Administrative Staff

Jennifer Daynard, Acting Principal

Jennifer Daynard has demonstrated her commitment to the Muskoka Montessori School through a variety of roles since 2001: as a teacher, mentor, board member, principal and parent. Jennifer graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honours Bachelor of Arts majoring in political science, history and co-operative education. With more than 20 years of teaching experience, she holds Casa and Elementary diplomas from the Toronto Montessori Institute and additional courses for teaching Erdkinder. Jennifer has taught every level and several specialty positions including Casa, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Erdkinder, French and creative writing. Her two teen-aged daughters attended the Muskoka Montessori School from age 3 through their Grade 8 graduation. Jennifer has been a member of the board of directors since 2011 and is currently the board’s Chairperson. Jennifer worked as principal from 2018 to August 2021. She has returned to the principal position for the 2022-2023 school year.

Julie Freeborn, Principal

Julie holds Elementary and Primary Teaching Diplomas from the Toronto Montessori Institute. She also holds a Masters Degree in Education Administration from the University of Toronto as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Combined Anthropology and Women’s Studies from McMaster University. Julie spent 5 years teaching in a Montessori environment in Beijing, China.

Judith Gottschalk, Administrative Assistant

Judith holds a Postgraduate Certificate of Education from The Open University, UK and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern European Studies from Loughborough University, UK. Judith taught English in France in 1980-81. She moved to Canada in 2005 and proudly became a Canadian citizen in 2011.