Our People
The Courtyard Montessori Preschool has a highly experienced teaching staff. Teachers have either a Diploma or Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education. Six of the seven teachers also have a Montessori Diploma.
Alison Westrupp
Kia ora, I am passionate about creating an environment where children can reach towards their potential in ways that care for themselves, others and Papatūānuku, our earth. “Free the child’s potential and you will transform him into the earth.” – Dr Maria Montessori.
My qualifications include a Batchelor of Arts and a postgraduate diploma in early childhood education coupled with a Montessori Diploma.
Shirley Skinner
Kia Ora
I am Shirley Skinner I assist in the Koru class. My first introduction to Courtyard Montessori was in 2010 when my eldest daughter attended. My 2 younger children followed her and all 3 loved this rich learning environment and the friendships that were made. After moving to South Africa for a few years we are back in Christchurch and I have loved joining the Courtyard team part time. I have a Montessori diploma I did in South Africa after completing high school and a NVQ 3 which I completed in the UK while living there. I hope to study further. I love traveling with my kiwi husband, learning more about others and teaching love and understanding to my children. Nelson Mandela is someone I admire and I adhere to his quote; ‘Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.’
