Staff
Making Roots Montessori School evolved from a dream, a vision, and a desire for a wonderful learning environment for children. Megan Turner turned that dream into a reality. She carries with her over 13 years of experience coupled with a broad range of early childhood learning and care. Her search for superior, engaging and nurturing child care for her own child led to the opening of Making Roots Montessori Centre Inc.
Megan Turner, Founder / Director / Teacher Guide
Megan Turner is a MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education) accredited teacher with extensive experience in early speech, literacy, and language development strategy. She has also taught and implemented English as an additional language program overseas. She was the Program Director of the Graffiti Art Program Inc. for four years, where she developed curriculum, worked with artists and instructors, and worked as a mentor, while overseeing several other administrative tasks. Her passion for arts therapy is also reflected in her private consulting business “outside the lines” which empowers children to use art as a tool to express themselves and develop a pride in their heritage. She has been trained in the Abecedarian approach which encompasses teaching and learning enrichment strategies for use in early childhood education settings. Megan also was involved in overseeing over 125 volunteers with Frontier College which focused on early literacy.
Megan has a spirited young son who has taught her many life lessons. He is the centre of her world and her inspiration for developing a superior child care environment at Making Roots.
Sylviane Picyk, French Montessori Teacher Guide, French Kindergarten Teacher Guide and Yoga Instructor
Mme. Sylviane moved from France 9 years ago. She had worked in Europe as a school assistant and a Physical Education Teacher over the years. She enjoys outdoor, nature and sports. She has a University degree in French language and a Degree in physical education. Since moving to Canada she worked in a French Childcare. Shortly before joining Making Roots she was employed as a French resource coordinator for the Winnipeg French community.
She accomplished her NAMC diploma as well as a diploma in Yoga for children. At MakingRoots Mme. Sylviane provide the Montessori curriculum in French as well, as our French Immersion kindergarten program.
Vivienne Nickerson, Assistant Director
Ms. Vivienne has an extensive background in working with children and families and a varied education, with two certificates in Montessori Teacher-Training for the Pre-School and the Infants/Toddlers level. She is currently completing studies in Early Childhood Education. With interests in the brain development of young children and attachment theory, Ms. Vivienne is inspired by Dr. Montessori's philosophy that fosters learning and growing while celebrating the independence and capabilities of young children. Ms. Vivienne delights in her three adult children and three grandchildren, and enjoys backcountry canoeing, traveling and cooking.
Deepa Dhakal, Montessori Teacher Guide in Training / Child Care Assistant
Ms. Deepa is a Registered Nurse and Child Care Assistant of Nepal. She completed her nursing degree in 2012, and after working for 4 years in a government hospital, she decided to pursue her career in the child-care sector. Her experience in caring and medicating children at the hospital has increased her passion for engaging in the local Montessori academy. She has gained extensive work experience as a Child Care Assistant before coming to Canada. Ms. Deepa has completed a CCA 40 hours course from Assiniboine Community College and is currently enrolled with NAMC to complete her Diploma as a Montessori teacher. Ms. Deepa is an ambitious and self-motivated person. She loves the challenges of working with a diverse team of people and children. She loves traveling, outdoor activities, and doing community service. She is delighted to be a part of the Making Roots family.
Julia Reyes, Child Care Assistant
Ms. Julia is very excited to join the Making Roots team! Her passion for teaching led her to receive Montessori Infant/Toddler Teacher Training, a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba, and an Early Childhood Educator II classification. Ms. Julia has over 25 years of experience working with children of all ages. Throughout all these years of experience, her passion and love for working with children continues to grow. Ms. Julia finds it rewarding to see a child learn, practice, and master a skill, and she strongly believes that children deserve a healthy, safe, caring, positive, and stimulating environment in which to learn and grow. She aims to provide diverse opportunities that allow children to grow and develop into their fullest potential.
In her spare time, Ms. Julia loves to read, cook, walk, and spend time with her beautiful family and friends.
Becca Peterson, Child Care Assistant
Ms. Becca has over 10 years of work & volunteer experiences working with children of all ages. Since high school she has known that child care was her passion and what she wanted to do as a career. Ms. Becca loves being outside and in nature. She spent 4.5 years in a very small town in Northern Ontario working as an EA where she had the opportunity to expand her skills and confidence by working with children with varied learning disabilities. She has spent the last 5 years as a Child Care Assistant here in her hometown of Winnipeg. Ms. Becca takes pride in helping children build confidence in their ability to strive and achieve both academically and socially. Ms. Becca likes spending her free time singing off-key, baking & spending time at the cabin ! Her most favourite things are her rescue pup Wren, her fiancé, her family, donuts, dill pickles, random dance parties and all things Disney!
Beenam Arora, Teacher Assistant
Ms. Beenam joined Making Roots in the fall of 2021. She completed a two-year course in Early Childhood Education in Quebec prior to moving to Winnipeg. Ms. Beenam’s passion for working with young children is apparent in her interactions with each individual child. She believes that each child is unique, and therefore each learns and thrives at their own pace and in their own way. Watching children grow fills her heart with love and joy. She is very happy to be a part of the Making Roots team and feels very fortunate to work alongside such dedicated and warm-hearted teachers.