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 Urzinger
Owner/Montessori Guide/Administrator
Born in Vancouver but deeply connected to her family’s roots in Marseille (South of France), Miss Eloïse is a native French speaker who brings a rich cultural perspective to her work.
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 trained Guide in 2020. Eloïse also completed her ECE-IT in 2022.
Edith Saurina, her mom, is the founder and owner of Le Soleil Montessori School (1997). Miss Eloïse is very proud of her mother and all of her accomplishments.
Outside of the classroom, she is an avid cook and baker who enjoys sharing her culinary creations with her husband and her community, and she is very excited to bring this love into the environment for the children and parents. She also loves travelling and going for long adventures with her dog Otto.
Janice Huang
First Assistant
Miss Yu-Hui Huang began her Montessori journey in November 2021, earning her AMI 3-6 Montessori Assistant Certificate followed by her 0-3 Montessori Assistant Certificate in June 2022 from the Montessori Training Centre of Taipei.
While she is a relative newcomer to the field, she holds a deep conviction that the Montessori approach is the most effective way to educate children and contribute to a brighter future. She believes that every child arrives with a pure soul and that adults must be carefully prepared to guide and assist them during their most crucial developmental years.
Originally from Taiwan, Miss Janice moved to Canada in 2016 and is fluent in Mandarin and Taiwanese. Before transitioning to early childhood education, she was a professional drumming performer and instructor, traveling the world with a percussion group and teaching students ranging from elementary school to university.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing the ukulele, gardening, sewing, and creating handmade crafts to share love with those around her.
Ayane Akita
Second Assistant
Originally from Japan, Miss Ayane Akita’s passion for childcare began at home, where she discovered her love for nurturing others while helping raise her three siblings. This early experience blossomed into a dedicated career in Early Childhood Education, backed by over eight years of experience working with children from ten months old through elementary school.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in ECE in 2022 and her Infant-Toddler certification in 2025, she has refined a teaching style defined by patience, responsibility, and a deep commitment to truly listening to the children in her care. Ayane finds great joy in the collaborative nature of her work, frequently engaging with parents and colleagues to discuss and support each child’s unique upbringing.
Outside of her professional life at Le Soleil Montessori Infant Community, she is a creative spirit who enjoys cooking, drawing, sewing, and baking—especially her signature cinnamon buns.