We believe that great teachers are our best asset.
Dedicated to authentic Montessori education, the administration and staff at Nido Montessori School are highly trained, talented, and love working with children.
We believe that great teachers are our best asset.
Dedicated to authentic Montessori education, the administration and staff at Barrie Montessori School are highly trained, talented, and love working with children.
At Barrie Montessori & Elementary Private School, our team is passionate about nurturing young minds through authentic Montessori education. Our educators include Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE’s), certified Montessori teachers, and Ontario Certified Teachers, each bringing a unique blend of expertise, warmth, and dedication to the classroom.
Highly trained and deeply committed, our staff creates a joyful, respectful, and enriching environment where children feel supported, inspired, and excited to learn every day.
As a passionate educator and founder of BMS, I am dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment that embraces both the Montessori philosophy and Ontario Ministry curriculum. A proud graduate of Queens University and the Toronto Montessori Institute, I completed a unique program that enables me to blend these educational approaches effectively. After gaining valuable experience teaching in private schools across the Greater Toronto Area, I was thrilled to return to my hometown and establish a Montessori school that reflects my commitment to holistic education. I feel truly blessed to work alongside a team of devoted teachers and supportive families who have made BMS their second home. Together, we inspire a love of learning in every child!
Ms. Pannozzo is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) who has been teaching children for the past 22 years. She joined BMS in 2014, mentoring in Montessori training and has worked at both our operations—childcare and private school over the past 10 years. This year, Ms. Pannozzo will be taking lead on a number of administrative tasks and duties, all the while, supporting all BMS staff and students in their daily routines.
Mrs. Bedard is a certified Montessori teacher with a long-standing dedication to Montessori education. After beginning her career at Toronto Montessori School, she joined BMS in 2016 and now leads professional development and staff mentorship in Montessori philosophy. Her love for lifelong learning shines through in all she does. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys reading, exploring new topics, and making memories with her husband and two children.
With 17 years of experience as a Registered Early Childhood Educator, Mrs. Yousif is passionate about creating engaging, caring learning spaces for children of all ages. A Seneca College graduate, she finds joy in every moment of a child’s learning journey. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys nature walks, cooking, and spending time with her many nieces and nephews.
With over 28 years of experience and training in multiple early childhood philosophies including Montessori, Ms. Donna brings warmth and energy to the BMS classroom every day. She has a natural gift for connecting with children and finds joy in sharing the beauty of Montessori learning. Outside of school, Ms. Donna is a proud hockey mom to her son, who is studying firefighting and emergency services. She also has a keen interest in interior design and home décor.
Ms. Sonia is a certified Montessori educator with a Bachelor’s degree in History and Literature and more than 17 years of teaching experience. Her passion for education began early, teaching her younger sister even before kindergarten! She thrives on creating nurturing, curiosity-driven classrooms where children feel empowered to explore. In her free time, Sonia enjoys outdoor adventures with her two children, including hiking, paddleboarding camping, and skiing, as well as the occasional game of badminton or volleyball.
Born and trained in Dublin, Ireland, Mrs. McB holds Montessori certifications in both Casa and Elementary. She moved to Canada in 1988 on a teaching visa—and never looked back! Over the years, she has taught in numerous Montessori schools across Ontario and furthered her education at Fanshawe College and York University. Now settled in Barrie, she enjoys an active lifestyle with her husband and their beloved mini-Schnauzer. A lifelong learner and dedicated educator, Mrs. McB brings deep Montessori experience and heart to the classroom.
Hello! I’m Mrs. Boucher, and I’m so happy to be supporting Mrs. McB in our JK/SK #2 classroom. I bring over 12 years of experience, including running my own home daycare and working in Montessori childcare. Even with a background in accounting and payroll administration, my heart has always been with children. I believe in helping each child grow into their independent, confident self. When I’m not at school, I love traveling the world with my and two kids, discovering new cultures, and enjoying good food together!
Madame Monague brings 16 years of dynamic teaching experience to BMS, both internationally and locally. A creative and enthusiastic educator, she makes language learning fun through interactive lessons, games, and hands-on activities. In addition to teaching French, she co-teaches alongside Miss Reavie and has previously served as a Literacy and Math resource teacher. When not in the classroom, Madame is a busy mom, often found cheering on her kids at sports and extracurriculars.
Ms. Smokler has been a valued part of the BMS team for over 17 years. She holds a BA Honours in Sociology and an Elementary Montessori certification from the Toronto Montessori Institute. Her classroom is a warm, inclusive space where curiosity is nurtured and academic excellence is celebrated. Known for her dedication and care, Ms. Smokler inspires her students to love learning. Outside of school, she stays active with her two energetic sons and their endless questions!
Born and raised in Barrie, Miss Reavie brings global perspective and local pride to her role at BMS. She holds an Honours degree in Arts, Science, and Education from Lakehead University, and began her teaching career in Southampton, England. There, she led curriculum innovation in mathematics and mentored new teachers. Jennifer is passionate about inclusive education and creating a classroom where every child feels valued and empowered. She’s excited to bring her experience back home to the Barrie community.
With a strong background in sports coaching, science, and classroom instruction, Mr. G is a dynamic and versatile educator. Originally from Portugal, he began his teaching career in England as a PE Coordinator and later expanded into science, health education, and math support. He has a gift for making lessons active, engaging, and memorable. Mr. G believes in developing the whole child—mind and body—and is committed to hands-on learning and lifelong health.
Known for his boundless energy and genuine connection with students, “Big Jack” brings passion and positivity to every gym class. For over 12 years, he’s been a key part of BMS Summer Camps and has spent the last 4 years teaching Phys Ed from Grades 1 to 8. Jack understands what it means to be a kid, and he uses that insight to create inclusive, exciting, and motivating athletic experiences. He also supports classroom activities and before/after school programs.
A talented arts educator from Orillia, she has taught at the Homer Watson House in Kitchener-Waterloo and the Orillia Museum of Art and History. Her own ceramics work has been showcased in magazines and at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto. Most recently, she led a stunning community mosaic project by Barrie’s waterfront that BMS students proudly contributed to. This year, she’s guiding students through mindful sketching, painting, collage, and ceramics—sparking creativity in every child.