Our Teachers

"As a teacher, it is my goal to help each and every child discover who they are, what they can offer the world, and ultimately, reach their full potential. As Maria Montessori said, “Education should no longer be mostly imparting of knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialities.” I am convinced that each individual has something unique to offer, and the prepared Montessori environment is the perfect place to discover what that is. I believe that when people unlock their full potential, there is the real possibility of creating a brighter, more peaceful future for humanity. It is a real honour to be able to walk that path with each child” - Isabella

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Prior to joining Huapai Montessori, Isabella taught in both 6-9 and 9-12 Montessori classes for seven years, and in mainstream classes for two years, and also as a self-employed web designer. Just before the covid lockdowns, she also spent seven months travelling solo around Japan, and enjoys learning about different cultures. Isabella has a Bachelor of Education specialising in Montessori Education. She loves the holistic approach that Montessori offers, and finds great joy in learning alongside the children and supporting them to follow their curiosity and interests. With a love of learning herself, Isabella enjoys teaching all areas of the cosmic curriculum, with a particular interest in the living world sciences and history. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading, knitting, camping, and being out in nature.

“As a Montessori teacher, I see myself as a home and the child as a resident. A home provides the resident comfort as well as the needs without interrupting, while, at the same time, at home, the child finds their own things to do. In the same way, a teacher needs to ensure children’s needs are met and provide a secure base for them so that they can freely explore and find their own work without much interference” – Jennifer

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Jennifer has a teaching degree specialising in Montessori and has taught children in both South Korea and New Zealand. She is deeply inspired by and committed to the Montessori philosophy, her nurturing and big smiles warmly transitions our youngest children through the start of their Montessori primary journey. She came to New Zealand in 2006 from South Korea and is married to ‘a wonderful man’ with two beautiful boys.

“I appreciate Montessori pedagogy for its clear scope and sequence, as well as its core value: independent learning lead by children. I value the ‘freedom within boundary’ environment in Montessori classroom and believe it empowers children to create their own authentic self. My favorite quote: ‘I believe the self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action.’ – John Dewey” – Echo

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Echo is originally from China and has been calling New Zealand home since 2012. She has a Graduate Diploma in Psychology from the University of Auckland, a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury. Echo then started her Montessori journey in a preschool obtained her ECE diploma in Montessori (3-6). In her free time, she loves being in nature and exploring new things.