown, and very family-oriented. I’ve always loved being part of a close-knit community, and that same sense of connection is something I really value in the classroom as well. Outside of work, I love spending time with my dog, Oakley, who LOVES playing catch with her Chuckit! ball! I also love getting cozy with a good book or spending the day shopping with my mom. Some say my mom and I are “two peas in a pod,” because we do just about everything together! I enjoy spending time outdoors, taking in everything Muskoka has to offer, and playing softball each summer with the Muskoka Ladies Softball League.

This year, I’m going into my ninth year with the Lodestar community. My journey at Lodestar began while I was still in high school as a co-op placement student. As someone who personally struggled in a traditional school setting, I was immediately drawn to the Montessori environment. It was wonderful to see children learning at their own pace, moving freely throughout the classroom, and developing independence in such a natural way. I loved observing how quickly the children picked up on different lessons and skills from reading and addition to everyday tasks like cleaning up their own spills. Seeing the confidence and independence encouraged through Montessori showed me how meaningful this approach to education could be.

What began as a high school co-op placement quickly became something I knew I wanted to continue being a part of, and I stayed with Lodestar throughout the remainder of high school. I later attended The Canadian Montessori Teachers Education Institute for my formal Montessori training, and in 2021, I graduated as an accredited Montessori Teacher.

Last year, I stepped into the role of Assistant Supervisor, which has given me the opportunity to take on more of the behind-the-scenes responsibilities within the school. I’ve really enjoyed learning more about that side of Lodestar while still getting to do what I absolutely love most, being in the classroom, guiding the children, supporting their growth, and watching their confidence and independence develop each day.

Each year continues to bring new experiences, challenges, and opportunities to grow. I’m excited to see what this year brings for Casa South!

Miss Maddy

Hello,

I’m Aaron and I have worked in education for 20 years. I have a Bachelor of Education degree, and an Honours Bachelor of Visual Arts degree from Lakehead University. My Ontario College of Teachers number is 493132.

I have focused on teaching in Elementary and Intermediate classes at TLDSB schools for the past 10 years. I have been a helper for students, one-to-one, as an educational assistant as well!

I started out teaching overseas in the Middle East, as well as in First Nations schools in Northern Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. I focused on teaching art, while also immersing myself in extra-curricular activities and coaching sports. I still enjoy occasionally teaching art classes in Muskoka, and being a part of the Trillium Lakelands Arts Camp in the spring.

My two children have spent much of their youth here in Muskoka. It has been a joy seeing this community through the eyes of a parent, that really informs my perspective as a teacher too!!

Cheers!

Aaron Shield

Hello!

My name is Lauren, and I am thrilled to be starting work with Lodestar Montessori. I have worked in the child care industry for 4 years now and it is my realized passion. Kids never fail to put a smile on my face.

I love reading and anything art related. I have my own wedding floristry business that keeps me busy in the summers; flowers also put a smile on my face! Creating artistic arrangements with nature is my second passion.

I love being in nature and around people I love. The simple things in life are the finest for me!

I am excited for my journey at Lodestar, working towards the greater good of our collective future.

Sincerely,

Miss Lauren

Hello,

My name is Emily, and I am proud to be the art teacher here at Lodestar Montessori School. I have always loved working with children, and supporting their growth and development is one of the most important parts of my life. I believe deeply in the Montessori approach, which values independence, creativity, and respect for each child’s unique path of learning. Being part of an environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and flourish brings me so much joy. Having this happen in an art class, even better!

Outside the classroom, I have a great love for flowers and the creativity they inspire, which often connects back to the wonder I see in children’s learning. Each day I feel grateful to contribute to a space where children are nurtured, respected, and empowered to become their best selves.

With Gratitude,

Miss Emily

My name is Christy and I am excited to be joining Lodestar Montessori as Assistant Head of School. I was born and raised in Bracebridge and am currently raising my own family of 3 young boys, here in town with my husband. I fell in love with the Montessori approach when I was looking for an alternative education for my oldest son. For the past 5.5 years my son has attended Lodestar, and has greatly benefited from the child-led learning and exceptional staff leading the way. I have witnessed first hand how small class sizes, hands-on materials, and a focus on building a love of learning, can positively impact students' self concept and attitude towards learning. Since the inception of Lodestar, I’ve been an advocate and proud parent. Since September 2021, I’ve informally been involved in supporting Erin, the team, and the growth of Lodestar.

I look forward to bringing my years of experience in education and working with children to support all of the students, staff, and families at Lodestar. My past experiences include (but are not limited to); an undergraduate degree in child psychology, developing and running day camp/aquatic programming for municipal recreation centres, and working in child services with Disney Cruise Lines. I have my certification as a behavioral therapist, and have experience working 1:1 with autistic children and their families. Prior to having my youngest son, I spent time working in the public school system as an Educational Assistant with TLDSB. All of these experiences have enabled me to be versatile and well versed for the role. My knowledge in child development, education, and special education, will be utilized to support you and your child's experience here at Lodestar.

All the best,

Miss Christy Giacomini

My name is Jenny Cowle, and I am the Lower Elementary advisor here at Lodestar Montessori School. Originating from Bowmanville, ON, I came to Muskoka several years ago. I immediately fell in love with the beauty of the Muskoka landscape, but also with the people. The community here in Bracebridge is unlike any I’ve ever experienced and it is the community that inspired me to make Muskoka my forever home.

I grew up in a household of 7 children, who now have grown to have kids of their own. Looking back I can see how this time in my life was preparing me for a career in child-care and education. Some of my siblings have faced challenges in the public school systems, and have struggled with mental health and other social-emotional challenges. In many ways, seeing them struggle was also what inspired me to become a Montessori teacher; seeing the way that the Montessori pedagogy provides a stable, nurturing environment for ALL children to flourish. I believe strongly and passionately in Dr. Maria Montessori’s methods and the cosmic curriculum that encompasses a Montessori Elementary program.

I look forward to being able to implement the insights I’ve learned in my experience, using them to foster independence and inspire a love of learning within your children. Know that when your child comes to our class they are encouraged to express themselves in a variety of ways, opening new possibilities for them regularly. Our classroom is always a safe space where all genders, religions, cultures, ethnicities are appreciated and respected. My love for the outdoors, self-sustainability, and mindfulness are also at the core of everything we do here in the Lower Elementary program. This nurtures well-rounded, mentally strong and healthy humans that care for the planet and that are genuinely interested in learning about how the world works. I look forward to learning and working alongside your children this year.

“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” — Dr. Maria Montessori

Best of Wishes,

Miss Jenny

My name is Ellen, and I am one of the Casa North teachers. I have grown up here in beautiful Muskoka since I was 2. My parents and older sister are originally from Scotland, so I was made in Scotland and born in Canada!
I love spending time with my friends, whether we’re going on an adventure or simply enjoying some downtime together. I also love spending time with my family and our dog, Isla. Growing up in this beautiful area has given me a huge love for anything to do with water. I have been a certified lifeguard and water safety instructor for 9 years, along with holding many other first aid and water safety certifications.
From a young age, I have always loved working with children. Through babysitting, summer camps, and teaching swimming lessons, I quickly realized that working with children was something I wanted to make a career out of. I knew I wanted to find a way to continue making a positive impact in children’s lives. After learning more about the Montessori philosophy, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. I graduated from Montessori Teachers College in April 2025 with my Early Childhood Montessori Diploma. I am so excited to continue my Montessori journey and to be part of the amazing team at Lodestar! I look forward to getting to know each child and family and creating a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment in Casa North. I am so excited for another wonderful year of learning, growing, and exploring together!

Sincerely,

Miss Ellen

My name is Amy Collier, and I was born and raised in Muskoka. I am both a Registered Early Childhood Educator and a Registered Practical Nurse. I completed my Montessori training in 2021, and have led the Casa North classroom ever since. I started a new adventure last year when I embarked on my motherhood journey! I will be back in the classroom this year at least once a week, dividing my time between rearing a toddler and getting my cursive hand back in tact!

I began my career with Community Living South Muskoka, working in their Summer Youth Program. I stayed on part-time while going to college for Nursing, and eventually became a Special Needs Resource Teacher Assistant. It was during this time that I found my passion in life, working with children. I made the decision to go back to school and become a registered ECE and I've been working in the field ever since. I worked with Muskoka Family Focus in their after school, summer camp and childcare programs.

I am very excited to bring my valuable experience to the table, while embracing the unique styles and techniques of the Montessori pedagogy.

Miss Amy

Hi!

My name is Jennifer and I am thrilled to be joining Lodestar as a Casa Classroom Assistant. I discovered Montessori when researching child rearing approaches for my own two young children. I fell in love with its focus on independence, life skills, and emphasis on following the child. I quickly became passionate about it as an excellent approach to education and there was no hesitation when it came time to select Lodestar for my children.

I have enjoyed working with young children in many different roles through the Bracebridge Soccer Club, Forest School, and Church. I am excited to complete my Montessori Certificate and support our Casa students as they learn about themselves and the world!

Thanks,

Miss Jennifer

Hello,

My name is Meghan, and I will be returning to Lodestar this year as an Assistant Teacher in the Casa South classroom, and as the Culinary Teacher for both the Lower and Upper Elementary students. This will be my third year working with Lodestar students, and I am currently completing the Montessori Teacher Assistant Certification program. I have 4 of my own children, and spent 10 yrs operating a home daycare in Bracebridge while they were small. I have always been passionate about the young child’s experience, supporting and guiding each child as a unique and capable individual as they explore, discover, and grow through their interactions with the world.

My journey with Lodestar began as a parent looking into alternate education to optimize the learning experience of my ASD son. Becoming part of the community of Montessori families, and witnessing the positive environments that allowed my son to thrive and grow reignited my passion for working with children, and has given me the opportunities to combine my knowledge, skills, and experience while supporting students at Lodestar. This year I am looking forward to combining my 8 yrs of cooking and baking experience from the Natural food Market with knowledge and experience of the Montessori methods as we explore and develop skills in the Culinary Arts, as a life skill, a way of creating community, and as a creative expression of the self.

You will often find me singing, and dancing or hiking in nature as my preferred downtime activities, and I express my enthusiasm through bright coloured fashion. I like to notice the beauty and the humour in the world around us and am approaching this year with excitement.

Warmly,

Meghan