“By teaching children to think outside the box, our children may just save our world, or equally as important grow up to be the best fathers and mothers, mentors & leaders. In my mind, ours is the most important work.”
Centre Founder
Educational Social Worker Min Ed
Dip Visual Arts, Dip TV & Film
Montessori Experience 19 years
I established Riverhead Montessori in 2007 out of a desire to make a positive difference to our children in their important developmental years from age 1-6. As an Educational Social Worker with the Ministry of Education for emotionally dysfunctional children, I saw tangibly how the opportunities we expose our children to during their formative years impacts greatly on who they become as adults. As a mother of three children (Bailey, Tom, and Lexie) I felt there was clearly a better way to educate our young and dreamed of creating an environment that is loving, all-encompassing and enriching. I have gathered a team of wonderful Montessori and ECE educators who have the same passion and commitment to making a positive difference to children in their preschool years. I have a background in broadcast and print media which has led to a truly creative centre full of exciting tools and opportunities for nurturing, educating and playing.
My aim is to ensure every child leaves Riverhead Montessori well prepared for life with a set of skills that allows them to succeed at whatever they choose. This has now been realised thousands of times over and continues to fill me with joy and a genuine love for what I do.
Centre Manager & Administrator
Hi I’m Rachel, I am from the UK; originally emigrated with my family here in 2001 but since then have lived back in the UK for a number of years before finally settling back in New Zealand at the end of 2016 and becoming part of the RMLC Whanau.
I have always had a passion for working with children and have experience working in a variety of child-care based roles including after school care, working in a play centre, nannying as well as centre-based care. I was first introduced to Montessori whilst working in a nursery school in the UK and have loved learning more about the philosophy over the years and incorporating it into my practice. In my spare time I enjoy dancing, gaming and spending time with friends and family.
Whare Kea - Qualified Teacher Primary Bachelors Degree RMLC Montessori Training
Kia ora, my name is Nikita Sharma, and I am a Primary school teacher from Fiji Island. I had been teaching in Fiji for four years, whereby I have had the pleasure to work at two amazing schools. I have been teaching at RMLC since 2024 and I enjoy working with all the amazing Kea children and staff at RMLC. I've been fortunate to have Montessori training at RMLC and really think it is an amazing approach. My husband and I are excited to be new parents to a beautiful baby daughter and being a parent really makes me appreciate even more, how important it is to provide nurturing and quality education.
I currently reside in in Riverhead, so you might be seeing me take a walk in the local park, feel free to say hi. When I am not at work, I am usually cuddled up with my cup of tea reading a novel or finishing my Netflix series. I enjoy teaching literacy, special education, reading, singing, cooking and eating as well and of course watching my daughter grow.
Whare Kea- ECE Qualified Teacher
Graduate Diploma in ECE
Kia ora, my name is Richard Essel.
I am a Montessori educator with a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Having taught for many years, I bring a global perspective and deep commitment to inclusive, engaging education. Originally from Ghana, my career has spanned continents including impactful years in China at a Montessori Kindergarten.
After a year of living and teaching in New Zealand, also at Montessori centres, I bring a calm child-led approach to learning and a strong commitment to nurturing independence, curiosity and meaningful relationships with children and families.
Whare Kea Teacher ECE Post Graduate Degree and FIne Arts Degree
Hello, my name is Xueqing Wang, but you can call me Ada. l am from China and came to New Zealand in 2017 to study Year 10 at HIgh School.
After completing a FIne Arts Degree at the University of Auckland. I gained my early childhood education Post Graduate Degree from NZTC and am an ECE Registered Teacher.
Over the years living in New Zealand, I have grown to love this beautiful, diverse country and have developed a deep passion for early childhood education. I believe every child has their own interests, ideas and ways of expressing themselves. I enjoy inspiring children's creativity and curiosity through art and play, while respecting their cultural backgrounds and home languages, helping them build confidence and a sense of belonging.
I focus on building positive and warm relationships with children and enjoy working in partnership with familes to support their growth and learning.
Outside of work, I enjoy crafts and painting which often inspires my interactions with children. I look forward to exploring, learning and growing together with the children here at RMLC and I'm really enjoying the Montessori training that is provided by the centre.
RMLC Centre Curriculum Lead & Tui Nest
ECE & Montessori Qualified Teacher
Bachelor Degree ECE
“Kia Ora Riverhead Montessori whanau, my name is Katie and am part of the Tui kaiako team. I am a fully qualified and registered teacher and have been teaching for 8+ years. I am qualified in the specialty of Montessori Education. I have a range of experience including 5+ years in Montessori, working with tamariki with additional/diverse learning needs and various leadership roles.
I grew up in rural Northland, and moved to Auckland in 2015 to study education. I currently live in Riverhead with my 3 year old son Alakai, our cat Rue and a few stray roosters. When I am not wearing my “teacher hat” you can find me exploring outdoors, lost in a book or on the dance floor.
I am so excited to get to know you all.
Aroha nui, Katie and Alakai x”
Tui Nest - ECE Teacher Currently studying for a Bachelor Degree (ECE)
Kia Ora! I'm Zara, a Tui teacher for Riverhead Montessori and I have worked with children over the last 4 years, nannying and relieving at various ECE centres across Tamaki Makaurau eventually accepting a role as a full-time teacher here at RMLC in early 2025. Initially I was teaching preschool aged tamariki but when I moved to the under 3’s age group I discovered this was where my passion lay. It became clear how crucial this developmental age is and that my role as a teacher is to help prepare and guide a child with the skills, they’ll need for the next chapter as well as for the rest of their lives. I believe that all children are so special, and each brings something amazing into the world. I love being a part of their journey of who they will become and desire to be. Children deserve patience, kindness, endless love and empowerment while knowing that they are safe and comfortable. I love being part of the RMLC whanau and can’t wait to share with you, your child’s everyday moments and learning experiences because together we can help make their dreams come true.
Montessori Trained ECE 18+ years
Reliever & In-House Montessori Trainer
My name is Gordia. I am a passionate Montessori teacher who has been involved in Montessori Centres for many years. You have seen me around in both Whare Kea and Tui Nest as I am a Montessori mentor and relief teacher. I really enjoy working with these age groups as they have so much to offer, and we both learn alongside each other on a daily basis.
