Teachers
Katrine
Cycle 3 Teacher
Katrine developed a passion for working with primary aged children when she developed the educational program for a small zoo in Denmark, having previously studied Biological Sciences. Upon her return to Australia she returned to study education at Montessori Institute where she obtained a post-graduate qualification. Katrine believes that her role as an educator is to gain a deep understanding of each student in her care, and to guide them through the curriculum at a pace that suits them.
Marie
Cycle 3 Teacher
Marie is an experienced and highly qualified Montessori educator specializing in Early Childhood Education, Learning Disabilities, and Teaching English. With a strong passion for the Montessori philosophy and a vast range of expertise, Marie brings an unparalleled level of knowledge and dedication to North-Eastern. Having obtained Montessori qualifications spanning from Birth to Adolescence, a Masters Degree in TESOL, Specific Learning Difficulties and Early Childhood Education her commitment to maintaining high standards in teaching positively impacts the lives of our students.
Sandra
Cycle 2 Teacher
Sandra first joined our School community as Music Director and Italian specialist, which inspired her to train at the historical AMI Centre of International Montessori Studies in Italy. She holds an AMI 6-12 Montessori Diploma. Her goal each day is to comprehend the unique child and to assist them to reach their whole potential, and to invite each child to reflect our onto the world with curiosity, respect and gratitude.
Samantha
Cycle 2 Teacher
Samantha is a registered Early Learning and Primary Teacher with an Honours Science Degree and a Montessori Institute post-graduate qualification. She has worked as a Cycle 3 Integration Aide and Cycle 2 Assistant in a Montessori School prior to joining North-Eastern in 2022. She spent 20 years in the mining industry in research science, human resources and training, health, safety and environment – this, and her role as a mother, add a breadth of experience to her role in education.
Jennifer
Cycle 2 & Mandarin Teacher
Jennifer is passionate about teaching Montessori and worked at two Montessori Schools in Beijing, China before joining North-Eastern in 2017 as a Cycle 2 Teacher. Jennifer's experience in teaching and understanding the Montessori philosophy has also given her skills to guide her students to become inquirers of the Chinese language and culture. Jennifer commenced teaching Mandarin at our School in 2022. She has a 6-9 Montessori teacher’s certification from the American Montessori Society and was awarded first place for her American Montessori Society Thesis in 2016, which she presented at the Annual AMS conference in Chicago.
Shelly
Cycle 1 Teacher
Shelly has been teaching here at North-Eastern for more than 10 years, and is not only a proud staff member, but also a passionate parent at the School. She believes we are all life-long learners and should always strive for high personal standards. She loves to engage in new learning experiences to stay inspired and in tune with the contemporary needs of our children. Shelly is committed to ensuring her classroom feels like a community, where all children an their families feel valued, appreciated, accepted and respected. Shelly holds a 3-6 Montessori Diploma from Association Montessori Internationale.
Nicole
Cycle 1 Teacher
Nicole believes when we work together, we foster a love of learning. She believes children are born with a passion to learn and her role as an educator is to supply them with all the tools and skills to help them to continue to develop and make new discoveries. Nicole takes a hands-on teaching approach, where the children and teacher learn together and from one another. Nicole’s passion for teaching is just as strong as it was when she started her career in education 20 years ago. Nicole holds a qualification in Montessori education from Montessori Institute.
Vaishali
Cycle 1 Teacher
Vaishali joined our team of Cycle 1 Educators at North-Eastern in 2021. Vaishali’s Montessori Journey started in Bermuda in 1993 where she worked at a Montessori School until 2001. She relocated to Australia in 2002, studying with Montessori Institute where she obtained her 3-6 Diploma and now works as a casual trainer for pre-service teachers.
Shi Hui
Cycle 1 Teacher
Shi Hui started her journey as a passionate educator in 2010, when she received her Montessori Diploma, before continuing her study with a Bachelor of Education. She joined the team here in 2020. Shi Hui speaks Mandarin and loves to explore culture with the children.
Christopher
Art Teacher & Creative Technology Teacher
A veteran teacher of over 10 years, Chris joined the North-Eastern team at the beginning of 2021. Chris has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in addition to his teaching qualifications. He loves teaching art and creative technology because he is able to share his passion for the arts and the creative process. He loves to see that passion develop and shine in his students. When he is not exhibiting his own work in Melbourne and the US, Chris can be found outdoors on his bike, surfboard or hiking in the bush.
Clive
Physical Education Teacher
Clive first set foot at North-Eastern in 2023 to complete his 6-12 Montessori Diploma placement before joining the team in 2024 as our Physical Education Teacher. Clive has always been passionate about Physical Education, Health and Sports. He endeavours to inspire students’ curiosity and creativity through purposeful experiences that build upon their knowledge as they journey through a life of learning. Clive was fortunate to have hiked in the Himalayas of Nepal and says "the experience of trekking through those mountains was awe inspiring!"
Rozanne
Head of Performing Arts
Rozanne completed her Bachelor of Education and started her career as a flute teacher in the UK. She started classroom teaching in 2012 in South Africa whilst studying a postgraduate degree in Education. Since arriving in Australia in 2018 she did a mix of classroom and instrumental teaching in the Northern Territory before starting at North-Eastern Montessori in 2022 as the Head of Performing Arts.
Janette
Head of Inclusion
Janette has been an educator for 41 years in various areas and settings, including having taught dance for 20 years across Australia and also in Italy. She has always been interested in the mind/body connection, and is always looking for ways to connect the two in her teaching. Janette is a life-long learner and continues to challenge her own thinking and improve her ability to provide her students with the best in education.
Sue
Kindergarten Music Teacher
Sue developed a passion for Montessori when her children attended a Montessori pre-school in NZ. Her family moved to Australia in 2000, and she has been a parent or educator here ever since. In her role as an educator, Sue loves providing children opportunities to explore our natural world and help them to gain an understanding of how they can help to protect the environment.
David
Teacher of Percussion, Piano & Guitar
David is a skilled and experienced instrumental teacher, teaching guitar (classical and rock), bass guitar, piano/keyboard, drums and orchestral percussion. David has performed as a guitarist in several well-known bands and toured internationally. David has recorded a number of albums and his versatility as a musician makes him an inspiring teacher to our students.
Shay
Teacher of Voice
Shay is an incredible vocalist, songwriter and accomplished guitarist. She has toured Australia with her band Sharaya, who broke into the Melbourne music scene in 2011 with their sell out album launch. As an artist and musician, she has performed internationally and toured the world with her solo acoustic act as well as played at many venues across Melbourne.
Charlie
Teacher of Brass & Piano
Since graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts in 2014 Charlie has worked full-time as a Melbourne based professional musician and Instrumental Teacher. Charlie currently plays with several bands, as well as her own ensembles. Amongst Charlie's busy performing schedule she teaches Brass and Piano at Primary and Secondary Schools throughout Melbourne including playing in and co-running North-Eastern Montessori Schools Junior and Senior Band.
Rosa
Teacher of Woodwind
Rosa has played saxophone in a variety of ensembles such as marching bands, concert bands and big bands. She has also studied flute under the tutelage of the late Fred Hosking, an IMT big band member for over 20 years. She completed her Bachelor of Music prior to completing a Graduate Diploma in Primary Education.
Carmen
Teacher of Percussion and Piano
Carmen Chan is a musician and artist. She graduated with a MMus (percussion performance) at the University of Melbourne and later studied composition, improvisation and interpretation at Musikhögskolan i Piteå, Sweden. Carmen's works range from her own cross-artform project 'Do You See What I Hear?', to improvisations in a range of settings, to creating artworks on a wall in formal galleries or on the street. She has performed in Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, Norrbottens Kammarorkester, Australian Pops Orchestra and has taught percussion at Scotch College and Presbyterian Ladies' College, as well as at a children's composition program in Umeå.
Assistants
Andrea
Cycle 1 Assistant
Andrea joined North-Eastern in 2014 working in various roles within our Toddler Community and Cycle 1 teams. Having worked in Early Learning education for 30 years, Andrea brings a personal pedagogy based around children learning through play, fostering independence with an emphasis on imagination and creativity. Amongst many other things she believes in encouraging children to be resilient, resourceful and respectful to themselves and others. Andrea has an Associate Diploma in Children's Services and currently completing an Advanced Diploma in Transpersonal Art Therapy, which she looks forward to integrating into her teaching.
Rosemarie
Cycle 1 Assistant
Rosemarie holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, Certificate III in Education Support and an AMI Montessori 3-6 Orientation. She joined North-Eastern in 2019 and expresses her love for Montessori Education commenting “The Montessori approach allows children to be independent and limitless in their learning. Days are full of fun and surprises as the children discover their full potential”. She enjoys watching the children learn and grow in their own unique way.
Sylvia
Cycle 1 Assistant
Sylvia’s passion for Montessori started as a proud parent, seeing her children bloom into confident, and resilient individuals. After completing her 3-6 Montessori Diploma in 2021, Sylvia deliberates “the course was a transformational journey, and I grew up to be at peace with myself. I feel connected to this beautiful and peaceful education that make so much sense to build a person holistically” Sylvia believes Montessori is for everyone and it is so powerful that each child is allowed to comfortably be who they are.
Carmelina
Cycle 1 Assistant
Carmelina became interested in early childhood development whilst living in the USA, and when she returned to Australia in 2016, she completed a diploma in early childhood education. Her passion is to see young children receive the very best foundation possible when it comes to their learning potential.
Sheetal
Learning Support Assistant
Sheetal is committed to the holistic development of her students and believes that a respectful and responsive relationship provides an important foundation for children to explore and learn. Her training in teaching, education support and, of course, Montessori enables her to support her students to feel safe and secure in their surroundings, which leads to curiosity, confidence, persistence and resilience.
Karen
Learning Support Assistant
Karen is a true local to our community, having lived in the area with her family for 27 years. She began her working life as a nurse, which then led to working in the disability sector, and particularly working with children. Even after spending the past 14 years at North-Eastern, Karen still finds herself learning something new every day in her work, with the children providing plenty of smiles and lots of rewarding and interesting experiences.
Irfana
Learning Support Assistant
Irfana holds a 3-6 AMI Montessori Diploma and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, bringing 35 years of rich experience in teaching environments. Since joining North-Eastern in 2021, she has dedicated herself in creating a learning environment where children are encouraged to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners — a passion that fills her with pride. Outside of her professional life, she is a proud mother of two, finding joy in family life, especially in the kitchen where she loves to cook. She also embraces adventure, with a love for riding her motorbike that reflects her vibrant and dynamic personality.
Holly
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)
Holly joined North-Eastern in 2023 after working in Before and After School Care in both primary and early learning settings. She loves the connections she builds with the children and the insights she gains from them. Holly is currently pursuing a Master of Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Visual Arts. Her passion for education and the arts enhances her role in our Outside School Hours Care.
Fletcher
Support Dog
Fletcher is a dedicated staff member who plays a vital role in fostering a positive and supportive environment for students and staff. With a calm demeanor and a friendly personality, Fletcher provides emotional comfort and companionship to those in need, helping to reduce stress and anxiety in the school setting. Fletcher's gentle and caring nature makes him an invaluable member of the school community. His presence not only enhances the well-being of students and staff but also contributes to a more inclusive and nurturing educational atmosphere.
Robinson
Learning Support Assistant
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Shagun
Learning Support Assistant
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Lisa
Learning Support Assistant
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Jasnarinder
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Co-ordinator
Jasnarinder joined North-Eastern in 2021, having worked in OSHC for more than 4 years following her Early Childhood study. She loves being around children, and her goal is to bring a smile to their faces whenever she sees them. As well as loving working with children, Jasnarinder is also passionate about the environment, and reuses every single piece of paper that comes her way.
Toddler Community
Rachel
Toddler Community Room Leader & 0-3 Program Co-ordinator
Rachel is passionate about facilitating a nurturing and holistic Montessori learning environment for the 0-3 age group, enabling children to flourish and grow at their own individual pace and level. She is fascinated by brain development in the younger years and the amazing learning potential of young children. Rachel has been at North-Eastern since the early days of the Toddler Community, and has been an invaluable team member in this program's sucess.
Esther
Toddler Community Assistant
Esther began working with children when she was still a teenager - and was babysitting for more than 10 years. She completed a Bachelor of Education at Monash University,
Madushani
Toddler Community Assistant
Madushani has been working with children for almost 10 years, and has been at our School since 2016. She is passionate about teaching, inspiring and challenging children to love learning, and finds such joy in being a positive influence in a child's growth and development.
Naoko
Toddler Community Assistant
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Amanda
Toddler Community Room Leader
Mandy has been at North-Eastern since 2014, and has worked extensively with children aged 0-3. She is especially interested in holistic development during the early years, as she believes this time establishes the roots from which all future learning stems.
Ayasha
Toddler Community Assistant
Ayasha enjoys working in the Toddler Community and seeing our little people growing day by day. She has a Diploma in Early Childhood Service, Human Resources and an AMI 0-3 Orientation. Ayasha joined North-Eastern in 2019. Ayasha loves working with our youngest Montessorians specifically because their growth reminds her of the wonder and potential in every moment.
Faith
Toddler Community Assistant
Faith is a dedicated Montessori educator, working in the Montessori philosophy since 1983! Her inspiration and motivation is the children she has had the immense pleasure of guiding and working with during this time. She is passionate about her calling as a Montessori educator, and incorporates her love of singing, drama and cooking into her daily interactions with our youngest students.
Ruwani
Toddler Community Assistant
Ruwani is a dedicated Montessori educator and mother of three boys. With a Diploma in Children's Services and an AMI Diploma, Ruwani spent four years teaching Montessori in Sri Lanka before moving to Australia. She began working at North-Eastern in 2021 and loves seeing children shine, making her a cherished part of our team.
Michael
Toddler Community Assistant
Elen
Toddler Community Assistant
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Grace
Toddler Community Assistant
With training in both Early Childhood Education and Care, as well as Montessori education, Grace has been a welcome addition to our team since 2018. She is passionate about supporting children's learning and development in the early years. Grace enjoys watching children learn and explore the world at their own pace, whilst helping to provide a nurturing and supporting environment for each individual.
Executive
Janis
Principal
Our Principal since 2019, Janis describes this as her most rewarding role yet. Originally from Philadelphia, she has lived in Australia for nearly 20 years, and has held leadership positions at some of Melbourne's most prestigious independent schools. Janis has experience teaching across the whole spectrum of schooling - starting as an Early Childhood Assistant in the US, through primary and Middle School, right up to VCE. With extensive experience in training teachers in wellbeing frameworks and cultivating positivity in their school environments, Janis takes great joy and pride in now supporting our School to be a leader in Montessori education and providing a welcoming environment for our whole community.
Shona
Deputy Head of School
Shona is a passionate and dedicated Deputy Head of School who loves working with children of all ages. She has qualifications in Child & Adolescent Counselling, a Masters in Specific Learning Difficulties, and a Bachelor of Education. For the last 25 years, Shona has had varied experience in teaching students across preschool, primary, and secondary schools, both within Australia and overseas in Japan. Her special interests are Montessori education, student wellbeing and learning differences. Shona is an advocate for those who learn differently and encourages students, teachers, and families to acknowledge and celebrate neurodiversity. She believes that when children are; well-connected, supported and develop greater self-awareness, curiosity and learning follow naturally.
Manoli
Business Manager
A Chartered Accountant with extensive experience as a senior financial manager in a commercial environment, Manoli has enjoyed his move to education since joining North-Eastern. He brings to his work a strong moral core with an emphasis on promoting integrity and trust in everything he does. Manoli loves that he can support the ongoing work of the School, and in a small way help to contribute to the success and happiness of our students.
Lauren
Head of People & Culture
Lauren spent 17 years working at the Royal Children's Hospital in various Human Resources positions, before starting at North-Eastern in 2019. With a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Human Resource Management, Lauren is passionate about supporting staff wellbeing and creating a safe and respectful work environment where all staff feel valued and supported.
Administration
Elissa
Community Engagement Officer
Elissa has many years experience in customer service roles across a range of organisations. Since joining the team at North-Eastern in 2017 Elissa has worked in a number of our important administration roles. She especially loves marketing and event management, which led to her current role as Community Engagement Officer. Elissa's bright and bubbly smile is the first to greet you as you walk into our School.
Natalie
Executive Assistant & First Aid Officer
Natalie has managed to combine her passions for health & wellbeing, education and management into the perfect roles here at North-Eastern. With broad experience across all three passions Natalie loves that she regular experiences something of all three in a single day! Not only is she an integral part of the Administration Team, but Natalie is also a parent in our community, with her youngest child attending here.
Antida
Registrar
Antida is a people person. With a number of years in customer facing roles, she brings that experience with her to our School. Her empathetic approach to all that she does ensures everyone is listened to in a caring way that encourages connection. Often the first point of contact for a new family to North-Eastern, Antida will make you feel like a treasured member of our community from that first contact.
Jacqueline
Accounts
Jacqueline has worked as a Personal Assistant and Administrator across a range of industries both nationally and abroad - including higher education, superannuation, taxation and mining. At North-Eastern since 2018, she brings this diverse experience to her role; taking pride in assisting parents.
Janette
Accounts
Janette brings many years of accounting experience, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree, to her role in our accounts department. She has been a Chartered Accountant for more than 30 years, including time working in the finance industry in New York. Her knowledge of the financial requirements of the early childhood and education industry is vast - 14 years in total, with the past nine years here at North-Eastern.
Maintenance
Doug
Maintenance
Doug is the integral glue that helps us all to do our jobs, and he has extensive experience in all things handyman related. After studying electronics, Doug worked with both computers and photocopies before beginning his school maintenance career 25 years ago. He has been at North-Eastern since 2012, and is the go-to person whenever anything needs building, fixing or repair. When not fixing things, Doug can be found snow skiing, riding motor bikes or surfing!
Anthony
Gardner & Maintenance
Anthony has 28 years of gardening expertise , skillfully cultivates lush landscapes. In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and immersing himself in diverse cultures, which further inspires his horticultural creativity and passion. 28 years of dedicated service in school and local government environments, he's the backbone of maintenance, ensuring safe and efficient facilities.