Our Team

fantastic, caring teachers who are absolutely passionate about what they do

Carol Potts Carol Potts

Position: Teaching Team Leader & Mentor

I have been working with young children for almost 30 years. I completed the AMI 3-6 Diploma in London in 1995 before emigrating to New Zealand with my kiwi partner Peter. I feel fortunate to have witnessed the enormous potential of young tamariki in my work, this being living proof of the importance of the first six of life.

I am a 3-6 Association Montessori International (AMI) trainer and am also on the Management Team of the Maria Montessori Education Foundation (MMEF) which was established in 2006 to bring AMI Training to Aotearoa, New Zealand.

I feel extremely privileged to work with and alongside young tamariki and their families as well as students – sharing Montessori Principles as an aid to life, more so – as a way of life. I am delighted to be part of the team at Glendowie Montessori Pre-school.

Qualifications:

  • AMI 3-6 Diploma (London)
  • Bachelor of Education (ECE)
  • AMI Training of Trainers Programme
  • AMI 0-3 Certificate Course

Zai Francis Zai Francis

Position: Teacher / Supervisor

Apa Kabar? ( Hi, how are you) My name is Zai. My parents are from Java island in Indonesia. I began my Montessori journey in Singapore where I was born and grew up. I completed my Diploma in Montessori training and began to teach in a Montessori preschool before migrating to New Zealand.

Since arriving here in 2006, I pursued a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education whilst continuing to teach in a Montessori Preschool. I’m passionate about the Montessori philosophy, which provides a learning environment that enables children to develop their potential and discover their love of learning.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Education (ECE)
  • Montessori Diploma

Pearl Kam Pearl Kam

Position: Teacher

Hello everyone, my name is Pearl. I was born and raised in Hong Kong.

I have been working in the Early Childhood Education field in different roles for over a decade and have always been a huge fan of Montessori Education. In 2015, I pursued my AMI 3-6 diploma in London and then started to teach at a bilingual Montessori environment in Hong Kong.

I LOVE nature and I strongly believe that human and nature are inseparable. This is the main reason why I am attracted to New Zealand after three years of teaching in Hong Kong. I am very thankful for the opportunity to work for Glendowie Montessori Preschool in this beautiful country and for the courage that I have to start another new adventure in my life.

Qualifications:

  • Master of Education (Hong Kong)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Hong Kong)
  • AMI 0-3 Assistant Course (London)
  • AMI 3-6 Diploma (London)

Angie Kolandai Angie Kolandai

Position: Teacher

Hello I am Angie Kolandai. I have been working as a Montessori early childhood teacher in New Zealand for the past 14 years and find working with young children deeply fulfilling. I see myself as a facilitator, scaffolding the child during this crucial stage in their life. I aspire to guide, encourage, assist, inspire and most importantly to connect with the child. I have a St Nicholas Diploma in the Montessori Method of Education. I am originally from Malaysia and I am happy to call New Zealand my home. I enjoy long nature walks, baking, cooking and sewing.

Qualifications:

  • St Nicholas Diploma in Montessori Method of Education

Anna Chiu Anna Chiu

Position: Administrator Qualified Teacher

Ni Hao! I am Anna, I am a qualified reliever and administrator at Glendowie Montessori Preschool. I believe in developing children’s potential through a stimulating, exciting, collaborative learning environment. I value the individuality of each child and the contribution they make to our preschool. I look forward to meeting and welcoming your family to our preschool and being a part of your child’s learning journey.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Education (ECE)
  • New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC)
  • AMI Assistant Course (3-6)

 

Heather Skelton Heather Skelton

Position: Owner / Manager

My husband Philip and I were both born in Auckland and have three wonderful children – Richard, Rachel and Claire. While raising them I volunteered at Plunket, Playcentre and a kindergarten. I was the chairperson of St Heliers School Board of Trustees for six years. I enjoy cricket, gardening, reading, travel and walking our dogs Truffles and Murphy.

Professional history: I believe that all children have a right to have happy, productive and creative days at the preschool where they feel valued and nurtured. I have taught at various primary schools in New Zealand and England, including Mt Eden Normal Primary School where I supported student teachers and role modelled teaching practice. I have taught at a number of ECE centres and continue to advise a number of centres in curriculum.

Qualifications:

  • BA (History and English)
  • MA (Hons) (History)
  • Diploma in Teaching
  • Diploma in Education
  • Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
  • AMI Assistants Course (3-6)