Meet our Founders!
Demetra Hajidiacos
M.Ed., B.Ed., B.A. Hons, ECE III, Certified Montessori Teacher (NAMC)
Demetra grew up in Charleswood and has a Master's Degree in Education (Curriculum, Teaching and Learning) and a passion for helping children meet their fullest potential. In addition to having 20+ years of experience as an educator, Demetra is a published author who has freelanced for the CBC Radio, the Winnipeg Sun and the Winnipeg Free Press where she was at one point the weekly parenting columnist. Demetra enjoys talking with students on her visits to The Prep where she oversees our enriched curriculum and talented staff. Her office is located across the hall at Autism Learning Centre, also owned by Demetra and Leanne, where she works as an Education Consultant. In addition to being a certified Manitoba school teacher, Demetra is a certified Early Childhood Montessori Teacher, and an Early Childhood Educator (ECE III).
Leanne DeRuyck
Ph.D. Student (Child Development), ASD Cert., B.A. Adv.
Leanne is an Autism Specialist trained in the United States and has nearly two decades of experience working with children of all abilities. Leanne holds an Advanced Psychology degree from the University of Manitoba and is currently working towards completing her Ph.D. in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities at ICDL Graduate School in Maryland, USA. In addition to being an experienced Early Childhood Specialist, Leanne is an experienced business owner who oversees all the business affairs at The Prep Montessori Daycare, The Prep Tutoring Academy and Autism Learning Centre. As a proud resident of Charleswood, Leanne is enthusiastic about bringing exceptional childcare to her community.
Meet our Executive Director!
Angela Fry
AMS & MACTE Certified Montessori Teacher
Angela has an extensive Montessori education background and years of experience working in an administrative role in the field of Early Childhood Education. Angela has worked as a Head Teacher in both toddler and preschool Montessori classrooms and competently and compassionately oversees all the day to day business of The Prep Montessori Daycare and The Prep Tutoring Academy.
Angela is passionate about her work with parents, staff and students at The Prep, leading by example and using the Montessori philosophy in an authentic way. Angela believes that Montessori is an educational philosophy that extends beyond the classroom and leads to lifelong learning.