Our Staff
George – Centre Manager
Education - Diploma of Early Childhood Education (AU); Accredited Parent Effectiveness Training Facilitator; PhD in Biomedical Science (UK); Masters Degree in Sports Nutrition (UK); Masters Degree in Sports Medicine (UK).
Experience – George is an experienced nutritionist and parenting education professional, also designs the children’s balanced and nutritious meals, and researches develops and delivers parent and carer educational information seminars and workshops. He has over 10 years extensive experience in nutrition and meal planning for elite sports personals, and coaching children. George is a board member of Victoria Association of Parent Effectiveness Training and a qualified Parent Effectiveness Training facilitator.
"I come from a family that has been involved in assisting children expand their horizons through learning for over 30 years. My academic achievements were a result of a guiding curiosity that persists to this day, with learning and reaching insights still leaving me in awe and giving me goose bumps to this day. It is the same awe that the children express when learning something new and meaningful, and this guides me and motivates me in creating the environment that will provide the children with as many opportunities as possible to reach these feelings of awe and achievement."
Charlotte - Montessori Directress / Early Childhood Teacher / Education Leader
Education - Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education, Montessori Diploma
Experience - Charlotte’s experience in the Early Childhood sector started in 2002 in the role of the Montessori Directress, and in 2005 more skills were added to her arsenal and she became the Early Childhood Teacher. For the past 11 years, Charlotte’s experience extended into management, which she managed to such a level, that the Dept of Education rated the centre Charlotte was managing as Exceeding the standards set by the National Quality Framework.
"I have been involved in the education of young children since 2004. I have worked in a range of Montessori environments together with families in a playgroup for children under 2 and also set up and run a transition group and a Cycle 1 Montessori classroom for children 3-6 years old. I have worked in both a kindergarten setting and a long day care setting.
I have 2 grown up daughters who were my inspiration for becoming involved in early childhood many years ago.
I love gardening and have a strong interest in sustainability and the natural environment. I believe that the role of the adult is to offer opportunities to the young child; to initially observe and then to entice the child into exploration leading to concentrated effort. This is the key to learning. The Montessori philosophy offers this.
Early childhood education is about sharing knowledge, both theirs and ours, not just about imparting facts. For the educator, it is also about constant self-reflection and challenging old belief systems. It is more about discovering what the child wants to learn, than what I want to teach."
- Charlotte
Jade – Montessori Directress
Education - Montessori qualified educator, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, studying towards Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Experience – Jad has 10 years experience as Montessori Directress in the Early Childhood sector with per-school children.
“What I love about Montessori education is the way its holistic approach nourishes the whole child, not just the brain but the body and spirit. If you've ever pressure washed a mossy driveway or arranged flowers in a vase for a loved one, you'll know the full body feeling of satisfaction and joy that these tasks bring us. This is the beauty of practical life activities, which satisfy our innate desire for order, beauty, and cleanliness. After having my son and seeing how early these desires start in young children, I'm more motivated than ever to help the next generation to experience the wonder in making things beautiful and contributing to their community.”
- Jade
Jessica – Qualified Early Childhood Educator / Early Childhood Teacher
Education - Master of Teaching in Early Childhood and Primary Education (currently studying), Bachelor of Nursing, Diploma of Early Childhood Education
Experience – Jessica has 14years experience working with children in Children’s hospitals. Jessica is currently studying and she will complete her Masters degree in Teaching by the end of 2024.
“Hi, I'm Jess and I am studying a Master of Early Childhood and Primary Education at Monash University. I am a Registered Nurse and have been working in Children's hospitals for the last 14 years. I love working with kids and very happy to be able to work with children outside of the hospital at ALTO. I have spent a lot of time traveling the world and love exploring new places, tasting new foods and getting to know how other people live.”
- Jessica
Vana – Early Childhood Educator
Education - Diploma of Early Childhood Education
Experience – 9 years experience in Montessori methods with all age groups.
"My name is Vana and I have been working as an Early Childhood Educator in a Montessori pre-school for the last 5 years.
I am the proud mother of teenage twins who have always been the driving force in everything that I do. I have a Greek background and have lived in 4 different countries around the world. I am a lifelong learner and travelling has presented me with unlimited opportunities to learn and grow. It has also taught me the flexibility and has given me the ability to accept and appreciate the differences that make up our world.
I am very passionate about my work and find that because of this, I have a steady source of motivation that drives me. I thrive on challenges and constantly set goals for myself so I always have something to strive toward. When I was first introduced to Montessori, I was immediately captivated by how it takes such a well-rounded approach to Early childhood education. My favourite thing about it is the freedom of choice within the classroom. I believe that children can be as independent as we encourage them to be.
A child's early years are the foundation of his/her development and I feel very passionately about helping to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary building blocks for their future. Seeing visible progress in their development over the course of the year is very rewarding and I am so excited to be a part of this learning journey."
- Vana
San-Nan – Montessori Directress
Education - Master’s in Music, Certificate in Montessori Early Childhood, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education (working towards)
Experience – San-Nan has 9 years’ experience as a Montessori Directress in the Early Childhood sector with pre-school aged children.
San-Nan is a highly skilled early childhood educator with a deep focus on Montessori teaching methods. San-Nan excels in utilizing creative and hands-on learning approaches to enhance students' retention and love for language. With expertise in immersion techniques, San-Nan fosters children’s conversational skills, creating a child-centered and nurturing environment. With a strong background in Montessori education, San-Nan effectively applies classroom management techniques to cater to maximize learning opportunities. With a proven track record at Intercultural Montessori Language School and Chicago North Chinese School, San-Nan builds lasting relationships with parents and staff.
Cheressa – Montessori Directress
Education - Bachelor of Elementary Education, Montessori Education in Early Childhood, trainee Early Childhood Teacher
Experience – Cheressa has 7 years’ experience as a Montessori Directress and Early Childhood Teacher in the Early Childhood sector with pre-school aged children.
Cheressa obtained her bachelor's degree in elementary education, majoring in special education, in the year 2016. She began her teaching career at a school with a progressive educational philosophy. After being inspired by unique teaching practices and a desire to teach children in innovative ways, she began to research various educational approaches and fell in love with the Montessori method. She went through AMI Montessori training and became a Montessori guide in the Philippines in 2017. She spent a good six years teaching in a Montessori environment. She believes seeing the improvement of the children is one of the most enjoyable elements of teaching.
Koula – Grandma / Cook
Experience – Koula has extensive experience in commercial kitchens and catering for children.
“Hi families, my name is Koula, a grandma here and the centre cook. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to cook for the children at Alto, filling up their little bellies so they can tackle the world through learning and experiencing.”
- Koula
Anastasia – Early Childhood Educator (in training)
Education - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education (working towards)
Growing up under difficult conditions as a child I absorbed information about my surroundings that helped me understand the needs of a supportive environment. Working with my sister who has special needs I have developed an understanding of diverse needs, communication skills and experience of finding ways to assist those in need. Also, being a mother to a 2-year-old girl made me responsible, caring, loving person. I have experience in other areas that also help me in my role as an educator. I have a certificate of nursing from Greece, I was an excellent dancer (ballet and breakdance) and hairdressing experience too. I am also able to speak Russian at a conversational level. I am very happy to be a part of Alto’s team which teaches Montessori skills.
- Anastasia
Kristine – Early Childhood Educator
Education - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education (working towards)
My name is Kristine Roberts, I am currently studying Certificate Three in Early Childhood Development and am loving it.
I am working at Alto as a casual educator. I hope to support children at Alto to progress academically, socially, and emotionally whilst they go about their day-to-day routine in childcare, and overall making their time in care nurturing and fun. I anticipate to help children grow as individuals and encourage them to have a strong sense of belonging, becoming and being within themselves. I hope to help children gain more knowledge and skills, so they can always achieve great- ness now and in their bright futures ahead.
I am a caring and happy individual, who is so excited to get to know your child/children at Alto Montessori Early Learning and Kindergarten
- Kristine