Meet our leadership team

With over 20 years of experience in the education field, Mrs. Schewske is an operational leader dedicated to creating school environments where students feel empowered, heard, and supported. Her focus is on providing meaningful opportunities for students to advocate for themselves, build strong communication skills, and take an active role in their school community.​

She is passionate about  educating the whole child, nurturing academic growth, supporting emotional well-being, and fostering confidence through athletics, leadership, and everyday interactions. By maintaining an open-door approach and giving students a genuine voice, she strives to equip them with the tools they need early on to navigate life with resilience, empathy, and purpose.

Ms. Debra Falcone is a dedicated and compassionate school leader who is deeply committed to the academic and personal growth of every student at Rowntree Montessori Schools. As Assistant Head of School and with her previous experience as a Teacher, Middle Leader, and Dean of Students, she brings a deep understanding of the Rowntree community.

Her warm approach and strong communication skills help foster confidence, independence and a love of learning in every child. Before entering the education field, Ms. Falcone gained valuable professional experience in the corporate technology sector.​

Whether helping a student overcome a challenge, supporting a teacher or partnering with families, Ms. Falcone is focused on creating a safe, supportive and enriching school experience. She is passionate about cultivating an environment where every child feels valued, encouraged and inspired to do their best. ​

Ms. Tihak, Director of Education at Rowntree Montessori Schools, brings over 15 years of experience in education, including service as a school principal. In her role, Ms. Tihak helps align curriculum and assessment with Rowntree’s vision and Learning Pillars, supports student learning and well-being, coaches teaching teams, and ensures that day-to-day programs and routines are closely connected to clearly defined learning goals.​

Guided by a whole-child approach, Ms. Tihak helps lead a program that blends Montessori-influenced principles with innovative, evidence-informed instruction, fostering both strong academic achievement and positive character development. Rowntree Montessori Schools fosters the growth of confident, compassionate, and responsible global citizens through clear learning goals, high-impact teaching practices, and classroom cultures that balance high expectations with warmth and care. Working in close partnership with families and in alignment with Rowntree’s Learning Pillars, Ms. Tihak helps support the vision of every student growing as a successful, well-rounded learner.​

With 26 years of classroom experience across Sri Lanka and Canada, and four years in leadership focused on Teaching and Learning, Sonali Abey is committed to placing student learning at the centre of every initiative. Her work is driven by a deep passion for developing effective, reflective, and future-ready 21st-century educators who can inspire students to reach their fullest potential.​

An advocate for environmental stewardship, Sonali strives to instill in students a lifelong love for nature and a strong understanding of sustainability. Her philosophy is guided by a quote from the late Jane Goodall, which serves as a daily reminder of the purpose and impact of her work:​
 “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”​

Shalousha has been part of Rowntree Montessori Schools for over seven years, beginning her career as a Grade 3 teacher before transitioning into Admissions. As a parent of two Rowntree students, she brings both professional and personal insight into what families value most—a caring, supportive community, meaningful connections, and a love of learning. Her classroom experience allows her to understand students’ needs firsthand, while her parent perspective strengthens her ability to guide families thoughtfully through their educational journey.​

Now serving as Director of Admissions, Shalousha is passionate about creating welcoming and informative experiences for every family. She believes that children can reach their dreams when provided with a safe, stimulating learning environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Shalousha works hard to ensure each family feels supported, connected, and empowered as they become part of the Rowntree community.​

Shalousha’s dedication to nurturing students’ growth, combined with her deep understanding of Rowntree’s culture and values, makes her a trusted partner for families and an advocate for each child’s success.

Glyn Evans is the Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Social-Emotional Lead at Rowntree Montessori Schools. In these roles, Glyn Evans focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students, implementing adaptive approaches to meet individual needs, and promoting positive behaviour and social-emotional growth.​

Before taking on these roles, Glyn Evans contributed to the Rowntree community as a Music Teacher. Prior to joining Rowntree, he gained experience in the UK as a classroom teacher, Additional Learning Needs Coordinator, and member of Senior Leadership.

Glyn Evans holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and a Master’s degree in Psychological Sciences. Over 8 years in education, Glyn Evans has developed a strong understanding of supporting diverse learners and fostering environments where students can thrive academically and personally.​

Glyn Evans places a strong focus on building positive relationships with students and is available to speak with them regarding any concerns or challenges, supporting them to build confidence, resilience, and the skills needed to become compassionate, capable leaders.

Mrs. Singh-Bowen is a passionate educator with over 38 years of teaching experience, including 28 at Rowntree Montessori School and 10 in Jamaica. She teaches Grade 7 and 8 Math and Science, making learning engaging, fun, and connected to the real world. Beyond the classroom, she organizes school events and serves as SCHILO for International Learning Opportunities, inspiring students and staff with her love for global connections. She looks forward to coming to school every day and sharing her enthusiasm for learning.

Ms. Botelho joined Rowntree Montessori as an Administrative Assistant, bringing with her a warm, student-centered approach and a strong commitment to supporting the day-to-day operations of the school. As one of the friendly faces students see each day, Ms. Botelho plays an important role in shaping the welcoming and positive atmosphere that defines the Rowntree community.​

As an Administrative Assistant, Ms. Botelho contributes to the smooth functioning of the school through her organization, attention to detail, and dedication to creating an efficient and supportive environment for all students, staff, and families. Her approachable nature, kindness, and genuine passion for working with students make her an integral part of the school community.​

Ms. Botelho is excited to continue growing within Rowntree, strengthening her connections with students, and contributing to a school experience where all families and students feel welcomed, valued, and supported throughout.

Henry is the Tech Manager at Rowntree Montessori Schools, bringing over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology sector. Throughout his career, he has held diverse roles across both the Public and Private sectors, equipping him with a wealth of knowledge in navigating the rapidly changing digital landscape. Henry is deeply committed to ensuring that RMS not only meets but exceeds the technology needs of today’s evolving educational environment.​

In addition to his extensive IT expertise, Henry holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo. His passion for sustainability and improving the world around him extends beyond his professional life, inspiring him to impart this ethos to the students he works with at RMS—encouraging them to make a positive impact, one step at a time.