About Us
In 2020, two dedicated Montessori educators came together to create The Peace Tree Montessori—a small, home-based school where children in the Ottawa West community could thrive, even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a rich, holistic Montessori Casa program, the school became a nurturing space where curiosity flourished and learning felt joyful.
After the pandemic, Ms. Ling Tian, the school's owner and director, envisioned something even greater—a learning space that could bring the benefits of Montessori education to more families in a way that fits their modern lives. This vision led to the creation of The Peace Tree Learning Center.
With a flexible, child-centered approach, we are dedicated to making Montessori education more accessible, empowering more children to grow with confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Our Philosophy
Our approach fosters curiosity, independence, and a deep love of learning, creating a strong foundation for lifelong success. We embrace the proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," building a supportive community where educators, parents, and children grow together. The name Peace Tree reflects our commitment to unity, cultural appreciation, and peace, empowering children to become compassionate, engaged global citizens.
At Peace Tree Learning Center, we believe Montessori education nurtures the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Mission
We make Montessori education more accessible by offering flexible, enriched learning programs that complement both homeschool and traditional education.
Our approach nurtures curiosity, independence, and a love of learning, empowering children to grow with confidence and respect for the world around them.
Vision
We envision a future where Montessori education is widely accessible, nurturing lifelong learners who are compassionate, engaged, and equipped to thrive in a diverse, ever-changing world.
Meet The Team
Ms. Ling Tian
Founder, Director, Teacher
Ms. Ling Tian is a certified Montessori educator with a diverse background in education, training, and professional experience across multiple fields.
Originally from China, Ms. Ling immigrated to Canada at the age of 19 and has lived in Kanata Ontario since 2000. She earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from University of Toronto and enjoyed the analytical side of research work before furthering her career in data-related technologies. While building her professional path, her strongest passion for children and education emerged and was further confirmed through her years as a stay-at-home mother and school volunteer. This led her to pursue Montessori teacher training and establish a small Montessori preschool in 2020 that supported families during the pandemic years.
Today, she leads The Peace Tree Learning Centre with a vision to make high-quality, child-centred education more accessible through flexible learning programs. She is dedicated to fostering curiosity, independence, and emotional well-being in children within a peaceful, respectful, and inclusive environment. Ms. Ling believes education is a shared responsibility between families and educators, working together to nurture compassionate, confident, and globally minded children.
Ms. Karen Doughan
Teacher
Ms. Karen Doughan is an experienced and dedicated educator who brings a thoughtful,
child-centred approach to her work at Peace Tree Learning Centre. With over a decade of teaching experience, she is committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where each child feels respected, heard, and supported.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education (Primary/Junior, magna cum laude) from the University of Ottawa, along with an Additional Qualification as a Reading Specialist. She is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers and is fully bilingual.
Having attended a Montessori school herself, Karen values hands-on, experiential learning and enjoys adapting her teaching to meet each child’s unique needs. She is passionate about fostering independence, confidence, and a love of learning in every child.
