Annie Tikaram

Centre Manager | Owner

I have been living in beautiful Aotearoa for 15 years now after emigrating from South Africa. New Zealand is home and I absolutely love living here. I have worked in the ECE profession for 12 years and have gained many valuable skills and knowledge during my role as a teacher. I love working with children and providing them with the tools to foster their independence and curiosity. My role as a leader in this profession has made me want to have my own centre and to be able to get the perfect team and beautiful environment for our tamariki. I feel blessed to have this opportunity and to be a part of an amazing team.

Maria Montessori inspired me to study for my Montessori Diploma. I knew that this was just what children needed: respect for who they are and an environment that is tailor made for their every need. It is an education for life and the children are able to follow their own natural instincts with guidance from a loving directress.

Together with my Montessori diploma, I have a Bachelor of Education in ECE and Post – Grad. in Leadership and Management, both gained in New Zealand and this gives me the ability to use both areas of knowledge and skills to ensure that our children at MCH get the best possible start in becoming capable and confident in who they are. I look forward to this amazing journey with our Montessori children and families.

Jenny Lee

Casa

Hi, my name is Jenny Lee. I have grown up in beautiful Northland Aotearoa, a place I am happy to call home. I am a mother to my lovely daughter who influenced my passion for working with children. I have a Bachelor of Education in ECE and am in the process of getting my Montessori Diploma. I believe it is important to recognise that each child is unique and an individual, who has the right to feel and be safe, nurtured, respected and valued. Children need a supportive environment to thrive and know their voice is valued. As an early childhood teacher, I wish to reflect an environment and practice that is positive, to help guide children to explore and extend their interests, capabilities and identity. My vision is to provide a strong foundation that supports children to grow and become resilient, who are comfortable to be who they are.

Carol Boltman

Administrator

Kia Ora!! My name is Carol Boltman and I have worked in the Early Childhood sector for over 30 years. I owned and managed my own Childcare Centre for 18 Years and since moving to New Zealand, I have continued working in Childcare as an Administrator and Reliever. My husband and I are very Blessed to have two wonderful children, a son and daughter and we have four beautiful grandchildren who we are extremely proud of. I am passionate about Children and Families and it’s an honour for me to be the Administrator and to be part of this wonderful Team at Montessori Children’s House

Georgina Whiu

Nido

Kia Ora,

My name is Georgina, I have five sons and three daughters. I am in my final year of study towards my Bachelor of Teaching ECE. I am of Māori descent and belong to the Ngāpuhi iwi (tribe) which is the largest iwi in Aotearoa /New Zealand. Being of Māori descent, whanaungatanga and manaakitanga are innate within my teaching practice and life. Therefore, building warm, respectful and meaningful relationships with ngā tamariki,(children) and their whānau, (families) is of utmost importance to me.

Being part of the amazing teaching team at Montessori Children’s House is a great honor. The Montessori philosophy encompasses wonderful ways in which we as teachers can support all children to thrive and flourish within their early learning environment. The child is at the forefront of all we do here at Montessori Children’s House. Ngā tamariki are encouraged and supported to learn at their own pace in a way which uplifts their mana (strengths), and embraces their uniqueness. I am truly blessed to be working with and alongside ngā tamariki, whānau and teachers at the Montessori Children’s House here in Kerikeri.

Ngā mihi nui

Georgina