About Green Trails Montessori
Introduction
Green Trails Montessori is an established early learning organization with two dedicated centres serving families in Nanaimo and Surrey. Our Infant & Toddler Centre in Nanaimo offers a gentle, supportive beginning for our youngest learners, while our 3–5 Years Centre in Surrey provides a rich preschool program designed to build strong foundations for kindergarten and beyond.
With over a decade of experience and fully licensed educators at each location, Our centre combines Montessori principles with Reggio-inspired practices, creating a unique educational approach that balances structure with creativity. Our thoughtfully prepared environments encourage children to follow their interests, develop real-world skills, and build confidence through meaningful experiences and collaboration. At Green Trails Montessori, we take pride in being a supportive and connected community for families throughout their early learning journey.
Our Montessori Philosophy & Method
At Green Trails Montessori, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child is capable, curious, and full of potential. We honour each child’s individual pace of learning and create environments that empower them to make choices, explore independently, and develop confidence through hands-on experiences. Respect for the child guides how we speak, how we interact, and how we prepare each learning space, with educators serving as gentle guides rather than instructors.
Our approach blends authentic Montessori principles with Reggio Emilia–inspired exploration, allowing children to learn through purposeful activities while expressing themselves in many creative ways. This combination gives children both the structure they need to build foundational skills and the freedom to discover the “hundred languages” they use to communicate ideas, emotions, and imagination.
In our classrooms, learning is child-led and supported by experienced educators who serve as guides rather than instructors. Materials are arranged intentionally to invite curiosity, deepen concentration, and encourage problem-solving. Daily routines help children develop independence and self-help skills, while collaborative work fosters empathy and respect for others. Across our centres, we intentionally prepare spaces and routines that help children develop real-world skills, collaborate with peers, and form a genuine love of learning.
Across both our Nanaimo (Infant & Toddler) and Surrey (3–5 Years) centres, our method focuses on nurturing the whole child through:
- Practical Life Skills that build independence, coordination, and confidence
- Sensorial Exploration that sharpens observation and early logic
- Early Literacy & Numeracy grounded in concrete, hands-on materials
- Creative & Expressive Arts inspired by Reggio’s belief in multiple forms of expression
- Nature-based learning & community experiences that cultivate curiosity and belonging
By combining these elements, we create learning environments where children feel supported, inspired, and truly excited to discover the world around them.
Director’s message
Dear Families,
Thank you for considering Green Trails Montessori for your child’s early learning journey. For more then 20 years, I have had the privilege of working with children and supporting families through these important foundational years. With a background in Psychology and formal Montessori and ECE training, my goal has always been to create learning environments where children feel safe, respected, and genuinely excited to discover the world around them.
At our centres, we strive to create learning spaces where children feel confident, capable, and eager to engage with the world around them. Our educators bring patience, professionalism, and thoughtful guidance to every interaction, ensuring each child is truly seen and supported. We are committed to building a caring, communicative community where families feel welcomed, informed, and connected throughout their child’s time with us.
I am grateful for the trust families place in us and remain committed to offering an enriching, nurturing experience that lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We look forward to welcoming you into the Green Trails Montessori family.
Warmly,
Shazia Ansari
Director, Green Trails
Montessori
