About Us
Nau Mai & Welcome
Nau Mai and welcome to St Johns Montessori. We are privileged to be located within the parklands and sports grounds of Colin Maiden Park. Our mountain, Maungarei (Mt Wellington), and our river, the Tāmaki river also define our sense of place.
Our centre is a purpose-built Montessori early learning environment, catering for the development, education needs and best interests of young tamariki (children) from 0 to 6 years. We are highly committed to providing quality Montessori early childhood education and care.
Inspired by our Song:
Te Aroha (Love)
Te Whakapono (Faith)
Me te Rangimarie (Peace)
Tātou, Tātou e
Our rooms have been named:
Te Rima Aroha - for the nido (babies)
Te Rima Whakapono - for the toddlers
Te Rima Rangimarie - for the two and a half to six year olds
We believe that at St Johns we present a prepared environment where our kaiarahi (guide) offer love to all our whanau and community. They guide and support our tamariki having faith and trust in their practical ability to develop and practise the skills, dispositions and knowledge that they need. Our kaiarahi provide a peaceful space for tamariki to work comfortably and purposefully.
Meet The Team
Jamie Oh
Centre Manager
Hello, I’m Jamie (Yoonjeong) Oh, originally from South Korea, and I’ve had the pleasure of living in New Zealand for over 20 years.
I hold a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from AUT University (2011) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Leadership (2016). I am also a fully qualified teacher.
For the past 15 years, I’ve been immersed in the early childhood education sector, working across a variety of roles and age groups. Currently, I am the Centre Manager at a Montessori childcare centre, a role I’ve been passionate about since 2019.
As a parent of two young children—4.5 and 2 years old—I’m confident that the nurturing, child-centred approach of Montessori has beautifully supported their natural growth, learning, and development. I can speak from both my professional and personal experiences when I say how much I believe in the Montessori philosophy.
Outside of work, I enjoy camping, exercising, and spending quality time with my husband, children, and friends. I’m always excited to explore new places and hear about others’ adventures, particularly those of children, as they share their special experiences, holidays, and feelings. I thrive in outdoor play, enjoy engaging in arts and crafts activities, and love dancing to music.
Throughout my career, I’ve built strong, reciprocal relationships with children, creating meaningful connections through activities that allow them to express themselves, whether it’s through art, play, or movement. My passion for nurturing and supporting young learners remains at the heart of everything I do.
Jeanny Nikora
Supervisor
Tēnā koutou katoa, Warm greetings to you all.
Ko Jeanny Nikora taku ingoa
Ko Rangitoto te maunga.
Ko Waitematā te moana
Kei Glenfeild taku kāinga
No tamaki Makaurau ahau.
My name is Jeanny Nikora, I am a Chinese New Zealander. I graduated from AUT University with a bachelor in Montessori Early childhood education. I am happily married to my husband Tataihono. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, sewing, knitting and singing choral music.
I am passionate about teaching and nurturing the growth of each individual child as we walk alongside each other as a community of learners. I believe that the Montessori philosophy provides us with the environment and tools to discover and be intrigued about the world that is around us. It is my pleasure and honour to be working with you all as we go on this educational journey together.
Ngā aroha i a tangata i a tangata (Respect and love for one another)
Rangimarie (Children's House)
Hiroshi Perera
Rangimarie Head Teacher
Kia Ora!
My name is Hiroshi Perera. I am a Montessori Teacher and started my Montessori career in 2006, trained at the Good Shepherd Maria Montessori Training Centre (affiliated to the Association of Montessori Internationale, founded by Dr Maria Montessori) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. I have studied the principles and practices of the Montessori Method for children from 3 to 6+ years of age, eventually attaining my A.M.I. Montessori diploma qualification in 2008.
I migrated to New Zealand with my husband and daughter in 2014.
I have 15 years of teaching experience in Montessori and has worked in Montessori pre-schools both in Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
I am a passionate teacher who aims to develop the potential of the whole child. I have a genuine love of working with children. I aim to help cultivate this potential in our children, bringing out the very best of their creativity and independence, helping to focus on their specific needs through individualised learning, the Montessori way.
Jayathri Perera
Rangimarie Teacher
Kia ora Whanau/ Ayubowan,
My name is Jayathri, you can call me Jay. I am originally from Sri Lanka. I am
excited to be joining the whanau here at St Johns Montessori.
I am an overseas-qualified Montessori and Preschool, Teacher. With over ten
years of experience both overseas and in New Zealand, supporting the learning
of tamariki, it is not a job for me but my passion.
I strongly believe children learn and grow in their own unique way and as Kaiako,
we should provide them with a stimulating environment for their holistic
development.
I live in Greenlane with my husband and my two wonderful children, my son
Kushal (14) and my daughter Amasha (8). Outside of work I love being with my
family and spending time together and I have a little collection of indoor plants
which I absolutely love taking care of.
I am beyond excited to be part of the teaching team at St Johns Montessori
and can’t wait to meet and work alongside your child and whanau.
Michelle Scott
Rangimarie Teacher
Hi Parents and Whanau.
My name is Michelle and originally from Uk. I am a mum of three adult children and a nana to two adorable grandsons. I am a registered teacher who has over 20 years experience in both mainstream and Montessori teaching from 0-6 years.
My teaching philosophy is based around the competent child, physical exploration and independence. I believe that every child is a strong and capable being who can accomplish anything. I enjoy creating engaging and meaningful activities for children and supporting their holistic development and wellbeing. My practice concentrates on building strong and caring relationships for children to feel safe and included in the programme each day.
As an early childhood teacher, I believe that children are competent and capable explorers who have the ability to make their own decisions and take care of their own learning. My role is therefore to support, facilitate and work alongside children in creating opportunities for them to explore their interests and discover what it means to be a true life long learner.
In my spare time I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends; watching movies; cooking and knitting. I am passionate about teaching preschoolers and it is my pleasure and honour to be working alongside your children as we advance on a journey together.
George Han
Rangimarie Teacher
Ni hao. My name is George Han. I come from China.
I graduated from New Zealand Teachers College with a Bachelor of Early childhood education in 2022 and now I am a fully registered teacher.
I joined St Johns Montessori when I was studying NZTC as a student teacher, had done some relieving teacher jobs in all rooms here and now I am working with the Whakapono children.
I like to stay with the toddlers as I am passionate about them and supporting their development and growth.
In my free time, I like to do some sports, basketball is my favourite, and I also like some quiet activities, watching movies and reading can relax me mentally.
Whakapono (Children's Community)
Adam Hsiao
Whakapono Teacher
Kia ora, warm greetings to you all
My name is Adam Hsiao. I graduated from Te Rito Maioha with a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
My journey in ECE has allowed me to explore different teaching philosophies, particularly Montessori, which has shaped my approach to fostering children's independence, confidence, and curiosity.
I enjoy creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences, especially through art, where tamariki can express their creativity and develop their sense of exploration.
Outside of teaching, I love skateboarding, camping, and drawing. Being active and spending time outdoors inspire me, and I enjoy sharing these interests with tamariki. It is a privilege to be part of this learning community, and I look forward to supporting tamariki as they grow.
Kate Chen
Whakapono Teacher
My name is Kate Chen and I am a fully registered teacher. I have a passion for education and have been working in early childhood education for more than twenty years in the Auckland region.
I am married to Steve. We have lived in East Auckland for more than 30 years and have raised two wonderful children. We live with our beloved pet Ruby, who loves going for long walks. Other passions of mine are the outdoors, food, and relaxing with friends and family.
The best part of my job is the privilege to work alongside families from all walks of life. I am committed to providing the best quality care and education for your children in a Montessori environment. I look forward to meeting you!
Nila Nurwulandari
Whakapono Teacher
Kia ora koutou,
I am Nila Nurwulandari, you can simply call me Nila. I am Indonesian and have been teaching in Pre-school for over 15 years overseas and Auckland. Teaching is an absolute passion of mine! I am so excited to work with you and your child. It’s going to be a full of fun, learning, and lots of adventures.
In addition, I am a Montessori trained, received diploma from MMI (Modern Montessori International). I believe Montessori is an education philosophy that fosters self-motivated growth for children in all areas of their development, with a goal of nurturing each child's natural desire for knowledge, understanding, and respect. I am also planning to get my Teacher Registration this year. Hopefully all goes well. Very excited to be part of St. Johns Montessori whanau.
I have lived in Auckland since 2018, and enjoy it ever since. My hobby is playing sport, music and travelling. I have explored New Zealand from North to South Island, and can’t wait to have another trip soon!
Monique Buckmaster
Whakapono Head Teacher
Kia Ora koutou, Ko Monique toku ingoa - my name is Monique Buckmaster.
I am a qualified early childhood teacher who graduated from AUT university with a bachelor of education ECE Montessori specialisation. In later years I have also undertaken numerous professional development courses and acquired Association Montessori International (AMI) 0 -3 Assistants certificate. I also have future goals to complete an AMI 0-3 Diploma.
Montessori’s philosophical approach to learning holds a special place in my heart having attended a Montessori casa environment between the ages of three to five. I have also had three of my siblings attend Montessori helping to solidify my interest and passion for the Montessori philosophy.
I believe that early childhood education is fundamental for children. It is a time of tremendous growth where children develop their own unique personalities and establish an understanding of the world around them. I also believe that the Montessori method is such a powerful way to understand the child and connect to the child’s natural curiosity and innate desires to learn.
If I’m not at St Johns Montessori, you will find me hanging out with Boris and Bernie my two cockatiels, swimming, baking or going to the beach. I am also a bit of a traveller and enjoy exploring different countries and cities. I am excited to be a part of your child’s learning journey and look forward to getting to know you.
Aroha (Nido)
Marianne Vasquez
Aroha Teacher
Kia Ora and Kumusta!
My name is Marianne Vasquez. I am originally from Philippines. I migrated to NZ in 2012 with my husband.
I love children and being with them. Teaching is my passion and I enjoy being a support teacher in Early Childhood. I graduated Bachelor Of Elementary Education in Philippines and gained professional license in teaching. I had experienced teaching children in Philippines for more than five years before I migrated to NZ. I started to be a volunteer teacher in Early Childhood in April 2014 iin NZ. Since then I became a support teacher to Funkids and Superkids.
I have been working in St Johns Montessori since last year of November supporting the Infant and Toddler room. My son ReL is also joining the class. I enjoy coming to work everyday and learned new things about children and how to support on their learning development. I am currently teaching and supporting the teachers in Preschool. I am looking forward to getting to know more our children and whanau here in St. Johns Montessori.
Kia Mihi and Maraming Salamat!
Shannon Hou
Aroha Teacher
My name is Shannon. I come from Beijing, China, and I have completed my graduate diploma in ECE, and obtaining qualified teacher registration. My journey is from my university years in Beijing, I worked as an English tutor, igniting my passion for working with children and tailoring education to their individual needs. This passion drives me to continually improve and stay informed on the latest educational theories and practices.
Early childhood education holds a special place in my heart, offering creativity and challenges that fuel my dedication to continuous learning and innovation. As a parent myself, I am deeply committed to the growth and development of young learners.
Through my study and practical experience, I have enriched my professional knowledge and skills in working with children. I am eager to apply these learnings and contribute positively to all the children.
Jojo Li
Aroha Teacher
Kia Ora! My name is Jojo Li, and I’m originally from China. I am a provisionally qualified early childhood educator, having completed my studies at NZTC, an institution dedicated to cultivating effective educators. I have a deep passion for Montessori teaching and aim to inspire children’s holistic development through this approach.
It is an honour to be part of the professional, friendly, and supportive team at St Johns Montessori centre. I truly appreciate the trust and support I receive from the children, parents, and colleagues in my work.
Through my practicum and studies, I have gained valuable teaching experience and developed a strong belief in the importance of the early years in a child’s life, as they lay the foundation for lifelong learning and development. I am committed to applying my knowledge in practice, continually improving my teaching, and fostering positive learning outcomes for the children in my care.
Philip Lenton
Cook
Kia Ora, My name is Philip Lenton.
I was born in the UK and migrated to New Zealand. I have three children, five grandchildren, two dogs and cats and wife Mary. I graduated St Kentigern College with Bachelor of Commerce and worked in the family business until 10 years ago and retired. Then I started to work as a cook.
I love watching sports especially cricket, going to church, painting, singing, reading and spending time with grandchildren.