Meet our Teachers
One of Riverview Montessori’s strongest assets is its highly qualified, dedicated, and caring staff. Parents consistently praise Riverview Montessori staff on their efforts and positive contributions to their childrens’ lives. Riverview Montessori has trained, experienced staff, and all teachers have their Montessori Teacher diploma.
Diamond Bernier
Director
Diamond received her ECE II from Lethbridge College in 2013, and her ECE III from Assiniboine College in 2016. She has worked in the childcare field for over 15 years, with all age groups – infants to school age. She has a great love for children, enjoys watching them grow and develop, being an advocate for their needs. She has transitioned to the office to continue supporting not only children, but their families as well. She enjoys joining the children outside and engaging them in gross motor activities, such as playing tag or acting out story books.
Diamond attended Montessori, herself, as a child, and has fond memories of the program. She is excited to experience it from the teacher’s perspective, and dive into more Montessori training.
Diamond has experience working in the office, as well as opening other childcare centres from scratch. She is excited to continue her journey in Childhood Education here at Riverview Montessori, while getting to know each and every member of the Riverview Montessori Community.
Julianna Borkowsky
Montessori Teacher
Julianna attended the University of Winnipeg and obtained her Bachelor of Arts and Education degrees with a focus on the Early/Middle years. While completing this program summers were spent working at a childcare centre as a summer staff. Working there each summer cemented her love of working with young children.
Upon completion of her degrees in 2008, Julianna continued working at the same childcare centre full time and continued her education as well, receiving her early childhood education qualification. She had many different roles while there; childcare assistant, early childhood educator II, floor supervisor and assistant director.
In 2020 she decided to make a change and take on a new role here at Riverview Montessori and joined the team and is leading the Physical Literacy and Healthy Living Program. She is continuing to grow roots here at Riverview and continuing her Education by obtaining her Montessori diploma.
Isuru Galathara
Montessori Teacher
Isuru received her AMI Montessori Diploma in 2005 after studying for two years at Association Montessori International (AMI), Good Shepard Maria Montessori Training Center, Sri Lanka. After completing her diploma she worked as an assistant to the AMI Trainers for 5 years at the training centre assisting with practice supervision and correction of album work while working at a leading Montessori school in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Isuru worked in two leading Montessori schools in Winnipeg as a Montessori teacher prior to joining Riverview Montessori in 2016.
Elena Kostarelli
Montessori Teacher
Elena has a true passion for education. She has started her career as an English as a Second Language Teacher for students of all ages in Greece.
She then joined a position as a Teacher Assistant with a Recreation Facility, where youth with special needs and/or disabilities are accommodated, engaged, and entertained. Elena assisted in teaching children of various skills through engaging them in crafts and recreational activities.
Elena moved to Canada (Winnipeg) in 2017 and has since worked at Montessori Centres, assisting children in implementing the Montessori Philosophy and enjoying every single moment watching them grow, develop their skills, and explore their potential. Being able to be a part of a child’s development and growth process is a priceless asset for Elena, who strongly believes that when teaching a child, the teacher is simultaneously being taught through out the process as she gets valuable and admirable knowledge.
Elena is thrilled by the amount of independence and confidence being fostered in every student following the Montessori method. That thrilling feeling satisfied her so much that in 2021 she acquired her Montessori Diploma.
Along with her teaching background studies, Elena holds a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Business Administration ad Finance and she is also aspiring to complete her ECE II studies in the near future.
Elena enjoys spending valuable time with her husband and her baby girl -15 years old-(!), cooking, listening to music and spending time with friends.
Annelise Pedersen
Kindergarten Teacher
Annelise graduated with a B.A. in 2002 and a B.ed from the University of Manitoba in 2004. She has also completed her Montessori Diploma and is the Kindergarten Principal. Annelise has worked with students of all ages and backgrounds. It was when her own children, now 14 and 9 attended Riverview Montessori that she came to appreciate the educational benefits of the Montessori methods and strong learning foundation it provides. After volunteering at Riverview Montessori over the years, she was excited to the join the team as the Kindergarten teacher in 2019. Annelise strives to provide a caring atmosphere that gives students the freedom to be curious and explore, while creating a positive and memorable experience for children.
Regina Avila Alamilla
Ms. Regina received her Bachelors from the University of Manitoba in 2023. She is a CCA with childcare experience of over 3 years. She has volunteered with children since she was 14 years old.
Ms. Regina has experience working with kids of all backgrounds and is passionate about inclusion work. It is important for her that every child has the opportunity and support they need to thrive.
She believes that the Montessori philosophy has a lot to offer young minds and is committed to implementing it.
Dionne Nepinak
Dionne is an ECE and has over 15 years of experience in the childcare profession.
Her life has been enriched in countless ways by learning all about the cultures and traditions of the numerous children, families, and colleagues she has worked with over the years. Before entering the field of early childhood education, Dionne gained a generous amount of life experience by working in a wide variety of occupations including library technician, medical records clerk, and computer graphics assistant.
Life-long learning is a passion for her. She reads widely and attends seminars and workshops to continue to stay abreast of new developments and trends in early education.
Dionne is very excited to join the team at Riverview Montessori and lend her support to both the staff and children as they grow and learn together.
Amanda Zhang
Inclusion Facilitator
Amanda brings a unique blend of educational qualifications. She holds a degree in accounting, showcasing her commitment to precision and attention to detail. She also holds a Master’s degree in English Interpreting and Translation (to Mandarin). Amanda has always loved connecting to the world of English through school, movies, television shows, books, and songs.
Amanda’s journey into the world of Montessori education began with a heartwarming experience at the École Riverview School Lunch Program. There, she discovered her love for nurturing young minds and found much joy in her interactions with the children. The journey to Riverview Montessori is a testament to her unwavering commitment to supporting children’s growth and well-being.
She’s looking forward to partnering with her team members and contributing to the growth and development of our children.