Our Teachers

 In a Montessori classroom there is no front of the room and no teacher's desk as a focal point of attention because the stimulation for learning comes from the total prepared environment.

Dr. Montessori always referred to the teacher as a "Directress/Director" or as a "Guide" and her/his role differs considerably from that of a traditional teacher. She/he is, first of all, a very keen observer of the individual interests and needs of each child , and her/his daily work proceeds from her/his observations of the children rather than from a prepared curriculum. The Guide's role is to work with children individually and in small groups giving "presentations" and guidance. She/he demonstrates the correct use of material, she/he carefully watches the progress of each child and keeps a record of her/his work with the materials.

She/he is trained to recognized periods of the child's readiness. Sometimes she/he must divert a child who chooses materials which is beyond her/his ability; at other times she must encourage a child who is hesitant.

The Guide prepares the environment (the classroom), then acts as a dynamic link between it and the child. She/he offers support, encouragement, friendship and guidance but it is the child who learns for herself/himself.

Our Montessori Guides are trained to observe and use personalized lesson plans for each child. Our teaching team is enthusiastic, dedicated and professional. Each individual shows a strong dedication to the vision of our school and to the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) curriculum.

Our Guides are AMI certified, hold an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) license, have a clean Criminal Record, a First Aid Certificate and are supported by a strong administration. Our school focuses on teacher leadership through professional development team building and collaborative decision making.

Staff enjoy full support of the Administration, professional development opportunities, and a school culture fully committed to upholding AMI standards of excellence.

  • Edith Saurina

    Founder

    Edith Saurina, the founder of Le Soleil Montessori School (1997) and Le Soleil Montessori Children's House (2008), is originally from the sunny city of Marseille in the South of France and has been living in Canada since 1980.

    After her university studies in France, she followed her first passion and spent 10 years in the Travel and Tourism industry, travelling and meeting people and children from all over the world. Then, she realized that her passion was misplaced! What she really wanted to do was to be in the presence of young children.

    She obtained her Early Childhood Education certificate (1990) at Langara College in Vancouver and her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Primary diploma (1995) at The Montessori Training Centre of B.C.

    She is the single parent of a wonderful, talented and caring Montessori educated daughter who graduated from the University of Victoria, then obtained her Assistance to Infancy diploma from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), and is now the owner of Le Soleil Montessori Infant Community. Madame Edith officially retired in August 2024 after 38 wonderful years of teaching.

  • Eloïse Aguilar-Saurina

    Principal

    Miss Eloïse was born in Vancouver but her family is originally from the sunny city of Marseille (South of France), and she is proud to say that her native language is French.

    She studied at the University of Victoria where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Business. Miss Eloïse went into her university studies hoping to become a sport psychologist, and it was not until the end of her studies that she realized her passion for working with young children and wanted to follow in her mom’s footsteps. However, her passion did not lie, like her mother’s, with the preschool/kindergarten age group — her passion lied in the infant and toddler age group. Miss Eloïse went on to take her Assistance to Infancy Montessori training through the Montessori Training Centre of British Columbia, where she became an AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) trained Guide in 2020. Eloïse also completed her Early Childhood Education Licence (ECE) through Pacific Rim Early Childhood Institute in 2022.

    Miss Eloïse has another passion in life — cooking and baking! In her spare time she loves to cook and bake for all those around her. She also loves to travel and spend time with her dog.

  • Pei-Hsien Chao

    Montessori Guide

    Miss Pei-Hsien Chao started her journey at Le Soleil Montessori Children’s House in September 2015 after over 10 years at working in a well-established Montessori school in Richmond and Vancouver.

    She obtained her (AMI) Montessori Primary Certificate and Early Childhood Educator Licence in 2004 and her Assistance to Infancy diploma in 2014. from the Montessori Training Centre of BC.

    She also graduated from Vancouver Community College with a Bakery and Pastry Certificate in 2001.

    Miss Chao is originally from Taiwan. She came to Canada with her family in 1988. She is fluent in Mandarin and Hokkien.

    Miss Chao is an experienced Montessori Guide with the gift to reach each and every child, to instil in them a love for learning, thus promoting independence and self-confidence. She is enthusiastic about her profession and children, hard-working, patient, reliable, professional, and has strong communication and interpersonal skills.

    In her spare time she enjoys reading, making crafts (e.g., Origami), gardening, baking, and spending time with her two nieces!

  • Julii Park

    Montessori Assistant

    Miss Julii Park was born in South Korea and has lived in multiple countries, including Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Canada. Her international journey began when she moved to Australia for a year and a half, accompanying her mother, who sought teaching opportunities abroad. She later continued her secondary education in Malaysia and Singapore before returning to Korea. Driven by a desire to explore new horizons, she eventually relocated to Canada to expand her knowledge and pursue her passion in a broader global context.

    She is a graduate of the Early Childhood Education program at Sprott Shaw College and she also holds a diploma in Stagecraft and Event Technology. Her diverse academic background reflects her eagerness to explore different career paths and develop a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her. During her Early Childhood Education program and practicum experience, she discovered a genuine passion for caring for children, watching them grow, and fostering meaningful connections. She is confident that this path will bring her lasting fulfillment and true happiness, enabling her to create a meaningful life surrounded by her loved ones.

    In her free time, she enjoys painting, bike riding, spending time at the beach, and embracing the outdoors. She also has a passion for travel, finding excitement and inspiration in new experiences and destinations.