Our Team
Kaiako- Tui
Claudia De Santa
Hi, my name is Claudia.
I’ve been teaching at Ōtaki Montessori since 2019 and working in the ECE field since 2003. I care for the environment and nature and live daily by these principles. I speak fluent Italian, English, and Spanish and have a basic knowledge of Te Reo Māori.
I bring an international, multicultural and empathetic understanding to my work. My main goal is to build a trustful relationship with the children and their families, giving them my support and the most enjoyable time during their learning journey here at Ōtaki Montessori.
Kaiako- Kereru
Akane Yamauchi
Kia Ora,
Konnichiwa, my name is Akane.
I come from Japan and I have been a fully qualified teacher for about 10 years now. I have been a teacher at Ōtaki Montessori since 2023.
I love working with tamariki and I value Ako and the warm and trust relationship with tamariki. I have a passion in helping tamariki settle in and creating an environment where they feel secure to explore and learn. In my spare time, I enjoy going for a walk, gardening, listening to music, shopping, cooking, and eating.
Kaiako- Kereru
Kendall Waaka
Kia Ora,
My name is Kendall and I am a fully qualified and registered Kaiako and have been working in Early Childhood Education for over 10 years, across all age groups.
I believe in a holistic approach to teaching and view all tamariki as Taonga. I aim to build strong relationships where tamariki feel safe, secure and nurtured to grow into competent and capable learners within an inclusive environment. I particularly enjoy fostering ngā tamariki sense of enquiry, independence, and supporting tamarki 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 working alongside your tamariki, and whānau here at Ōtaki Montessori.
Administrator
Louise Riordan
My name is Louise and I have been involved in the administration side of things in ECE for over15 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 of caring 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 home body, but love getting out for walks in nature and have 4 cats to keep me busy.