Meet Our Team | Nīkau Montessori School
At Nīkau Montessori School, we believe that the strength of a school lies in the hearts, minds, and hands of the people who guide its learners. Our team is made up of passionate, highly trained educators and dedicated support staff who share a common purpose: to nurture, inspire, and walk alongside tamariki as they grow into capable, curious, and compassionate individuals.
Our Montessori Guides
Our teaching team consists of AMI-trained Montessori guides who bring a deep understanding of child development, hands-on learning, and the prepared environment. More than just educators, they are observers, facilitators, mentors, and role models. Each guide is committed to following the child, responding to their unique interests and needs while gently guiding them toward new discoveries and greater independence.
Our guides uphold the principles of respect, peace, and patience in everything they do. With multi-age classrooms, they have the opportunity to build long-term relationships with students and whānau, creating a sense of continuity, safety, and deep connection.
Support Staff and Specialists
In addition to our classroom guides, Nīkau Montessori School is supported by a skilled team of support staff and specialists who enrich the learning environment in meaningful ways. From teacher assistants and administrative staff to visiting educators and creative facilitators, each person contributes to the smooth, joyful rhythm of the school day.
Whether helping to maintain a calm and orderly space, guiding handwork projects, or supporting outdoor learning experiences, our support team plays an essential role in ensuring each child is seen, supported, and celebrated.
Leadership and Governance
Our leadership team includes experienced Montessori educators and strategic thinkers who ensure that our school remains aligned with its vision and values. With a strong understanding of both educational best practices and organisational sustainability, our leadership team supports staff development, community building, and long-term planning.
Nīkau Montessori School is governed by a charitable trust committed to transparency, integrity, and child-centred decision making. Our trustees bring expertise from a range of fields including education, finance, governance, and community development. Together, they support the operational and strategic growth of our school.
A Commitment to Professional Growth
We believe that great teachers never stop learning. At Nīkau Montessori School, we are committed to ongoing professional development. Our team regularly engages in Montessori refresher training, peer mentoring, educational workshops, and reflective practice to stay current and inspired. We value collaboration, curiosity, and a willingness to grow alongside our students.
A Warm and Inclusive Team Culture
Our team culture is built on mutual respect, open communication, and shared purpose. We support one another not only as colleagues but as fellow human beings who care deeply about education and community. We laugh together, problem-solve together, and celebrate the milestones of our students and school together.
We are proud of the diverse backgrounds and talents within our team, and we honour the contributions of every staff member. From the classroom to the office, the garden to the beach, our staff create a welcoming and inspiring space for tamariki to thrive.
Come Meet Us
We welcome families to come and meet our team in person. Whether you’re considering enrolment, interested in Montessori education, or simply curious about our approach, we invite you to book a school visit or observation session. We love sharing our philosophy, our environment, and the people who make it so special.
Nīkau Montessori School – where learning is led by the child, supported by the guide, and nurtured by community.
Joy Leigh - Head Of School
Joy is a long-time resident of the area, having grown up locally, and she now resides in Warkworth with her husband and their three daughters. Since 2012, she has been involved in the Education sector, building a wealth of experience and understanding of children in the Primary and Preschool years.
Joy holds a Master’s Degree in Education and she is also currently completing her AMI 6-12 Diploma, a globally recognised qualification in Montessori education, and is set to graduate in July 2025.
Joy believes that when children are given the freedom to explore their interests within a thoughtfully prepared environment, they naturally develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deep sense of responsibility for their own learning journey. She is inspired by the words of Dr. Maria Montessori:
"Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world."
In her spare time, Joy loves traveling, gardening, cooking, and exploring the outdoors.
Anuradha Parthiban - Montessori Lead Guide
Anuradha Parthiban, mother of an 18-year-old from India is set to take over the Lead Montessori Guide roll. Holding a master's degree in zoology, she began her career as a researcher at an NGO, promoting sustainable agriculture methods among farmers. Anuradha’s introduction to Montessori education came as a parent, inspiring her to pursue and complete the AMI 6-12 diploma.
Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working with children in India, Thailand, France, Vietnam, and the Ivory Coast, allowing her to experience and appreciate a rich diversity of cultures. During this time, she also earned her AMI 3-6 diploma, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of child development from ages 3 to 12.
Beyond her professional endeavours, she enjoy gardening, cooking, painting, and discussing the intersection of science and mythology with her scientist husband. She is thrilled to be part of the esteemed team at Nikau Montessori.
Sarah Brockie - Art Specialist Teacher
Sarah is a New Zealand trained Primary teacher who has recently returned from twenty five years spent as an international educator. During this time she has taught primary children of various ages and held leadership roles in Taiwan, Hungary and Hong Kong. Teaching is one of Sarah’s greatest passions. She loves the reward of knowing her students both personally, and as learners. In fostering a life-long love of learning, Sarah places great importance in planning experiences that promote inquiry, creativity and collaboration. She aims to build a community that cares for each other, values difference and has kindness and respect at its core.
Pui Yinn Liew - Montessori Assistant
Kia ora! Pui Yinn is thrilled to call beautiful Auckland her home since immigrating from Malaysia in 2007. She has over two decades of passion for Montessori, starting out in Early Childhood. It has always been a dream to teach Primary, so she is currently on the AMI 6-12 Diploma, set to be completed in July 2025.
When she isn’t immersed in Montessori education, you can find her exploring the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand through tramping or hiking. In her spare time, she delves into a bit of sewing, crafting Montessori materials by hand, and giving a personalized touch to learning resources.
She is excited to join this vibrant community! She brings with her a world of experience, passion, warmth, and a touch of adventure.