Our Teachers
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 teacher 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 teachers 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 schools and to the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) curriculum.
Our teachers 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 schools focus on teacher leadership through professional development, team building, and collaborative decision making.
Eloïse Aguilar-Saurina
Owner/Montessori Guide/Administrator
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.
Edith Saurina, her mom, is the founder and owner of Le Soleil Montessori School (1997) and Le Soleil Montessori Children’s House (2008). Madame Edith is from the South of France and raised Eloïse as a wonderful single parent. Miss Eloïse is very proud of her mother and all of her accomplishments. The mother-daughter duo worked together to open Le Soleil Montessori Infant Community and they are very excited about this new branch of Le Soleil Montessori School.
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, and she is very excited to bring this love into the environment for the children. She also has a great love for travelling and has been to over 20 countries (and counting!!).
Janice Huang
First Assistant
Miss YU-Hui Huang started her journey in Montessori education in November 2021, where she obtained her (AMI) 3-6 Montessori assistant certificate in November 2021 and her 0-3 Montessori assistant in June 2022 from the Montessori Training Centre of Taipei.
Although it may seem like she has just started, she sincerely believes that Montessori is her favourite approach to educating children and helping the world towards a brighter future. She considers every little human has the purest soul when they arrive on earth, and we as adults need to be prepared to guide and assist their development throughout their most crucial period.
Miss Huang is from Taiwan. She came to Canada in 2016 and is fluent in Mandarin and Taiwanese. Before coming to Canada, she was a drumming performer and instructor. She performed and travelled with a percussion group around the world. She taught in many different schools and age groups from elementary to university in Taiwan.
In her spare time, she likes to play with her ukulele. She also enjoys sewing and gardening and makes some crafts to gift people around her to share her love!
Ayane Akita
Second Assistant
Miss Ayane Akita was born and raised in Japan. She has 3 siblings. Growing up, she enjoyed looking after her sisters when she was a child.
Since Miss Ayane became an ECE teacher, she has found it fun to care for, talk to, and play with children. She is dedicated to listening and understanding what they say. She is a person who has patience and a sense of responsibility. Also, she enjoys having conversations about children's upbringing with their parents and teachers! In 2022, Miss Ayane obtained a bachelor's degree in ECE. She worked at a daycare and a daycare for elementary school children while caring for 0 to 12-year-olds. After that, she moved to Canada to study English for 10 months. She went back to Japan, working at an International daycare. She cared for 2 to 3 years old. Soon after, she got an ECE license in Canada.
In her spare time, she likes to cook, bake, and sew. Her favorite pastry to bake is a Cinnamon bun!