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ABOUT US
Founder of Marigold Montessori
Meet Alison – With over 20 years of experience working with children, my passion for child-centered education began early. Attending an alternative school in Victoria that focused on curiosity, community, and following the child’s lead, helped me to curate my philosophy around how to approach the way children learn with joy.
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My journey has taken me around the world—teaching English in China, studying dance and photography in Mexico, and exploring the world from diverse cultures from South East Asia and Central and South America, to our own Indigenous communities on the West Coast.
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Back in Canada, I received my International Association of Progressive Montessori certification as a Montessori teacher for children 2.5-6 years old. I worked at Selkirk Montessori in Victoria for seven years as an Educational assistant, and later moved to Port Alberni with my family. I spent another seven years as an Educational assistant at a local First Nations school deepening my skills in diverse learning needs.
Seeing the need for early childhood education in our community, I pursued my Early Childhood Care and Education Certificate and refreshed my Montessori training. Now, I’m proud to open Marigold Montessori—a space where children are supported, valued, and inspired to grow.
I’m excited to welcome families in Port Alberni and begin this beautiful new chapter together
A future Feline Friend
At Marigold Montessori, we believe animals can play a meaningful role in children’s emotional development and sense of responsibility. It is our hope and dream to welcome a calm, friendly cat into our classroom as part of the Marigold family.
While we don’t have a cat just yet—due to ongoing renovations and planning—we’re thoughtfully considering how to introduce a classroom pet in a way that’s safe, gentle, and supportive for all children. Once the space is ready and the details are in place, we look forward to finding the right feline companion to bring warmth, comfort, and a little extra magic to our learning environment
The Journey
In 2024, we found a home that felt like more than just a house—it felt like the beginning of something special. With a dream of creating a nurturing, inspiring place for children to grow, we began the journey to bring Marigold Montessori School to life.
This home is zoned for commercial use, which means we’re able to transform the entire space into a purpose-built childcare centre. Every corner is being thoughtfully designed to support independence, creativity, and joyful learning—the heart of the Montessori philosophy.
Right now, we’re in the middle of renovations, turning vision into reality, and we’re excited to share the journey with you. From paint colours to play spaces, we're documenting every step on our Instagram and Facebook pages. We’d love for you to follow along and grow with us!
