Our Faculty

Karen was born and raised on a farm, in small town Ontario. Agriculture, animals and nature all close to her heart, past and present. Karen’s rural roots eventually led her to the City of St. Catharines where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Brock University. Karen has subsequently earned her Casa Montessori Teaching certificate and has several years of teaching experience in the Casa classroom.  Karen has an excellent rapport with her students and is very passionate about teaching. In February 2019, Karen was appointed the role of Head of School. Karen’s focus as HOS is based on honesty, communication and an open door approach.  Quality, alternative Montessori education, in a safe environment is her main objective.

In addition to teaching for several years, Karen has a background in Administration working within the public utilities sector. Most recently, Karen has joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara and is an In-School mentor. Karen is always diligently working on getting to know our current school community at a new level, as well as building new relationships with prospective families, students and faculty alike. Mrs. Kenesky is always visible and active throughout the school, either at the doors at arrival and dismissal times, in the halls, yard duty as well as in the classrooms. Mrs. Kenesky’s love for the school is evident and she takes great pride in BMS; this love is returned by many including her faculty, students and families. BMS has been home to Mrs. Kenesky for over a decade!

Ms. Strang is a 1994 graduate of Niagara College and a Registered Early Childhood Educator. She has also held a Preschool/Kindergarten Montessori Teacher Program Diploma from NAMC since 2003. Leanne’s interest in the Montessori Philosophy was sparked by enrolling her own children in a Montessori School. When she experienced first-hand her own children flourishing in their knowledge, independence and self-assurance; she furthered her education in the Montessori Pedagogy in order to make a difference in other young children’s lives. Leanne is a strong believer in Maria Montessori’s philosophies and enjoys teaching in a nurturing and creative Montessori environment.

Ashley was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario. She attended Brock University, obtaining her Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies with a focus on Therapeutic Recreation and Psychology. During that time she became the mother of two beautiful children. As a former Montessori Casa Student herself, she went on to obtain her Montessori Early Childhood Diploma from the Montessori Teachers College in Toronto and is now MACTE Accredited, which is recognized worldwide. Ms. Ashley is currently working on completing her third degree, Lower Elementary.

Growing up in the country, on a farm in a small town of West Lincoln, has given me the great appreciation of the value of community, learning through exploration and experiences. As a child you could find me outside interacting with one of the horses or catching tadpoles. All while learning the importance of doing my daily chores.

As I grew older I found my love for exploration led me down the path of education starting with a job in the school board. After many years I finally found my true passion in completing my Early Childhood Education diploma with Honours from Durham College; subsequently, I have completed my Early Childhood Montessori Diploma from the Montessori Teachers College in Toronto. I am happy to be working within a robust and growing Casa community at BMS!

Rebecca moved to St. Catharines at a young age and has been here ever since! She earned her Early Childhood Educator Diploma in 2020 from Niagara College where she graduated with Honors. Rebecca has many years of experience working with children, aside from raising her own children, and has both volunteered and worked in various Early Childhood Education and Community Service settings. Since joining BMS, Ms. Rebecca has obtained her Early Childhood Montessori Diploma from the Montessori Teachers College in Toronto as well as her Montessori Assistance Certificate. Ms. Rebecca is known for her kind, patience teaching style and for her grand love of nature. Each spring, Ms. Rebecca hosts a live demonstration of the Life Cycle of the Butterfly starting with cocoons to a release day.

Ms. Natalie Mbuyi is originally from Congo, a country located on the Western Coast of Central Africa.

As a young child, Natalie came to Canada with her family in 1999 and settled in Hamilton, Ontario. She then moved to Saskatchewan shortly after and lived there until she was a young adult. Ms. Natalie then moved to the beautiful Niagara Region, to begin her journey in Early Childhood Education.

In 2022, Natalie graduated from Niagara College with Honors in Early Childhood Education. She learned the Montessori approach during her studies and is looking forward to being part of the Beyond Montessori School family and applying these skills! Ms. Natalie adores children strides to make a positive impact and difference in their lives. Natalie has recently obtained her Early Childhood Montessori Education diploma from the Toronto Montessori Teacher College, Toronto in 2025.

Ms. Wafa has been a familiar faces in the halls of BMS for some time. She began in Toddler and moved her way up into a Casa classroom and now Kinder!
Ms. Wafa is an Accredited Montessori trained Directress, obtaining her Early Childhood Montessori diploma from the Montessori Teachers College, Toronto; subsequently, she is also a RECE Ms. Wafa brings exciting culture and STEM units to her class and is a well loved member of our school community.

Starting as a supply teacher, Ms. Amber has since moved into the Toddler and Pre-Casa classrooms. She hold her RECE from Niagara College and recently obtained her Montessori Assistant Certificate from the Montessori Teachers College, Toronto.

Ms. Christina is pure sunshine! Hailing from Korea, she brings Montessori training and experience and has paired it with obtaining her Montessori Assistant Certificate from the Montessori Teacher’s College, Toronto. Ms. Christina has a gift for art and its shows within her classroom!

BMS is pleased to welcome Ms. Li to our faculty! Ms. Li has graduated from the Toronto Montessori Teachers College with her Early Childhood Montessori Diploma.
Ms. Li brings a beautiful sense of calm to her classroom paired with authentic Montessori lessons and offerings. Her students adore her.

BMS is pleased to welcome Mrs. Sinae to the 2025/2026 faculty! Mrs. Sinae brings a wealth of knowledge from Korea; she is an RECE and holds her Montessori Assistant Certificate from the Montessori Teachers College in Toronto. Mrs. Sinae is a well loved member of our team and the Casa community.

BMS is pleased to welcome Mrs. Atik to the faculty, and working within the Casa community. Mrs. Atik has graduated from the Toronto Montessori Teachers College as a Montessori Assistant and is current working on completing her Early Childhood Education diploma from Niagara College. Mrs. Atik brings a great sense of peace and calm to her classroom and she takes great pride in her classroom.

Ms. Stephanie is an experienced RECE/Montessori Assistant with experience within our Toddler and Pre-Casa classrooms. Stephanie has a great rapport with her students and faculty alike!

BMS is pleased to welcome Ms. Eilis Wilson to our team beginning the 2025/26 academic year. Ms. Wilson brings ten years of Montessori experience with her and we are pleased to have her spread her wings at BMS! Ms. Wilson has earned her Montessori Early Childhood Montessori Education diploma from the North American Montessori Center.

BMS is pleased to welcome Ms. Sara to our faculty. Hailing from Sudan, she brings with her Montessori experience and has since obtained her Montessori Assistant certificate from the Montessori Teachers College, Toronto. Ms. Sara has shared her time and wisdom between the Pre-Casa and Toddler classrooms. She has an excellent rapport with her students.