Meet the Team
Dedicated & Certified
Akshara Sriram
Lead Teacher Ages 3 - 6
Read Bio
Jess May
Director
ECE III in training, B.G.E, TESL
Montessori NAMCE 0-3​
Jess studied early childhood education at Bob Jones University in South Carolina and graduated with Bachelors in General Education. Jess also completed her Teaching English as a Second Language certification in 2019. She then worked as an English teacher at Genesis Preschool in Jaworzno, Poland for 2 years teaching English to children ages 2-6 as an assistant teacher. Jess’ travels then took her to Switzerland for a year to Au Pair. Locally Jess has worked at the Shilo daycare and ACC daycare. Jess first discovered Montessori in university and it stuck in her mind. She loved the idea of helping children learn and become independent and following the child. After seeing a Montessori School opening in Brandon Jess was thrilled at the opportunity. After working with us Jess has completely fallen in love with the philosophy and flourished as a teacher. Jess worked to complete her 0-3 NAMCE diploma while with us and has naturally progressed to become our leader.
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Jess May ECE II, B.G.E., TESL, Montessori NAMCE 0-3
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Thilini Fernando
Lead Teacher Ages 2 - 6
Association Montessori International dip 3-6 , BSc TT, MSc Psy
​Mrs. Fernando has been an educator for over 13 years, with experience teaching infants through middle school.
Mrs. Fernando completed her Montessori diploma for primary ages 3-6 from Good Shepherd Maria Montessori Training Centre in 2008. Her Montessori Diploma is an accredited Association International Montessori diploma which is the leading Montessori Teachers education college.
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Mrs. Fernando then completed her Bachelors Degree in Teaching Technology from Sikkim Manipal University IN in 2009. With the BSc. In Teaching Technology Mrs. Fernando was able to study more about educational psychology, educational methods and educational philosophies. The program covered areas on how to introduce, design, develop, utilize and manage technology in the field of education.
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Mrs. Fernando was inclined to further educate herself to continue to expertly support her Autistic students. She completed a Autism Spectrum Certification from the Institute of Early Learning Fairfax County Nova in 2017.
Finally just this year 2023 Thilini completed her Masters in Applied Psychology and Behavior change at Cardiff Metropolitan University UK.
Through her career Mrs. Fernando has worked in the US for 7 years in total as a lead Montessori Teacher. She has worked as a Montessori consultant to leading private schools in Sri Lanka. In 2016 Mrs. Fernando served as a vice principal at a leading Montessori School in Sri Lanka with 250 students ranging from 3-6 years of age and 30 staff members to manage and support. In 2020 - 2022 Mrs. Fernando co-founded a Montessori inspired day care with her colleague which was closed due to covid. At present she is working at Special Education Unit at the Ladies College Colombo with children of different challenges and abilities.
Mrs. Thilini Fernando AMI dip, BSc TT, MSc Psy
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Indiana Unger
Teaching Assistant
ECE 11​
Indi is beginning her journey of early childhood education with us at Montessori smile. She first was introduced to the Montessori Method by her mother, and always carried a firm appreciation for it growing up. She is currently in training for her ECE II diploma at Assiniboine college while also working with us part time, and she plans on being certified in Montessori training as soon as she can after that.
Indi has always had a love and enjoyment of caring for children that started from assistant dance teaching that she began at age ten, and continued onward to having her own classes.
She adores and is extremely thankful to have the opportunity to care for, learn form, and help teach the children attending Montessori smile things like independence, confidence, kindness and respect, as well as aid to support their flourishing academic abilities, and can't wait to learn more along side.
Sumera Al Ahdal
Teaching Assistant
BA, CCA
Sumera started her Montessori journey working as a Kindergarten Teacher at Dr. Maria Montessori Child Development Centre in Pakistan.
After working at this school for 2 years she established a strong understanding for the philosophy.
Since moving to Brandon Manitoba she has worked as an Educational Assistant for the Brandon School Division and with the afterschool program with the YMCA.
Most recently Sumera joined us as an EA from Meadows School where she has now found her way back to Montessori with us.
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Sierra May
Teaching Assistant
ECE 2
Sierra completed her ECE II certification in 2024 through Assiniboine College and has been working locally at Shilo Early Learning Centre for the past six years. Her experience spans caring for and teaching children aged 1 to 12 years, including children with additional needs.
During her time at college, she was introduced to the Montessori philosophy, which deeply resonated with her. When the opportunity arose to join Montessori Smile School, she eagerly applied. Sierra loves being part of a learning environment where she can encourage and witness each child’s growth every day.
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Sierra believes in creating a safe, nurturing space where children’s emotional, social, and developmental needs are met, and where they can build essential life skills. Her goal is to pursue Montessori training to become an even more knowledgeable and supportive educator for our students as they continue their journey here.
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Sofy Valerio
Teaching Assistant
Sofy is excited to begin her journey in early childhood education and continue growing through hands-on experience, mentorship, and ongoing learning opportunities. She has always had a genuine passion for working with children and finds great joy in helping them learn, explore, and develop new skills every day. Her caring nature, patience, and enthusiasm make supporting young learners a truly rewarding experience.
Sofy is looking forward to learning from the experienced Early Childhood Educators at Montessori Smile and gaining valuable knowledge about child development, classroom practices, and the Montessori philosophy. She is eager to build her skills, contribute to a positive and nurturing learning environment, and develop meaningful relationships with the children and families she works with.
As she begins this exciting chapter, Sofy is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging space where children can grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Montessori Smile community and looks forward to continuing her professional growth while providing the highest quality care and support to every child in her classroom
Krisha Patel
Teaching Assistant
ECE 2
Krisha began her journey in Early Childhood Education after moving to Canada in 2023. Originally from India, she completed her 12th grade with a focus on biology before relocating to Brandon, Manitoba, where she pursued her Early Childhood Education diploma at Assiniboine Community College. Krisha now holds her ECE II classification in Manitoba.
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During her studies, Krisha completed two practicum placements with different age groups, which gave her hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of children’s development and learning styles. She first discovered the Montessori approach during her coursework and had the opportunity to visit a Montessori daycare in Winnipeg. The calm, respectful, and child-centered environment reminded Krisha of her own childhood experiences and instantly felt familiar. That visit sparked a strong interest in Montessori philosophy and inspired her to explore it further.
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Coming from a family of educators—her father is a math teacher—she has always felt a natural connection to teaching and working with children. Growing up, Krisha often helped care for her younger siblings and cousins, which helped shape her nurturing, patient, and responsible personality. She especially enjoys supporting children’s learning in math and creating activities that allow them to explore through hands-on, playful learning.
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"I am proud to be part of the Montessori Smile team in Brandon. I value every opportunity to help children grow at their own pace, celebrate their individuality, and guide them in discovering their strengths and abilities in a safe, inclusive, and joyful environment."
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Bianca Bachieca
Teaching Assistant
ECE 2
Bianca was raised in Argentina before moving to Canada, where she developed her expertise as an Early Childhood Educator II at Assiniboine College. She has furthered her education by completing the Commit to Kids program, which emphasizes prevention, Ethical Decision-Making workshops centred on reflective practice and First Aid, CPR, and AED training; focused on safety and emergency readiness.
While growing her skills and knowledge, Bianca has gained valuable experience working in child care centres with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. She has also volunteered in community programs that support school-age children. These experiences have helped her understand what children need at different ages and build strong relationships with families and the community.
During her professional journey, Bianca has deepened her passion for children’s learning, growth, and development. She is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that support each child in reaching their full potential.
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Naina
Teaching Assistant
ECE 2
Hello parents and families, this is Naina, and I’m very happy to be part of the wonderful team here at Montessori smile inc as an early Childcare assistant. I graduated from Cégep Marie-Victorin in Quebec in 2022, and after completing my studies, I worked as a Montessori teacher in Montreal. That experience truly shaped my teaching approach—it helped me become more focused, motivated, and passionate about encouraging children’s independence, curiosity, and love for learning through hands-on experiences.
In 2023, I moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where I spent the past 3 years working with children aged 3 to 12 years old. Working with different age groups gave me a deeper understanding of how children grow, learn, and express themselves at each stage of development.
I feel so grateful to now be part of this caring community, and I’m excited to build strong connections with both the children and their families. My goal is to create a warm, positive, and engaging environment where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired every day.
Please feel free to reach out anytime—I’d love to get to know you and your little ones! I’m always happy to connect and share about your child’s day!
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Akshara Sriram
Lead Teacher Ages 3 - 6
Association Montessori International dip 3-6, B.A. Psychology
I am Akshara Sriram, a passionate Montessorian with a decade of Montessori experience, including 2 years of experience in Canada.
I did my undergrad in Psychology and started my Montessori journey immediately after, with a Montessori diploma. I also have a certificate in School Counselling and completed my AMI 3 to 6 Montessori diploma in 2022.
I have work experience across varied environments, in 2 different countries - India and Canada.
I find meaning in serving children and know that the Montessori method is the best way forward. I hope to contribute immensely to this field.
A little about my family - we are a family of 5 including my parents and my 99 y/o grandmother in India, my brother who is studying Masters in Melbourne, and myself.