About Us

Our Management team

Aliya Khakhi

Owner and Founder

Aliya graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a degree in Business, majoring in Human Resources and Industrial Relations. Aliya worked for a few years in this field gaining tremendous management experience and expertise. Aliya is married and has two sons and 1 daughter. Iliyan, Aryan and Saphira who have all been through the Montessori program. Children and their education have always been her passion from a very young age. She wanted to provide educational services with quality materials and an environment to thrive in. It was at this time that Aliya received a diploma as a trained Montessori teacher through the North American Montessori Centre due to the strong belief in the Montessori philosophy and understood the importance the first few years of a child’s life really are important. Aliya has seen first-hand the results of Montessori and education at young age. It is vital that children have the opportunity to seek education and be well rounded individuals. Early childhood education is becoming a necessity in our world and the results prove how vital it is for children to have a good start and make connections in their brain at such a rapid rate from age 2-6 years of age. She has brought her life’s work and love to Zebra Crossing Montessori and offers what has not been done before. Zebra Crossing Montessori is unique and has an edge over any child care facility in Calgary. It really sets a new standard in this industry. Children are our future and legacy; they deserve nothing but the best.

Marisela Rodriguez

Program Director

As a dedicated educator with a passion for empowering students through innovative educational programs, Mrs. Marisela brings a unique perspective to our Montessori community. She grew up in Mexico City and moved to Canada 13 years ago. With a vast background in Marketing and Administration and after spending some years in the corporate sector back home, where she honed her skills in implementing systems, and leading teams through collaboration; she made the transition to the education sector.

Her career in the Montessori environment started 16 years ago, in a prestigious Montessori school in Cuernavaca, Mexico as an administrator. Mrs. Marisela started working at Zebra Crossing in 2014 as a Spanish teacher, with a love for teaching and sharing her experiences as well as her cultural background with children.

When reflecting on how she feels about her position at Zebra Crossing Academy she states “I have the pleasure of working with the wonderful staff in our Montessori community and I am delighted to share this adventure with such a skilled team.”

Nahla Abdelfattah

Curriculum Coordinator

My name is Nahla Abdelfattah. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Ain Shams University, which I earned in 2002. Later, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Education from UFC, graduating in 2020. In 2022, I completed an Early Childhood Montessori Diploma from MTC, and I recently earned my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2023.

I have had the privilege of working as a Math and Science teacher at NAIS in the EGYPT from 2002 to 2007. Following this, I worked as a grade 1 homeroom teacher in the UAE from 2009 to 2017 in AIS and Next generation school .In early 2017, I moved to Canada, where I continued my education by earning another Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Montessori Diploma, and eventually my Master’s degree.

I am passionate about early childhood education and love working with children. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, shopping, and watching movies.

Shivleen Dhaliwal

Program Supervisor Panorama Hills

My name is Shivleen Dhaliwal and I am proud to be a part of Zebra Crossing Academy!! I am from Calgary, received a Level 3 Early Childhood Education from the Bow Valley College, and my Montessori Diploma from Montessori Teacher’s College. I am also certified with Accounting and Payroll Administration. I started in 2021 at Zebra Crossing Academy.

I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners!! As a Program Director, I help for a smooth functioning and program helping educators in child’s progress in all areas of their developmental areas – academic, social, language, and motor – and be a part of this challenge that I am honoured to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment.

Personally, I have been married since 2015 and have an amazing partner. We love to go for nature exploration! I also enjoy reading, cooking, music, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

I look foward to working together with you as partners in your child growth and development!!

Ramanik Kaur

Program Supervisor Mahogany

With a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Studies from Toronto, Ontario, and three years of management experience in the childcare industry, I am proud to serve as the Program Supervisor at Zebra Crossing Academy Mahogany. I am dedicated to creating a positive, nurturing, and engaging environment for the children and staff at our center.

I have always been passionate about early childhood education, recognizing the importance of fostering young minds during their most formative years. I strongly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in a space that encourages curiosity and confidence. “The best way to shape the future is to empower children today,” is a philosophy that guides my work every day.

As a supervisor, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of care, ensuring that every child feels supported, and that our team of educators is equipped with the tools they need to succeed. My goal is to provide a safe and stimulating environment where children can build the foundation for a lifetime of learning

RJ Castillo

Admissions Coordinator and Assistant Supervisor

American author Judy Blume famously said, “Our fingerprints don’t fade from the lives we touch.” I am really passionate about everything I do because I want to have a positive impact on everyone, and this quote fulfills a fantastic purpose for me. I firmly think that living your own life with meaning is the best way to positively impact someone else’s.

I have a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree and was born and raised in the Philippines. I relocated to Canada in 2014, and because I think education is important, I finished my diploma in cybersecurity here.

Throughout my life, I have worked in a variety of businesses, but life constantly draws me back to my profession as an educator. As such, I am committed to improving the development of children since doing so enables them to become better global citizens. I believe that the person they end up being is a direct result of the diligent work you did as their teacher when they were younger.