Experience

Shona Salati

School Supervisor and Head Directress

Ms. Shona, the head directress of First Journey Montessori was trained and certified by the North American Montessori Centre (NAMC). Ms. Shona was born, raised and educated in England. Her previous experience includes working as a support assistant for both a high school and primary school while in England. She holds a certified diploma in special needs and multi-sensory techniques, including experience working with dyslexic children. Since 1999 she has worked in the capacity of Toddler Directress, setting up and running Montessori classrooms in the Ottawa area. Her skills and dedication to the principles of the Montessori Method have gained her a highly respected reputation with Ottawa parents who have experienced her patient and loving approach with young children.

Ms. Shona also holds her Montessori NAMC certificate for Casa, ages 3-6, as well as experience working in the capacity of vice-principal. She has thirteen years of experience teaching the Montessori Method, and is thrilled to have the opportunity to further expand her teaching experience by leading the programs at First Journey Montessori.

Curtis Salati

Director

Curtis and Shona began to brainstorm the idea for First Journey Montessori in the late 2000s, making the endeavour a true family business. Curtis performs an administrative role that ensures the business side of the school runs smoothly. This includes developing registration materials, designing policies and procedures, contributing to the curriculum, and undertaking marketing activities. His contribution is important in maintaining the school’s status as a licensed child care centre in Ontario.

Curtis holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts from Carleton University, graduating in 2011 and 2015, respectively. His educational background in political science and public policy, along with his work experience in the federal public service, is a great asset to First Journey Montessori. This experience allows him to support the school with the requirements it is expected to meet under various legislation, including the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA).

Laila Daou

Casa Directress

Laila Daou was born in Manchester, England and shortly after moved to the United Arab Emirates where she spent most of her childhood. She came to Canada with her family in 1998 and has lived in Ottawa ever since. In 2006, Ms. Laila decided that early childhood education was the direction she wanted to take her career and began to study the Montessori philosophy at the Canadian Montessori Academy in Ottawa.

The following spring she received her AMS certification for the Casa Program and also the Special Needs Program. Ms. Laila brings with her extensive experience working as a Montessori Directress in a Casa classroom. Her passion for the Montessori approach creates an ideal learning environment, while her attitude and enthusiasm allows her to have a nurturing approach with children.

Through her professionalism, Ms. Laila has built excellent relations with parents, and has stayed in contact with many of them long after their child has moved on to elementary school.

Caren Kaminsky

Resource and French Directress

Ms. Caren is the resource and French directress for the casa and toddler programs, engaging in one-on-one and group activities in both classrooms. She is a trained Montessori educator with over 15 years of experience in Ontario and Quebec as an educator and early childhood centre supervisor. Ms. Caren believes that forming a bond with students and planning innovative and interesting programs is very important for a child’s education and their early development.

Throughout her career Ms. Caren has developed an ability to recognize and accommodate the unique needs of the children in her care, coupling it with a healthy respect for individual family beliefs. Ms. Caren is a great addition to First Journey Montessori and looks forward to contributing to its safe, secure and loving environment. This includes providing nurturing care that promotes a positive learning experience for the children, giving them ample opportunities to grow.

Elvira Tchekansky

Toddler Directress

Ms. Elvira was born, raised and educated in Russia. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Translation and Science from the Kama State Academy of Economics and Engineering. Her journey working with children began in 2011 as an Au Pair in Scandinavia. She came to Canada as a live-in-nanny which helped her discover a deep passion for early childhood development.

In 2016, Ms. Elvira earned her MACTE-accredited certification as a Montessori teacher and has been wholeheartedly dedicated to the Montessori philosophy ever since. A proud mother of two beautiful girls, Ms. Elvira brings warmth, mindfulness, and a deep respect for each child's unique path.

Ms. Elvira finds great joy in nurturing curiosity, independence, and kindness in her toddler community at First Journey Montessori - and feels truly grateful to witness her young students love, grow and thrive in a peaceful Montessori environment.