Meet Our Team
A group of long-standing dedicated people that are more like family than co-workers.
Co-Founder, Teacher
Marcia McQuaid is the Co-Founder of Belleville Montessori School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario, where she majored in Sociology. Additionally, she earned an Early Childhood credential from the American Montessori Society and a Lower Elementary credential from the North American Montessori Center.
Before founding Belleville Montessori School in 1997, she gained extensive experience as a tutor and as a Casa classroom assistant in Ottawa. Since the school’s inception, she has served as a Lead Teacher in the Casa program for twenty-four years, with a five-year break during which she led the parent-initiated Elementary program.
Marcia’s long-standing dedication to Montessori education and her commitment to fostering each child’s growth and independence remain central to her work and leadership at Belleville Montessori School.
Co-Owner, Teacher
Tadger Murray is the co-founder of Belleville Montessori School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University, where she majored in Psychology, and an Early Childhood Teaching credential from the American Montessori Society.
Before establishing Belleville Montessori School, she gained valuable experience as both a teacher and a manager at the Quinte Learning Center and as an assistant at a Montessori school in Kingston. Since the school’s founding, she has dedicated her career to the Casa program, serving as a Lead Teacher and demonstrating the Montessori philosophy through her work with young children.
Tadger’s lifelong commitment to Montessori education and her passion for nurturing independence, curiosity, and a love of learning continue to shape the Belleville Montessori School community.
Elementary Teacher
Shari Miller earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) and her Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees from Queen’s University.
She practiced as a registered nurse for seven years before choosing to stay home with her family, during which time she also provided childcare.
Her experience caring for children led her to join Belleville Montessori School as an assistant in Ms. Murray’s Casa classroom.
After completing her Bachelor of Education, Shari returned to Belleville Montessori School in 2012 to lead the Elementary program. In her role as Lead Teacher for grades 1 through 3, she skillfully integrates her background in science with her passion for education and discovery, creating an engaging and inspiring learning environment for her students.
Kristie Hoard holds a Social Service Worker diploma from St. Lawrence College and is currently pursuing her Early Childhood credential.
Before joining Belleville Montessori School, she worked with the elderly, where she was introduced to Montessori principles through a specialized workshop and later implemented Montessori-based programming in her work. Inspired by the method’s effectiveness, she developed a deep interest in Montessori education.
Kristie has been a valued member of the Belleville Montessori School community since 2012, serving as a Casa program assistant. Her warmth, patience, and commitment to fostering independence and confidence in young learners reflect her strong belief in the Montessori philosophy.
Tara Preston holds a diploma in Information Systems from Loyalist College and is currently pursuing a MACTE-accredited Early Childhood Montessori Diploma, reflecting her deep commitment to the Montessori philosophy.
Before joining Belleville Montessori School as an assistant, she owned and operated a successful childcare business for 16 years and later gained additional classroom experience as a substitute teacher for 4 years. Since joining Belleville Montessori School in 2020, she has brought her strong organizational skills, extensive childcare experience, and genuine enthusiasm for Montessori education to the classroom each day.
Her dedication to creating a calm, respectful, and engaging learning environment makes her a valued member of the teaching team.
Aimee Abrams earned her Early Childhood Education diploma from Loyalist College. Following her graduation, she gained experience working in a child care center before establishing her own home-based child care, which she operated successfully for twenty-four years.
Seeking a new challenge and a fresh environment, Aimee joined Belleville Montessori School, where she came highly recommended for her professionalism and nurturing approach.
Her gentle and kind nature has made her an exceptional addition to the team, where she continues to foster a calm and caring atmosphere that supports each child’s growth and well-being.
Carianna Rolf von den Baumen-Hoey graduated from St. Lawrence College with a diploma in Early Childhood Education.
During her studies, she completed practicums in a variety of early learning centers, gaining valuable experience in supporting young children’s development.
As a proud graduate of Belleville Montessori School, Carianna was delighted to return to the school in a professional capacity, coming full circle to join the teaching team.
She currently serves as an assistant teacher in both Casa classrooms, where she brings enthusiasm, empathy, and a genuine appreciation for the Montessori philosophy to her work with the children.
Gabrielle Honor graduated from the University of Waterloo’s Renison program in Social Development Studies. She completed a double major in Psychology and Social Work, with minors in Social Policy and Individual Well-Being.
Before joining Belleville Montessori School, Gabby gained valuable experience working at Bayfield Treatment Center, the Therapeutic Family Center, and the Children’s Aid Society, supporting both children and families.
She joined the Belleville Montessori community in 2023 as a classroom assistant, bringing a strong background in child development, empathy, and family support. Her professional experience and compassionate nature contribute greatly to the school’s nurturing and inclusive environment.
