Illuminating a lifelong love of learning
Heads of School
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
Elementary
![IMG_6638[1].JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/15b1a6_26fad104de8c48d9b591ed517c6f5f04~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_33,y_0,w_2253,h_3088/fill/w_131,h_180,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/IMG_6638%5B1%5D_JPG.jpg)
My name is Jenny Cowle, I am 32 years old, and the Lower Elementary classroom teacher here at Lodestar Montessori School. Originating from Bowmanville, ON, I came to Muskoka about 5 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.
As I move towards completing the last part of my Montessori training, I look forward to being able to implement the insights I’ve learned this past year, 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
Hi there!
My name is Kresson Taylor and I’ll be teaching French, Gym, and assisting in the Casa room here at Lodestar! I was born and raised in Muskoka, and grew up on the lake, letting the landscape of Muskoka shape me into the outdoors lover that I am today!
I recently graduated from Lakehead University with an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science with a specialisation in social justice as well as my Bachelor of Education. I spent my summers working at the Town of Bracebridge as a day camp leader, and then their camp coordinator. While I was in school, I really fell into my love for the outdoors and incorporated nature into my day to day routine. Nature is healing and I believe that time outside is crucial to healthy childhood development! I spent most of my time outside exploring somewhere new! I love travelling and am always looking for new adventures!
I’m looking forward to starting my first year at Lodestar! Working with children has always been my passion and I am so excited to be a part of the awesome community here at the school!
Casa North
.jpg)
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 Kaitlin Harding. I spent my summers in Muskoka as a child and always knew that one day, I would call this place home. Recently, my boyfriend and I built a home in Muskoka where we spend most of our time outside with our two dogs, Harley and Ranger.
I graduated university with a double major in English and child psychology. Not sure what I wanted to do from there, I followed this with a post grad program at Georgian College in Human Resource Management. This however, was not my pathway. My passion for working with children was strong, so I entered into the field of childcare and haven’t looked back. I have been working in childcare for about 5 years now and have worked with preschool and school age children. I am currently completing my Montessori training through the Canadian Montessori Teachers Association to obtain my Montessori Teachers certification.
I am very excited to be a part of the Lodestar team, supporting Miss Amy in the Casa North room! I am looking forward to getting to know all of the wonderful children and families within the Lodestar community!
Miss Kaitlin
_JPG.jpg)
My name is Bianca Cardoso and I’ve been part of the Bracebridge community for 13 years. I’m the mother of two amazing girls, Ruby and Heidi. I was a stay at home mother, homeschooling my children for 8 years. I provided home daycare and nanny work, as well, throughout the years. In 2005 I graduated from George Brown as an Early Childhood Educator, and worked as an educational assistant for TLDSB following that. I’m a mixed media artist, specializing in watercolour and needle felting. I have been an arteducator for Let the Cat Go for 3 years, working with both adults and children. I’m so excited for this wonderful opportunity to be facilitating and teaching art here at Lodestar!
Casa South
Hi, I’m Miss Maddy...
The Head Teacher in Casa South! A little about me. I grew up here in Muskoka. I'm 21 years old, Muskoka-grown and a family oriented girl. I often enjoy spending time with close family; 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. I move around the diamond at times, but can mainly be spotted playing the pitcher or catcher position. When I am not found at the diamonds, I’m often playing with my puppy Oakley, who is full of energy and loves playing ball too! I often enjoy being cuddled up with a good book, sipping on some Timmies.
This year I’m going into my sixth year at Lodestar. I have the most senority, after Erin! I started observing at Lodestar in high school, for a co-op program. At first I didn’t know much about Montessori; within my first few weeks I had learned so much about The Montessori Approach and I was hooked! I quickly realized this is where I wanted to be. 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 during the remainder of my years at high school years, before going to The Canadian Montessori Teachers Education Institution for formal training. In 2021 I graduated from the program, becoming an accredited Montessori Teacher. I am very proud to be the Head Teacher of Casa South! I am so excited to see all of my returning friends, making sure all of our new friends feel a warm welcome. I’m excited to see what this year brings us, and that I get to observe students working independently and confidently throughout the year!!