Bachelor of Teaching ECE, Montessori Diploma.

Kia ora my name is Julie, and I am proud to be part to be both centre manager and Kaiako here at Whanganui Montessori Preschool. 

I have been teaching for 16 years and was drawn to the Montessori Philosophy after completing a placement here whilst a student kaiako.  Creating an environment where respect is shown to our place, our materials and each other is an important part of the Montessori Philosophy and what I aim to achieve daily.  As both a leader and educator, I work alongside our dedicated teaching team to create a calm, engaging space with independence, curiosity and aroha for your child.  I look forward to welcoming you and you whānau into our Montessori community. 

Bachelor of Teaching ECE, Montessori Diploma.

Kia ora my name is Bex and I have been working at Whanganui Montessori Preschool since 2008.

I became interested in the Montessori philosophy since sending my son along as a 3-year-old. My favorite quote from Maria Montessori is “Never do something for a child that they can do for themselves” A reminder that we can under-estimate our tamariki’s abilities.

Graduate Diploma of Teaching ECE, Montessori Diploma.

Kia ora my name is Caroline and I’ve been teaching at Whanganui Montessori since 2008.

I chose a Montessori preschool education for my own children many years ago as I’m passionate about the philosophy: “Help me to do it myself" a Montessori quote which encapsulates the key concept of teaching independence to give tamariki the “roots of responsibility and the wings of independence “ M. Montessori

Bachelor of Teaching ECE, Montessori Diploma.

Kia ora, my name is Sam. I have been working in early childhood education since 2016. I hold a Bachelor of Education teaching degree, and shortly after joining the Montessori team, I completed my Montessori diploma.

I am passionate about the Montessori philosophy and enjoy spending my days contributing to our beautiful centre.

Bachelor of Teaching ECE, Montessori Diploma.

Kia ora, my name is Katherine, I was drawn to Montessori teaching because of its deep respect for tamariki as individuals and its focus on hands-on, meaningful learning. I love how the Montessori approach fosters independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning - values that align closely with my own.

Bachelor of Teaching ECE, Montessori Diploma.

Kia ora my name is Tamara. My Montessori journey started as a mother, my boys both attended Whanganui Montessori preschool seven years apart. After my youngest son moved onto primary school I decided to study. I returned to Montessori in the third year of my degree as a student and am blessed and lucky enough to still be here today three years later! 

I currently hold a level seven ECE degree and an Apperfield Montessori diploma. I am also newly fully qualified, although I am a new kaiako I believe I have a lot to offer our Montessori environment as I continue to strengthen my own practice and learning journey! 

 Montessori philosophy to me is something that I am very passionate about, to be able to teach it as part of a knowledgeable and experienced team is so empowering and rewarding for both myself and the tamariki in our care.

I look forward to meeting you soon and sharing my ideas and values with you and your tamati.

Teacher in training, Montessori Diploma.

Kia ora, my name is Crystal, and I am originally from China. I have been working at Whanganui Montessori Preschool for seven years as a bilingual teacher of English and Mandarin. I hold a Montessori Education Diploma and a Graduate Diploma in Sales and Marketing, and I am currently completing my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching. 

Guided by Maria Montessori’s wisdom — “The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn” — I support children to grow into confident, compassionate, and independent learners.

I am especially passionate about supporting children’s language development and helping them build strong social and emotional skills. My teaching style is warm and respectful, creating a nurturing environment where tamariki feel safe, valued, and encouraged to follow their interests. I deeply respect the knowledge, culture, and aspirations that tamariki and their whānau bring to our community. Together with whānau, I aim to provide a learning journey that celebrates each child’s uniqueness.

Teacher in training.

Kia ora, my name is Claudia. I began working at Whanganui Montessori Preschool in 2024 when I started studying for my Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education.

From the very beginning, I’ve loved being part of the Montessori environment. I’m a hands-on person and enjoy learning alongside the tamariki as they explore, test themselves, and discover new things each day. It’s such a joy to watch them grow in confidence and independence, and I feel so lucky to be part of their journey.

Kia ora my name is Sarah, I feel privileged to be the office administrator here since 2022.

I love that we are a not-for-profit community based ECE where children and community are the heart. I enjoy being part of the Montessori environment where every day brings a sense of calm, purpose and joy in watching children explore their world.

If you would like information on enrollment or to book a visit, please contact me on 06 3478886 or info@whanganuimontessori.co.nz