Teaching Team

I have been teaching at this Montessori since 2008 and since 2016 owner, team leader and teacher. I am married to Mal and have 2 children and 3 step children, or so should I say young adults, most have flown the nest! Before teaching at Montessori I taught at Kindergarten which has helped me fuse Montessori Philosophy with Te Whāriki our NZ early childhood curriculum. I want children who attend Orakei Montessori Preschool to have a positive, happy, fun start on their educational journey, as part of a teaching team and co-ordinator I strive to achieve this goal. I teach in the younger Fantail Class because this age group (20 months to 3 years) is my passion, I have endless patience and a great sense of fun.

I am originally from Hebei Province, China. I came to New Zealand in 2010 when I was 15 years old and studied from year 11 to 13 at Macleans College. I always dreamed to be a teacher when I was young therefore I began my journey of learning to become a real teacher in 2013. After I graduated from University in 2016 I joined Montessori Rongotai in Wellington and worked as a Montessori teacher for two years. I believe children are unique individuals that they are capable to teach themselves. Therefore, as a Montessori teacher I aim to help and support children in their journey of learning and growing by encouraging them become more confident and independent. It is now my pleasure to join this big family at Orakei Montessori Preschool and I look forward to share my knowledge and learn together with children.

I have been teaching at OMP since 2016, before this I was Head Teacher at a Montessori Preschool in Sri Lanka for 4 years. I have been married to my lovely husband Channa for the past two years. I am a highly motivated and dedicated teacher who is committed to the Montessori teaching philosophy because it encourages children to grow up as independent personalities with their own unique potential. As a Montessori educator, it is my aim to provide a carefully planned, stimulating environment which will help the child develop an excellent foundation for lifelong creative learning while maintaining a positive, collaborative parent/teacher relationship which helps to make learning more meaningful for each child.

Hi! I’m Lena. I’m super excited to be part of the kaiako team here in the Tui class at OMP. I graduated from the University of Auckland in 1999 with the Bachelor of Laws/Arts. After that, I went on to do a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESOL) and subsequently I taught ESOL for about 5 years. In 2001, my husband and I got married and since then we’ve had 3 beautiful children, Zach, Mikayla and Caleb who will be turning 16,14 and 13 respectively this year. My 3 children started their very happy learning journeys here at OMP many years ago and Pauline was their teacher; hence the special connection with this place. In 2016, I graduated from the University of Auckland with the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and since then I have been passionate about teaching, particularly with the preschoolers. I have completed my AMI 3-6 Orientation Certificate Course and I am very excited to start my Montessori journey. I believe that the Montessori approach provides the best learning environment for children. As a Montessori educator, I aim to empower children to be independent and to follow their innate desire to learn and grow to be confident and respectful individuals. In order to achieve this, I will make sure the environment is one that is calm, safe and stimulating while maintaining a positive parent/teacher relationship.

I initially began teaching at OMP as a student teacher in 2015. I continued to work here during 2016 as a reliever teacher while completing my studies, teaching in both of Fantail and Tui classroom. In December 2016, I finished my teaching degree and began to work full-time in the Tui class. I aim to encourage children to be independent, peaceful and diligent with my knowledge of Montessori philosophy. I will also support children’s need for creative activities through different types of arts and craft activities. As a member of Montessori teaching team, I will maintain an environment of consistent learning and communications with parents and teachers. In my spare time I play ukulele and guitar; this helps children during mat-time for musical instrument fun. During my 15 years of living in New Zealand, I have become fluent in English, I am also fluent in Korean which is my mother language

Aka meaning affectionate and Ihi meaning charming took over the joint role and responsibility of being favourite pets from Patch who sadly passed away in 2020 after many years of faithful service. Aka and Ihi came to us as babes and we have seen them grow bigger and more robust. Our tamariki pat and feed these gentle Guinea Pigs and learn how to look after living creatures in practical ways. Aka and Ihi are full of fun and we look forward to sharing their wonderful company for many years.