“By teaching children to think outside the box, our children may just save our world, or equally as important grow up to be the best fathers and mothers, mentors & leaders. In my mind, ours is the most important work.”
Centre Founder
Educational Social Worker Min Ed
Dip Visual Arts, Dip TV & Film
Montessori Experience 19 years
I established Riverhead Montessori out of a desire to make a positive difference to our children in their important developmental years from age 1-6. As an Educational Social Worker with the Ministry of Education for emotionally dysfunctional children, I saw tangibly how the opportunities we expose our children to during their formative years impacts greatly on who they become as adults. As a mother of three children (Bailey, Tom, and Lexie) I felt there was clearly a better way to educate our young and dreamed of creating an environment that is loving, all-encompassing and enriching. I have gathered a team of wonderful Montessori educators who have the same passion and commitment to making a positive difference to children in their preschool years. I have a background in broadcast and print media has led to a truly creative centre full of exciting tools and opportunities for nurturing, educating and playing.
My aim is to ensure every child leaves Riverhead Montessori well prepared for life with a set of skills that allows them to succeed at whatever they choose. This has now been realised thousands of times over and continues to fill me with joy and a genuine love for what I do.
Centre Manager & Administrator
Hi I’m Rachel, I am from the UK; originally emigrated with my family here in 2001 but since then have lived back in the UK for a number of years before finally settling back in New Zealand end of 2016 and becoming part of the RMLC Whanau.
I have always had a passion for working with children and have experience working in a variety of child-care based roles including after school care, working in a play centre, nannying as well as centre-based care. I was first introduced to Montessori whilst working in a nursery school in the UK and have loved learning more about the philosophy over the years and incorporating it into my practice. In my spare time I enjoy dancing, gaming and spending time with friends and family.
Whare Kea - Qualified Teacher
Hi, my name is Nikita Sharma, and I am a Primary school teacher from Fiji Island. I have been teaching in Fiji for the past four years, whereby I have had the pleasure to work at two amazing schools. This is my first time teaching in a pre-school, and have learnt many new skills. I enjoy working with all the amazing Kea children and staff at RMLC.
I currently reside in in Riverhead, so you might be seeing me take a walk in the local park, feel free to say Hi. When I am not at work, I am usually cuddled up with my cup of tea reading a novel or finishing my Netflix series. I enjoy teaching literacy, special education, reading, singing, cooking and eating as well. I am looking forward to getting to know all the children and families at RMLC.
Whare Kea- Qualified Teacher
Kia ora whanau, my name is Zhuo (pronounced like “draw”) from China, and I am a qualified ECE teacher with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE). I moved to Auckland in 2017 with my husband, Jason and our three cats (the cats are in China now). I cherish all tamariki/children as unique individuals, with their own strengths and potential. I believe that all learning opportunities provided to the children should be aligned with their interests and aspirations to make their learning journey worthwhile. My ultimate goal is to provide a conducive, secure, and respectful learning environment that encourages exploration and discovery. Most importantly, relationships with tamariki/children, whanau/families, and kaiako/teachers stand a vital place in my teaching philosophy. In my spare time, I enjoy looking for yummy foods and go snorkelling.
Whare Kea Teacher
Kia Ora Koutou, my name is Euan Docherty, and I am a NZ registered and qualified ECE Teacher. My family moved to New Zealand in 2005 and I have grown up here since, I found my passion for teaching through my time in college and university. Prior to joining the wonderful RMLC team, I had worked both part-time and full-time in a handful of different centres. Working alongside different teachers and families, I have found a passion for working with our tamariki and enjoy being able to create a nurturing environment for them to learn in. I developed a love for Montessori through working in a few Montessori centres, which provided me with learning opportunities and the skills to confidently work with our tamariki. Outside of work in my spare time I enjoy hiking, fishing, gaming and spending time with my partner and friends.
Tui Nest- Qualified Teacher
I am Merry Joy Padecio, a qualified and registered ECE teacher from the Philippines. I finished of Education major in General Education in the year of 2013 and graduated with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education in the year 2018. In the last seven years, I have had several experiences with different grade levels and classrooms, I strongly believe in the importance of developing strong relationships with children and fostering a supportive learning community that encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. With a passion fo rfostering a love of learning, I am confident that my qualifications and teaching philosophy align well with the values and objectives of Riverhead Montessori. Furthermore, I am dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment that promotes children engagement and growth. I am looking forward to a wonderful partnership and to building a relationship with young individuals and their whanau.
Whare Kea- Qualified Teacher
Hi, my name is Vicky, and I am a Primary School teacher from the UK. I have been in New Zealand for 6 years now, where I have worked as a teacher and have had the pleasure of working at some wonderful schools. This is my first time working at a pre-school, so I am very much looking forward to learning some new skills, as well as working with all the fantastic Kea children and staff at RMLC. My little girl, Georgina, is in the Tui nest. So occasionally you might see me popping back and forth to the nest. I live in Taupaki with my partner, Ben, baby Georgina and our dog, Teddy. When I am not at work you will find me outside, riding my horse or enjoying a walk and finding a nice spot to sit and have a coffee, whilst Teddy has a swim.I have been lucky to do a lot of travelling around New Zealand and have been to most places. I think my favourite place is the Able Tasman, where we enjoyed some beautiful walks. I enjoy teaching literacy the most and I especially lovereading. My most favourite children’s books are Bog Baby by Jeanne Willis and The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson. I am looking forward to getting to know all of the children and families at R
Montessori Trained ECE 15 years
Reliever & In-House Montessori Trainer
My name is Gordia. I am a passionate Montessori teacher who has been involved in Montessori Centres for many years. You have seen me around in both Whare Kea and Tui Nest as I am a relief teacher. I really enjoy working with these age groups as they have so much to offer, and we both learn alongside each other on a daily basis.
