Serving the Clarkson community for over 18 years!
Together, we...
Design our learning environment to foster independence, build confidence, and develop competence. Our practitioners encourage students to explore. This makes the young learner intrinsically motivated and socially responsible, and they feel respected in our space. Our program model is designed to make children understand and respect cultural diversity to become globally aware. We nurture their individual interests and abilities, support their curious and creative minds, and academically prepare them with skills that is appropriate for their age and stage.
We are educators that are responsive to research, constantly upgrading our skills and practices. Our focus is simply to create an environment where Young Minds thrive and grow.
Shahnaz Ali
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, AMI Certified
Experience:
Teaching in various school in Mississauga and Oakville for 15 years
Languages Spoken:
English, Urdu
Outside Interests:
Painting, skiing, reading, yoga, dance, arts and crafts
Why do you love working with children:
The joy of working with children is that no single day at work is the same. Each day presents a new challenge which motivates me to learn more. Children make me a well informed person as they expect me to know about the latest cartoons and superheroes.
What do you love about Young Minds?
I admire the professional environment of the school. We function as a family to bring out the best in each child.
Amal Wehbe
Education:
Montessori Directress
Experience:
15 years of Montessori teaching
Languages Spoken:
English, French, and Arabic
Outside Interests:
Gymnastics, visiting the library, and spending time with family
Why do you love working with children:
I love working with children because they are our future and being a part of their growth and development brings me so much joy. It’s what motivates me and excites me day to day.
What do you love about Young Minds?
What I love about working at Young Minds is the family environment that has been created along with a very supportive team. Young Minds has been a huge part of my personal growth and I’m so grateful to be a part of this team.
Other:
Every day brings something new. I can not wait to see what’s in store.
Samantha Croteau
Education:
Early Childhood degree, Behavioural Science certificate
Experience:
Nanny and daycare instructor, martial arts instructor
Languages Spoken:
English
Outside Interests:
Martial arts training and teaching, reading and writing, computers
Why do you love working with children:
Children are our future. They are full of innocence and wonder at all that is around them. I love watching their faces light up with interest at new things. I love to see children strive for and accomplish milestones. I receive great joy from my interactions, play, and one-on-one work with students.
What do you love about Young Minds?
Young Minds is a small and family-like school. I feel that these are the most important years to expose children to learning and new experiences.
Other:
When you spend your days surrounded by children, you discover a new light in life. You can experience all the many wonders with children over and over.
Amina Rifaie
Education:
Literature, Child And Youth Worker Certificate, Montessori Teacher Assistant Certificate
Experience:
Worked at juniors schoolers, 2 years working with preschoolers at Lavilla Montessori school, worked with children with special needs
Languages Spoken:
Arabic and English
Outside Interests:
I love music, reading, and art
Why do you love working with children:
Since I was a little girl, I always enjoyed being around children, making time for them, sitting and listening, and playing and singing with them. As I got older, I knew I wanted to learn more about early childhood education. Working with children is very rewarding and every day gives me an opportunity to learn more and grow. Their smiles make my day!
What do you love about Young Minds?
I consider Young Minds my second family. I enjoy working and learning from other team members and teachers to provide the best for the children and families.
Other:
I am looking forward to continuing to learn and growing with Young Minds Montessori School.
Carolyn McGuire
Education:
Early Childhood Education Program
Experience:
18 years at Young Minds Montessori Preschool, Member of the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators
Languages Spoken:
English
What do you love about Young Minds?
Getting to know all of the children and their families who are, and have been part of Young Minds Montessori Preschool
Toni Ayodele
Education:
RECE, BA Child Development, Ontario Certified Teacher, Masters of Teaching
Experience:
Teacher, MOM, Wife, Entrepreneur
Languages Spoken:
English
Outside Interests:
I enjoy visiting new places, reading, cooking & baking and spending time with my family.
Why do you love working with children:
Seeing things through the mind of a child is why I love what I do. The simplicity of a child’s way of thinking and seeing life from their perspective makes me feel thankful daily.
What do you love about Young Minds?
I feel part of a family here at Young Minds. I work with a team of amazing and passionate educators and I am proud to call them family. One parent once describes us as a small school with a big heart and every word of it is true!
Other:
I believe that open communication is key to a successful school year, please feel free to reach out with any question or concerns regarding your child’s learning.
Ruksana Matadar
Experience:
18+ years supply teaching
Languages Spoken:
English, Gujarati, Urdu
Outside Interests:
Reading, sewing, going for walks
Why do you love working with children:
I love working with children because it makes me happy! I truly enjoy being a part of their formative years, helping to equip them with the basic tools for success in the years to come.
What do you love about Young Minds?
The moment I step inside the school I feel that I am a part of something special. I am a part of a devoted and caring staff who are like family to me and genuinely love to teach and nurture children. This school feels like a second home to me and I hope it does for you, too.
Apply for September 2022
Limited toddler spots are available for September 2022