Our People

Tēnā koutou

My name is Shelagh Powell and I trained as both a Montessori and early childhood teacher in NZ. I have worked at the Courtyard since the early 1990s in both a teacher and senior teacher role before I became the Principal of the Courtyard Montessori Preschool in 2005; the preschool really is home away from home.

I am committed to the Montessori philosophy and the Courtyard and believe that we nurture tamariki to become independent thinkers, as they come to create a lifelong love of learning.

Má te whiritahi ka whakatutuki ai ngá pùmanawa á tángata

Together weaving the realization of potential.

Kia ora, my name is Helen and I have been working in Montessori education since my graduation in 2008. I have a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning and a Montessori Diploma, leading to developing a strong base knowledge to understand how children learn and grow.

I also taught in London for two years which added a new perspective to my teaching. I enjoy supporting children to become independent, while developing their individual interests and strengths.

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.

My name is Natalie Collins.  I trained as a Montessori teacher in London and since then I have worked in a variety of preschools, both in the United Kingdom and Christchurch.  My own children attended Montessori preschool and Primary school.

I am committed to the aspirations of the Courtyard Montessori Preschool that through exploration and self‑discovery each child can have the opportunity to be a capable individual who can become a lifelong learner.

Kia ora tēnā koutou,

I have had the opportunity to work alongside the wonderful team here at the Courtyard Montessori Preschool since April 2019.  I am passionate about the Montessori philosophy and the way in which it recognises and values each tamaiti as a unique learner.  I hold both a degree in early childhood and a Montessori qualification I attained in Germany. I strive every day to provide an empowering and holistic learning environment for each tamaiti to follow their curiosities and to lead their own learning.

Kia ora, my name is Richelle Harrington and I am honoured to have the opportunity to return to the Montessori Courtyard Preschool.  The Courtyard holds a special place in my heart having taught here in the past before moving overseas to take up a Head Teacher role to teach students from 3–6 years of age in a Private International School in Bali; where I taught for 11 years with students from diverse nationalities.

While in Bali I also had the privilege to train local teachers to aid their knowledge on the IBO Early Years Best Practices.

I have 30 years of professional experiences that includes embracing the Montessori philosophy, learning from Reggio Emilio; a more project-based approach to teaching.  I am also a Qualified Karitane Nurse specialising with the 0 – 5 years of age.

Kia Ora my name is Samantha and I have been teaching for the past eight years, six of which have been in Montessori education.  I have a Bachelor of teaching and learning in early childhood education and a Diploma in Montessori Education.

My journey of teaching at the Courtyard began in 2018 when I joined the team as 2^nd in charge.  Prior to that I have managed a Centre and held a position as a head teacher in a Montessori preschool for a number of years.  I am committed to the aspirations of the Courtyard Montessori Preschool and enjoy supporting children to reach their full potential as they grow and develop within our community of learning.

I have worked in administration and secretarial roles throughout my career, both here in NZ and in London for many years.  My association with the Courtyard Montessori Preschool began in 2005 when my daughter attended the preschool and I was fortunate to begin working part-time in the office the following year.