erin@selkirkmontessori.ca
250-384-3414
Erin Hayes is the Head of School at Selkirk Montessori. She enjoys watching every child in the school develop a love for learning and she’s passionate about helping all students reach their full potential. Erin is fully committed to the values and concepts underpinning Montessori education. She has a strong grasp of current educational realities and she’s motivated by finding strategies to ensure that children thrive, treat each other with grace and courtesy, gain confidence and embrace independence.
Erin loves working with educators and encourages professional development that inspires them to create a classroom environment that is respectful, inclusive, interactive and fun. Erin first came to Selkirk Montessori as a practicum student from the University of Victoria and joined the staff after earning her teaching degree. Erin now holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and has worked with every group from Preschool-Kindergarten to the senior class.
When Erin isn’t at the school, she enjoys spending time with her family and reading everything she can get her hands on about education.
penny@selkirkmontessori.ca
250-384-3414
Penny Barner is our Executive Director. She was a parent in the school and chair of the board of directors in January 1998 when the former administrator, Karen Colussi, was dying of cancer. Karen told her in no uncertain terms that she was going to take over the administrative functions of the school. With a background in public relations, office management and finance, it was a pretty good fit. For over 25 years, Penny has taken great pleasure in meeting the needs of children and families and supporting our outstanding teachers and staff in their vital work.
When not working, Penny can be seen cycling around the many beautiful trails in Greater Victoria.
accounting@selkirkmontessori.ca
250-384-3414
Sara McCormick is our Accounting Administrator while Trudy Tuele is off on an extended medical leave. She has many years experience working in accounting and office administration at a variety of offices in Victoria. She has a daughter who just began swimming competitively. Sara recently finished an anthropology degree and also loves to garden, hike and travel.
aminassist@selkirkmontessori.ca
250-384-3414
Erin Magnus is our Administrative Assistant. Erin worked in the office about seven years ago we were so sad to see her go we brought her back! She has had two childred graduate from Selkirk and one still to complete his studies in 2024. Her hobbies include writing, swimming off the dock in the Gorge and reading poetry.
reception@selkirkmontessori.ca
250-384-3414
Stephanie Casles is our new receptionist and a wonderful addition to the administration team. She is the first voice you hear on the phone and the first face you see when you come to the office. Stephanie has a son in Victoria, which is what drew her and her partner to up stakes in Alberta and head to the west coast. She is an animal lover and currently has a cat named Pedro.