Head Directress – Martha Thomson, B.A., A.M.I.

Martha (Dinsdale) Thomson is a Montessori Directress who has been teaching since 1992.  Martha brings with her a wealth of Montessori philosophy as well as years of experience running her own classroom. Martha focuses on the individual needs of the children in her classroom, guiding them as they strive to navigate their own world. A native of Kingston, Martha was a competitive figure skater growing up, who went on to coach skating in her late teens and throughout her University years.

Martha graduated from Queen’s University in 1988 with a B.A. in English.  While traveling through Europe, Martha visited a Montessori school in Paris, France and instantly became smitten with this method of teaching.  Upon returning home, Martha enrolled in the Casa training program at The Foundation for Montessori Education in Toronto, and was privileged to be under the tutelage of Mrs. Renilde Montessori (Maria Montessori’s granddaughter).  Martha obtained her Association Montessori Internationale Casa degree from the Foundation in 1992.  Before teaching in Kingston, Martha taught in Perth Ontario. After getting married, Martha moved back to Kingston and she has been teaching here ever since.  In 2001, Martha started her own Professional Organizing business and still manages to find time for clients when she is not teaching.  When Martha is not at home with her husband, daughter and very energetic dog, she enjoys traveling, spending time at her cottage, organizing herself and others, walking, reading, hiking, yoga and working out at her favourite gym.

Montessori Directress – Kate Spinelli

After receiving her B.A. from Bishop’s University in 2002, Kate spent a year working as a Montessori Teaching Assistant in California. She became passionate about Montessori education and graduated with an AMI Casa diploma in 2004 from the Foundation for Montessori Education in Toronto. Kate then returned to Kingston to begin her career and remained here for two years, completing the Infant and Toddler program from the North American Montessori Training Centre during that time. She was then bitten by the travel bug, and in 2006 Kate left Kingston to fulfill her lifelong dream of spending a year abroad. She landed first in Australia and then Thailand, eventually returning to her native Kingston with a back pocket full of valuable experiences that she not only brings to the classroom but to her own life each day.

Outside of the classroom, Kate enjoys skating and has her Level 1 Coaching certificate, reading, hiking with her dog, spending time with her friends and family and dreaming about travels to far off places. She is thrilled to join the KTS family and looks forward to an exciting year ahead!

Theresa Jones – Montessori Assistant

Theresa moved to Kingston from Germany after growing up in a Military family. She has pursued a variety of careers and has a diverse educational background.

Theresa’s first introduction to Maria Montessori’s philosophy of education began when she enrolled her daughters in a Casa classroom. Theresa was so impressed with the pedagogy that she wanted to become involved with the children’s school. As a stay at home mom, Theresa had time to devote and became the chef extraordinaire and play yard supervisor.

Theresa has been with King’s Town School for the past five years in the role of Teaching Assistant and brings with her a wealth of knowledge about the Montessori classroom. Theresa’s warm and kind nature is a great asset to her daily life here at KTS. When Theresa is not spending time with the children in the classroom, she is involved with after school programs such as the cooking and craft clubs, and in the summer of 2010 she completed the Assistant’s Training Program in Toronto at The Foundation for Montessori Education to further her Montessori knowledge.

Theresa enjoys travelling, reading, writing, walking, creating jewellery and spending time with her husband, three daughters and granddaughter.

Katrina Ivatt – Montessori Assistant

Katrina spent her childhood years living in the Cobourg area, where her family still resides today. She is the oldest of three children, with a younger sister and brother.

Upon completion of high school, Katrina attended the University of Guelph where she studied Psychology, Geography and English. While in University, Katrina was active in undergraduate student life. She spent a year as a Residence Assistant and an additional year as an elected representative on her undergraduate student government representing all undergraduate students. Throughout her working life, Katrina has held numerous positions working with children of all ages from infancy to adolescence.

Katrina moved to Kingston in 2004, and has been an employee at King’s Town School since September 2006. During the first three years of her employment, Katrina coordinated the After School Program, March Break and Summer Camp programs, as well as filling in on a supply basis. She became a full-time member of staff in September 2009 as an Assistant in the Montessori class.

During her free time, Katrina enjoys reading, sports, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. She has a genuine love of learning, and in the summer of 2010 she furthered her Montessori knowledge by completing the Assistant’s Training Program in Toronto at The Foundation for Montessori Education.