Our Team
Meet the Team
Centre Manager
Bethany
I am deeply committed to creating a learning environment where tamariki, whānau, and kaiako feel a genuine sense of belonging and empowerment. Having lived and worked in the Wellington region all my life, I value the strong connections within our community and the opportunities these relationships provide for learning and growth.
I am passionate about mentoring and see it as a privilege to walk alongside teachers on their professional journeys. I believe in ako — reciprocal learning — where we all have knowledge to share and wisdom to gain.
For me, the environment is a powerful teacher. I strive to foster spaces that spark curiosity, creativity, and joy, while reflecting the uniqueness of every child. I embrace diversity and see neurodiversity as a strength, recognising that every learner brings their own richness to our community.
Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that Otaki Montessori is a place where relationships thrive, children are inspired, and everyone feels valued for who they are.
Administrator
Louise
I have been involved in the administration side of ECE for over 15 years and have loved every minute. It is a real joy to be part of an ECE Centre supporting the Kaiako in their very important role in caring for and educating young children. The laughter, fun and learning I have seen our young tamariki experience is the best part of my job.
I have lived on the Kapiti Coast for 20 years now. Outside of work, I am a bit of a homebody, but love getting out for walks in nature, travel and I have 4 cats to keep me busy.
Kaiako - Kereru
Kendall
I am a fully qualified and registered Kaiako and have been working in Early Childhood Education for over 10 years and across all age groups.
I believe in a holistic approach to teaching and view all tamariki as Taonga. I aim to build strong relationship where tamariki feel safe, secure and nurtured to grow into competent, capable learners within an inclusive environment. I particularly enjoy fostering ngā tamariki sense of enquiry, independence, and supporting tamariki to develop a positive sense of self.
In my spare time I like to spend time with my son and whānau, I enjoy the outdoors, particularly time in nature.
I look forward to spending time alongside your tamariki and whānau here at Otaki Montessori.
Kaiako - Kereru
Akane
Kia Ora. Konnichiwa
I come from Japan and have been a fully qualified and registered teacher for 10 years. I have been with Otaki Montessori since 2023.
I love working with tamariki and also value Ako and the warm and trust relationship with tamariki. I have a passion for helping tamariki settle in and creating an environment where they feel secure to explore and learn. In my spare time I enjoy going for walks, gardening, listening to music, shopping, cooking and eating
Kaiako - Kereru
Levi
Kia Ora. I've been working at Otaki Montessori since June 2023. I have recently returned from maternity leave working part time, and have a 1 year old daughter. I'm have my level 5 diploma in ECE and would like to further my knowledge in the future with Montessori training. I have worked in the ECE industry for over 8 years, starting my journey as a nanny. I have worked in a range of Centre's in Australia and NZ, experiencing many different pedagogy and learning methods. Montessori has always aligned best with my own personal values and philosophies.
I have a passion for sustainability and the environment and love to teach the children how to care for our earth. I value children as a whole and understand that each child is different and have their own ways of learning.
In my spare time I enjoy exploring the dairy farm I live on, with my whanau and helping out wherever I can with the cows and general daily farm tasks. I look forward to meeting your tamariki and welcoming you to our Otaki Montessori whanau.
Kaiako - Tui
Jane
Kia Ora. I completed the Aperfield Diploma in Montessori through TeRito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand in 2022 and gained experience as a Montessori ECE teacher since then. Montessori is amazing in that it provides opportunities for tamariki to learn and grow in language, mathematics and in so many other areas, providing great preparation for school.
Back in 2013 I qualified as an ECE Teacher and I have had experience in teaching overseas as a kindergarten teacher. Our family then made the decision to move back to NZ a few years ago to be closer to my father. As a kaiako I enjoy providing hands-on opportunities for children to explore and engage in a range of learning areas. I feel it is important to create a safe, secure and welcoming environment for tamariki, families and whanau. I believe my role is supporting children as they are learning to express themselves and to be more self-independent. It is amazing to see how much tamariki develop and grow their learning before starting school. I especially love seeing children develop their social skills: enjoying being part of a group, as well as making friends and connections with peers and Kaiako.
Kaiako - Tui
Courtney
I was born and raised on the Kāpiti coast and have been back here since I graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2023 with my Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood.
I am passionate about creating an environment where tamariki love to learn, have fun, and feel supported to explore and grow. I am very excited to be part of the team at Ōtaki Montessori and to learn alongside the tamariki and Kaiako here.
Kaiako - Tui
Ari
o Kurahaupō te waka
Ko Taranaki te maunga
Ko Waiaua te awa
Ko Ōrimupiko te marae
Ko Taranaki te iwi
Ko Ngāti Ruahine rāua ko Ngāti Haumia ngā hapū
Ko Ari Gurunathan tōku ingoa
Ko Taylor taku hoa rangatira
Ko Kiaan, ko Tiare, ko Nila ā māua tamariki
Kei Ōtaki Beach au e noho ana
He kaiako au i Ōtaki Montessori
He tauira au i Te Rito Maioha, e toru tau
I am excited to be working as a Kaiako here at Ōtaki Montessori. I’m currently in my last semester of the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) through Te Rito Maioha, and I feel grateful to be part of a learning community that values respect, curiosity, and strong relationships.
I’m passionate about supporting tamariki to feel safe, capable, and confident in their learning, and I place a strong emphasis on building genuine, respectful relationships with whānau. As a parent of three tamariki myself, I value the partnership between home and centre and believe it plays a vital role in supporting children’s wellbeing and development. After completing my year two teaching placement here, I knew Ōtaki Montessori was where I wanted to be. I am also incredibly lucky to have two of my tamariki attending between rooms.
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