Our Teachers
Our Teachers at North Bay Montessori are remarkable and the largest part of our success.
​Below you will find that many of our teachers have been with us for many years and have a passion to see our students develop and thrive through the Montessori method of learning.
Vera Zajicek
Miss Vera is the owner and principal of Montessori Learning Centre Inc. She opened the centre in September of 1996 with one classroom and five students. Since opening, the school has flourished in our community and has grown significantly. She has obtained her post-graduate Diploma in Primary Montessori Education from St. Nicholas Institute in London, England. She also is a registered Montessori Teacher with the Canadian Association of Montessori Teachers. Miss Vera is a certified Yoga instructor with specialization in Yoga for young children. She has traveled many places around the world to visit other Montessori schools. With her diverse knowledge she has brought many different cultural experiences and teachings into our school. Her primary commitment is to help every child prepare for success in life. Miss Vera feels blessed to have had the opportunity to foster a career that she is so passionate about.
Danielle Belanger
Miss Danielle began her career with Early Childhood Education through the Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship program in high school and continued the program with Canadore College. She started placements within the Elementary Catholic School system while starting to work for childcare centres within North Bay. In 2002, she was introduced to the Montessori Curriculum and fell in love with Maria Montessori’s philosophy. Since then, Miss Danielle has continued her education at Nipissing University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Geography (Human) with a minor in psychology. She also is a registered Montessori teacher with the Canadian Association of Montessori Teachers and holds an International Montessori Teaching Diploma with the North American Montessori Center for Infants, Toddlers, Twos, and Casa Levels. Miss Danielle holds a passion to teach young children to become independent, creative and bright individuals.
Samantha Crossley
Miss Sam has completed her Bachelor of Education and is a Registered Teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers. She holds honours in Biology with Bachelor of Science Degree from Nipissing University. Miss Sam has experience working with children within the Public School System in North Bay and area. Currently she is head coach of the Titans swimming team and spends many mornings and evenings at the YMCA pool teaching children 5 to 18 years of age. Miss Sam has been working at Montessori Learning Centre for over 5 years and enjoys guiding the children in an independent learning environment. She is a dedicated teacher who will always support each individual child allowing them the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Melissa Desjardins
Miss Melissa has over 10 years of experience working with young children. She has obtained her Diploma in Social Service Work from Canadore College and shortly after began working for Community Living. Since then, Melissa has started her journey working with children in the Montessori environment. She also is a registered Montessori teacher with the Canadian Association of Montessori Teachers and holds an International Montessori Teaching Diploma with the North American Montessori Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos Level. Miss Melissa is kind, patient, nurturing and is passionate about the values of the Montessori philosophy.
Kristen Lazarou
Miss Kristen is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with the College of ECE's. She began her ECE journey as a placement student in January of 2020 at Montessori Learning Centre. Embracing the Montessori curriculum and with her love of children, Kristen strives to provide and promote development of young minds. She has attained a French Immersion Diploma during high school, and incorporates the French language in her teaching practices. Miss Kristen is a compassionate, devoted, hard-working individual who advocates for the well-being of creative minds.
Destiny Serre
Miss Destiny obtained her diploma in Mental Health and Addictions at Canadore College in 2018. Since then, Destiny's diploma inspired her to help foster the development of young children. She began working at Montessori Learning Centre in September of 2020. Destiny began as a health check staff, prepared our delicious meals, and helped in the classrooms where it was needed. She quickly found her passion was to inspire young children and help foster their education. Destiny is kind, calm, and is always eager to help. She is a very passionate educator.
Nagres Kharazmi
Miss Narges is originally from Iran and has been in Canada since 2014. She has obtained an Associate Degree in Computer Science, a Bachelor in management, and a Diploma in business management in Toronto. She has worked with children for 6 years back home, and 8 years since arriving in Canada. In 2014, Narges has completed her Child Care Achievement and Development certificate in Montreal. Narges has experience working in childcare facilities, before and after school programs, and schools within the city of Toronto and Montreal. After moving to North Bay, Narges started her journey working at Montessori Learning Centre in January 2020. Miss Narges is kind, loving, and is passionate to help foster the child's well-being.
