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

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

Hi!

I'm Miss Maddy, the Head teacher in Casa South! I'm 22 years old, Muskoka-grown and a family oriented girl. I often enjoy spending time with my dog, Oakley and my mom; some say my mom and I are “two peas in a pod,” as we do most things together. I love softball and play each summer with the Muskoka Ladies Softball League. This year I’m going into my seventh year at Lodestar. I started while in high school, completing co-op. As someone who personally struggled with traditional school settings, it was wonderful to see how the children were learning at their pace and how they moved around the environment as they worked. I observed how quickly the children picked up on different lessons and skills like reading, addition, or even tasks like cleaning their own spills. I continued working at Lodestar throughout high school. I attended The Canadian Montessori Teachers Education Institution for formal training, and in 2021 I graduated, becoming an accredited Montessori Teacher. I’m excited to see what this year brings us, and that I get to guide students towards working independently and confidently throughout the year!!

Miss Maddy

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 am excited to take on the role of Head Teacher in the Casa environment. This is my second year at Lodestar, and I am looking forward to working with our families as a community.

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

My name is Ellen Johnson and I am the Casa North support teacher. 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, born in Canada. With having strong Scottish roots I have a huge love for highland cows and the mountains. I love to spend time with my friends doing some sort of adventure, or spending down time with my family and our dog, Isla. With growing up in this beautiful area I have a huge love for anything to do with water. I have been a certified lifeguard and water safety instructor going on 7 years. Along with many other first aid/ water safety certificates With working with children in the sense of babysitting, summer camps and swimming lessons from a young age, I knew I had to make it a life career of working with children in any way possible. I have a learning disability so school has never been a strong suit for me. Once I learned more about Montessori I knew I had to get involved. I am currently in my training to earn my Early Childhood Montessori Diploma. I am so excited to start this new adventure with the amazing team at Lodestar!

Sincerely,

Miss Ellen

Hello,

My name is Emily, and I am proud to be an assistant 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.

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.

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 Miss Kate, and I am so excited to begin this new chapter as the Assistant Teacher in Casa North at Lodestar. I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and have been working in the field since graduating from Georgian College in 2009.

My journey in early childhood education has been both diverse and enriching. I’ve worked as an After School Facilitator and spent nearly a year in New Zealand as a supply educator, where I developed a deep love for outdoor learning. After returning to Canada, I explored a different path for a time, working in the financial sector and eventually serving as a Financial Advisor for nine years.

In 2019, after my daughter was born, I made the decision to return to my roots in early childhood education and opened a home daycare in 2020. I created a nurturing and balanced environment where the children could explore, question, and grow through child-led play, creative crafts, and nature-based learning. When my daughter completed Junior Kindergarten, I closed my home daycare and have spent the past year as a Supply Designated Early Childhood Educator with TLDSB, NNDSB, and Parry Sound Forest School. My time at the Forest School further deepened my passion for connecting children with the natural world and reaffirmed my belief in the power of diverse learning environments where every child can truly flourish.

I’m thrilled to bring my experiences, creativity and love of learning to Lodestar, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow alongside the children, families, and team here. I am eager to connect with both new and returning families and am honoured to be a part of this incredible community.

Sincerely,

Miss Kate