Our Consultants
Tracy Grisdale
M.Ed. Curriculum Development, A.M.I. (3-6, 6-12), Teacher Coaching Certificate
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Tracy’s focus on defining and creatively meeting the challenges of leadership has been consistently evident throughout her career. She has been a teacher at both Casa and elementary levels, principal at two large privately owned Montessori schools, board member of a large not-for-profit Montessori school, past president of the Canadian Association of Montessori Teachers (CAMT), verifier for the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) and a teacher educator in two MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education) accredited Teacher Education programs at both the Casa and elementary levels.In each of these roles, Tracy has committed fully to expanding her capacity to lead, involve and inspire in order to unlock the potential present in schools, educators, children, and parents. She has been instrumental in enhancing Elementary Montessori programs, establishing strong professional development, and enhancing parent/school communication.
Her training as a coach further expanded her skills to support, engage and explore creative solutions to the challenges faced by both individuals and schools in the Montessori community.
Regina Lulka
M.Ed Adult Education, AMI (6-12)
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Regina began her Montessori life as a mother of two Casa children. This led to a life-long career working with children, parents, teachers, and school leaders.Regina’s very rich life in Montessori has included Head of School at the Montessori Jewish Day School, member of several boards, past president of the Canadian Association of Montessori Teachers (CAMT), past chair of the Board of the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA), verifier for the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA), member of Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) accreditation teams and lecturer on Montessori Pedagogy at three MACTE accredited Teacher Education programs at both the Casa and elementary levels.
As a sought-after speaker, Regina has conducted numerous professional presentations. Her topics have included: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Moral Education, Montessori in the 21st century, and Parent/Educator Partnerships. Her work as a verifier and as a member of accreditation teams has inspired Regina to deepen her studies of the value of observation to create optimal Montessori environments. Her work with educators, parents, and administrators in developing, implementing, and assessing in-class observation programs has inspired, enhanced and strengthened Montessori education in the classroom and throughout the school.
Blanca Sanchez
AMI (0-3, 3-6)
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Blanca is a special consultant for Montessori Partners.Blanca opened her first Montessori school after completing a two-year comprehensive AMI training program in Mexico. This background prepared her well when she immigrated to Canada and founded Kaban Montessori, a bilingual (Spanish) school. The school opened in 2002 with 5 toddlers and Casa children, later expanded to include an elementary level and today boasts an enrollment of 150 children from Infants to Upper Elementary.
Blanca has become a leader in the field of infant/toddler environmental planning and programming. She has shared her expertise when lecturing at Sheridan College and Toronto Montessori Institute and providing input when the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) designed accreditation guidelines for infant/toddler environments. Blanca has also acted as a verifier on CCMA accreditation teams and as program director on the board of the Canadian Association of Montessori Teachers (CAMT), where she helped plan workshops and conferences.
Blanca’s advice and aesthetic sensibilities are often sought by those designing Montessori learning environments. Her passionate commitment starts with her unwavering belief that preparation of the environment is critical for nourishing the soul of every child. The beauty and tranquillity in her classrooms are testament of Blanca’s capacity to translate words into reality.