Kind Words From our Little Community
During a year when it has been difficult to have confidence or certainty about much, Winnie has enabled us to have confidence in ourselves as educators and as parents. She helped us create a space where our children feel control and comfort in their work environment, and she helped create a learning routine which provides stability to them and to us. Through her mentorship, we learned to see the relationship between our two children (aged 2 and 5) offer opportunities for collaborative learning where we previously saw obstacles and frustration. We were encouraged and guided to look at the characteristics of each child’s individual way of learning. Through journaling and sessions with Winnie we re-directed our focus to allow these characteristics to lead their approach to learning.
She also supported our strong desire to engage our children with the world as critical thinkers and caring citizens. As our children saw small examples of empathy and symbiotic relationships in family and nature, we could extrapolate to have larger conversations about the wider world. I was always excited to share some of these connections, realizing that the best learning happens when we all learn together.
I wholeheartedly recommend Sanstorm to anyone looking for help with homeschooling or incorporating Montessori-based learning into their parenting. I am grateful for the many ways our family has learned to learn together this year with the help of Sanstorm’s expertise and guidance.
Stephan & Desiree
Halifax, Nova Scotia
We were overwhelmed by the idea of homeschooling our two children with the uncertainty of the pandemic. We contacted Sanstorm and spoke to Winnie and she was a breath of fresh air - calm, gentle in conversation and guided us as much as we needed to be. She spoke wonderful affirming words, checked in regularly with us, and guided us through every single emotion that we felt. Our children were happy with the space we created and the curriculum we implemented. We were sad when our children had to go back to in-person school but feel confident that with Winnie's guidance, we planted seeds that will benefit our children for the rest of their lives..
K & Willliam
Hamilton, Ontario
My partner and I first met Winnie when she was working as our son’s first preschool teacher. At the time she had developed and was running a well equipped, beautifully prepared Montessori environment for young children. To say we were fortunate to know her is an understatement. Winnie is a phenomenal educator who uses her knowledge and passion to create calm, welcoming spaces that cater to each child’s developmental needs. Her kindness with the children is unparalleled and our son came away from the experience a gentler human. The times we were invited to observe in the classroom always felt like taking a deep breath; beautiful music playing, incredible materials and a calm and kind presence from Winnie herself. From the moment we met her we trusted her implicitly and we are so grateful for her influence in our child’s first away from home experience.
Katie & César
GHTA, Ontario
I don't have the words to describe how amazing it was to have my child in an environment that Winnie created. It was calm, inviting, warm and caters to the exact need of my child and to the other children. As a parent, once I entered the room, I didn't want to leave. The best part is I was able to mimic a similar layout in the home that allowed a consistency for my child. She guided me through the setting up process and was kind enough to follow up on how it was working out.
I would recommend Winnie to anyone and everyone I know, she truly is the best.
Julia
Etobicoke, Ontario
I worked with Winnie for several years and I learned so much from her. Winnie created a welcoming classroom environment that children were able to thrive and grow. Her bright personality always shown through as she shared her joy of learning with the children. She observed each child and adapted the classroom to their needs. Winnie created curriculum that supported each child’s development. The classroom would shift and change as needed to ensure the children were able to explore and grow at their own pace. Winnie had an open line of communication with parents that was receptive to their concerns. She worked alongside parents to help create a home environment that was an extension of the classroom. Winnie believes in equal opportunity learning, where every child is given the tools they need to flourish.
Raising Wonders is the embodiment of Winnie’s dedication to help every child thrive. Her dedication to elevating children’s voices and supporting families is evident in all she does. It has been a privilege to work alongside her.
Em N.
Hamilton, Ontario
I worked with Winnie and watched her transform a Toddler room into an oasis. Winnie is always calm, I've never seen her mad, raise her voice nor lose any of her composure around anyone. Her vibrant personality flows well with parents and children alike; she is well loved in every environment where she steps her feet. Underneath all of that bubbly personality, she is also assertive. I've watched her advocate for the children and the staff around her because at the end of the day she wants the best for everyone around her. What she has created with Sanstorm is innovative, and I know that many families will have an alternative option to the resources that are only made available to a specific group of people.
Angelika M.
Burlington, Ontario
Winnie was the secret to the success of the Toddler classroom. Now the secret is out and there is no telling how much of an impact this will make, excited to watch this journey in action.
Lauren C.
Hamilton, Ontario