Heidi Betts

Proud Owner, ECE & NAMC Montessori Guide

It has been a dream come true to have the opportunity to guide children through their early years of learning and discovery.  In 2010 I completed the Certificate 3 in children’s services while living abroad on the Sunshine Coast of Australia.  Upon returning home to BC, I pursued a University Diploma with a focus on developmental psychology. Though making a go at staying in this beautiful community lead to years of working as a landscape horticulturalist. My aspirations of working with children continued to resurface so I completed my ECE certification with Pacific Rim Early Childhood Institute.  During a practicum, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the Montessori philosophy at Mountain Montessori Early Learning Centre.  It changed my life, my view on the early years of development and my understanding of how to empower the curiosity and brilliance of a child.  I was presented with the opportunity to buy Mountain Montessori in 2021.  I continued my training with North America Montessori Centre, becoming certified as a guide in 2022.  I have learned a lot though this journey.  I am grateful everyday for the opportunity to do such meaningful work.  It's fulfilling, ever evolving, challenging and everyday I am amazed by the children I am with.  As we all know, team work makes the dream work, so please let me also introduce our staff...

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​Elise Wong

ECE & Infant Toddler Certified

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My name is Nga Shan Wong (Elise). In 2021, I moved to Nelson with my family.  I have been working in early childhood education for 29 years, establishing a diverse background in Hong Kong as an educator, Montessori teacher, Orff music teacher, and special needs teacher. I am highly qualified, holding a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from The Education University of Hong Kong and a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from The Open University of Hong Kong (now Hong Kong Metropolitan University). To further enrich my practice, I studied at Selkirk College in 2021 as a deep learner, earning both an Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Diploma and an Infant and Toddler Diploma.
My specialized credentials include a Montessori Teacher Education Course Certificate (Hong Kong), a CMTEI Montessori Teacher Certificate, and a Play Therapy Certification. As an accomplished music educator, I hold an ABRSM Grade 8 Piano Certificate and was honored with the Excellent Instructor Award at the International Music and Arts Competition (Chinese Cultural Arts Festival).
Deeply inspired by the Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, I firmly believe that all children are unique, creative, independent, and possess innate capacities. I trust that children share a profound relationship with nature, and I look forward to exploring the environment alongside them to guide their learning journeys.

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Jennifer Picaud

ECE & AMI Montessori Guide

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Growing up as the eldest in a family of four children in France, I started looking after children quite early on! My official journey in childcare began in 2010 though, when I started working as a camp leader and tutor while I was still in school. After completing my Degree in Biology in 2013, I decided to take a gap year and flew to New Zealand. What was supposed to be a year-long adventure turned into a few years of globe-trotting, filled with rich life experiences and personal growth. During these years I worked and volunteered in the farming, hospitality and childcare industries. In 2017, I settled in Nelson where I worked as a nanny for a few families and contributed to a couple of local businesses. During this time, I started feeling like planting roots somewhere and pursuing something more meaningful. BC felt like the right place and Montessori education resonated strongly with me. In 2023, I completed my AMI Montessori Guide training in France and then returned to Canada and joined Squamish Montessori School, where I worked for three wonderful years. It has been an incredibly fulfilling and enriching experience, and I look forward to continuing my journey of guiding children in a holistic and harmonious way.

 

Keltie Betts

ECEA

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