The Staff

In a fundamental sense, West-Mont is the staff. West-Mont's faculty is a collection of people who are not only qualified and proficient, but also truly caring.

 

Our hallmark is individual attention for every child. In a personal and professional way, each teacher and staff member takes the time to connect with the child.

 

Student and teacher create a special relationship to ensure that the student is developing the skills and the confidence to become the best he or she can be. Each teacher cares about the whole child, and works to foster self-reliance, personal responsibility and fundamental respect.

 

Our staff is proud to be at West-Mont. They dedicate their time, their expertise, their heart and souls for the educational betterment of every child. We are fortunate to have a collection of people who strive to make a difference every day.

Principal Bruce Laurie

Bruce Laurie started his teaching career at University of Victoria in the Education Department over 30 years ago, teaching educators how to teach Volleyball and Track and Field. Bruce completed his Bachelors of Education at University of Victoria specializing in Elementary Education.

 

Mr. Laurie then taught a variety of subjects to Secondary students in Port Alice and Ucluelet. He then moved to the Interior expanding his skills in the First Nations and Catholic school systems teaching elementary classes from Grade 3 to 7. After completing his Masters in Administration from Gonzaga University, Bruce became an administrator in Burns Lake B. C. at the secondary level.

 

Then he moved to Saskatchewan to serve as Principal of the Kindergarten to Grade 12 School in Paradise Hill. Mr. Laurie brought this wealth of knowledge and experience to his position at West-Mont.

 

Barbara Kennelly – Business Manager

Barbara received her Certified General Accountant (CGA) degree in 1989 and has worked in the accounting and business field for over 30 years, nine of which have been as the West-Mont School Business Manager. Barbara spent many years working in public practice, became a tax specialist, including cross border taxation and ultimately moved into private business. During her time at West-Mont, the school’s financial picture has strengthened considerably, including operating surpluses each year, a very strong balance sheet and a first rate credit rating with financial institutions.

After working part-time at West-Mont School for a year, Barbara was so impressed by what she saw going on at the school that she and her husband enrolled their sons, who were home-schooled at the time, into West-Mont School. They had an excellent experience at West-Mont and both boys have gone on to do very well in their subsequent schooling, achieving top student standings in many areas.

Barbara very much enjoys interacting with the students, parents, staff and being part of West-Mont’s administrative team. She believes in an open door policy and being welcoming and approachable.

 

Cory Meausette – Vice-Principal- Teacher of Redwood Class

 

Cory has taught for over 20 years in a variety of schools and positions. He began his career in BC after earning his B. Ed. at the University of Victoria. He soon moved on to teaching overseas and has taught in international schools in Costa Rica, Venezuela, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. After obtaining his Masters of Education in Leadership he returned to BC and is now teaching in Redwood classroom (Grades 5 – 8) and working as Vice-Principal.

 

Cory believes in experiential teaching and ‘learning by doing’. He uses the amazing natural surroundings of West-Mont school to enhance his rigorous academic program. He encourages students to develop their leadership skills and to walk thoughtfully through life using the school’s virtues program.

 

Barb Lewis: Head of Admissions – Teacher of Garry Oak Class

 

Barb first came to West-Mont as the parent of a three year old son. After seeing him “blossom” in the Montessori environment, she became intrigued with this method of education. Her son’s passion was Math, and in this enriched environment he was free to explore the Montessori math materials – he had spontaneously learned the times tables at the age of 4! Then Barb began her Montessori training and has never looked back. Barb taught many years in the Early Primary rooms, and for the last three years has been enjoying a K/1 class.

 

Barb’s credentials include: E.C.E. diploma, B.A. in Child and Youth Care, Montessori Teaching diploma and B.C. Independent School teaching certificate. Barb is also the Admissions and Early Primary Coordinator.

 

Jason Bowers – Teacher of Maple Class

 

A graduate of the University of Winnipeg, Jason has had a variety of experiences working with youth overseas, in outdoor education facilities, in the arctic, and with those that have been incarcerated.

 

Jason is a passionate educator with a strong focus on outdoor education and hands on learning. He is an avid adventurer, traveler and builder.

 

Jason enjoys exploring novels, mathematics, sea kayaking and mountain biking with his Grade 4 and 5 students.

 

 

 

Daralee Hanton – Teacher of Cedar Class

 

She received her B. Ed. from the University of Calgary in 1994 and has taught in Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia in a variety of elementary and junior high settings: regular classroom, Montessori, and Student Services (Resource). Daralee is committed to ongoing Professional Development and has received Elementary Montessori training through the Western Montessori Teacher’s College.

 

Daralee also brings a strong background in extracurricular activities. She competed competitively in cross-country skiing and swimming; has coached swimming, basketball, volleyball and cross-country running; holds a certificate in photography from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology; and has a love for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, kayaking, and running.

 

Jodi Laurie – Resource Teacher

 

Jodi Laurie taught elementary students for many years in British Columbia. Returning to full-time teaching after raising two daughters, Jodi went back to teaching and decided to go back to University to earn a Masters of Education degree in Administration and Counseling.

She worked as a learning assistance teacher, elementary teacher, technology teacher, special education and counselor.

 

In 1972, Jodi became a teacher of Transcendental Meditation and pursues that interest today. Once she had children, she volunteered as a La Leche League leader, home-schooling coordinator and pony club organizer.

 

She also did fundraising for Jump Rope for Heart, taught English as a Second Language to Korean students in Saskatchewan and has a one year old granddaughter.

 

Jodi explored alternative education as soon as she graduated with her BA in Education. Montessori, Waldorf and home schooling are some of the routes she took.

 

As a public school teacher she liked to focus on “teaching for thinking, ” hands-on learning and multiple intelligences. The mind is so interesting!

 

 

Debra Armitage

 

Debra comes to West-Mont via Kyoto Japan. She worked in Japan teaching English to all ages.

 

Along with her Education degree she also has a degree in Agriculture.

 

Debra is working on her Montessori training through our school Early Years Montessori Program.

 

 

 

 

 

Carrie Kidd

 

Carrie is another staff member from Saskatchewan where she completed her Teacher Assistant Certificate.

 

Carrie came out to Victoria and has not looked back. She completed her Montessori Training from the Angela Martin Centre her in Victoria in 2007.

 

With her Early Child and Montessori Training she is a great member of our staff.

 

 

 

 

 

Rachel Nicholls

 

Rachel is our local staff member coming from Victoria.

 

She has both her Early Childhood and Montessori Training from the Angela Martin Centre.

 

Rachel has a calm and patient way with children that make her classroom a happy place to be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jan Niranjanan

 

Jan worked in the business world when with her first son was introduce to Montessori Education.

 

Jan then pursued Montessori Education by getting her certification in Sri Lanka which also gave her Early Childhood training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michelle Allen

 

Our newest member to our teaching staff Michelle has been running her own day care out of her home in Sooke for the past six years.

 

She has a wealth of experience of working with pre-school students both here and in Japan.

 

Michelle has completed her Montessori Training here in Victoria through the Anglia Martin Centre and is also a fully qualified Early Childhood educator.

 

Michelle is a committed Montessori Teacher who loves working with young children.

 

 

Linda Mellish – Teacher in Dogwood Class

 

Linda has a Bachelor’s degree in education and is a licensed Early Childhood Educator.  Linda has eighteen years of experience working with children in both the independent and public school systems as well as in a variety of preschool settings.

 

Linda is dedicated to fostering positive, enriched early learning experience for her students and is particularly interested in promoting early literacy skills through storytelling and songs.

 

 

Liz Koolman – Librarian

Liz has been with West-Mont since 1993 when her son enrolled in Grade 2. At that time she and a few other parents collected books from the classrooms and a closet to form the school Library. Liz volunteered as Librarian until 2007 when the position became a paid one. Both of her children attended West-Mont to the furthest grades available – Grade 9 for Jake and Grade 6 for Katie.

 

Liz and her husband John have been very strong supporters of West-Mont over the years with John serving as a Director on the Board in the 1990’s. Liz held various positions on the PAC, in addition to the Library during her years at the school.

 

The Liz Koolman Volunteer Award was developed to honour her participation through the years and is awarded annually to a deserving volunteer. In 2006 the staff honoured Liz by naming the Library of her. Liz enjoys the library work and likes nothing better than helping students and teachers find the books they need from the thousands which make up the Library collection.

 

 

Kathy Cook - Educational Assistant

After 17 years as a litigation secretary Kathy Cook left her career to
commit to becoming a full-time Mom. She joined the Westmont Family as a
volunteer and parent with her daughter in 2006 and more recently has
become a full time staff member as an educational assistant.

 

Kathy traded in binding court documents for binding materials for the
children and never looking back. Kathy enjoys art, music, nature and
most of all quality time with her daughter and husband.

 

 

Norma Kirkham – Educational Assistant

 

Norma received her B. Ed from Simon Fraser University in 1978 and has been in the field of education for 27 years. She had taught Kindergarten to Grade 6, worked as a learning assistant teacher, student achievement teacher and a reading specialist. Norma has extensive training in Balanced Literacy and has assisted other teachers with the implementation of the program. She continues her professional development and has taken graduate courses in special education.

 

Norma started her career in Abbotsford and Coquitlam and then spent 20 years in Edmonton. After raising two sons, she and her husband moved back to BC in 2008.

 

Norma believes in ensuring that children have a supportive and enriched learning environment. She challenges and coaxes each child she works with towards success.

 

Norma enjoys working outside on their property, hiking, and canoeing.