Our Team

Brenda is from Perth and has lived here all her life apart from a few years of her childhood when she lived in the MidWest. Brenda is qualified as a primary school teacher and has always worked in the education sector. 

Before working at Perth Montessori, she ran a Kumon study centre for around eleven years. Brenda came to PM as a school parent in 2006 and became a staff member in 2008 as a Playgroup Facilitator. 

The most inspiring thing about her role is to see the joy in parents’ faces when their toddlers are doing the jobs – the babies grow quickly and will often surprise their parents with what they can do! What she loves most about the Montessori way is that the development of the child is so well-articulated and that it guides both formal and informal education.

When not at work, Brenda is usually camping off-grid with her friends and family, and volunteering with her elderly church community.

The best advice she’s ever been given is; “…that other people will always make sense when we give up trying to fit them into our view and seek to understand theirs.”

Michelle was born in Malaysia and grew up in Perth. Before joining Perth Montessori, Michelle worked with children in various roles including being an Early Childhood Assistant Educator, KG teacher, and an eco-school Coordinator in London. Michelle has been at Perth Montessori since 2020.

The most inspiring part of her role is seeing the curiosity, joy and light in the children’s eyes when they learn something new, every day. What she most loves about the Montessori way is the fact that it resonates the most with her values and ideas about teaching in the 21^st century, particularly when it comes to fostering independence in the child through active participation in a supportive environment.

When not working, Michelle enjoys dancing. She had an amazing opportunity to take part in a musical theatre course while living in London. Other passions include yoga, singing, crafting and exploring new places.

The best advice she’s ever been given is; “Stay true to yourself and follow your heart.”

Anthea is a caring person, with a bubbly personality, who likes to help others. Born in Australia, she has Anglo-Burmese heritage. Anthea has been at Perth Montessori since 2019.

Anthea loves how the Montessori way allows for hands-on learning where the children have freedom of choice and are able to be independent and to self-correct. The most inspiring thing about her role is seeing the growth of children’s abilities and their successes over time. When not teaching, Anthea enjoys painting, swimming, going to the gym, feeding chickens, and scouting for a new pet bird.

The best advice she’s been given is; “Reflect on your learning, believe in yourself, and be fearless.”

Udenie originally comes from Sri Lanka and is bi-lingual, speaking both English and Sinhala. Before coming to Australia, Udenie had many other roles in the workforce including being an auditor and an assistant manager at various government institutions, in addition to working as a graduate teacher for seven years.

Udenie has been with Perth Montessori since 2011 as an education assistant and has recently completed her Montessori Diploma studies for ages 3-6. She absolutely loves working with young children, through all the laughter, tears, and exhaustion! Udenie values the Montessori approach as it teaches children how to be independent.

In her spare time, Udenie enjoys cooking, gardening, and sewing. She strongly believes that as educators, we must be willing to do whatever it takes every day, for every student.

Her favourite quote is; “The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing them for school, but for life.” (Maria Montessori)

Vijayata belongs to the Holy city of Amritsar in Northern India. She is multilingual, and is fluent in Hindi, Punjabi, as well as English. Before joining Perth Montessori, Vijayata worked as a relief teacher at public and private schools. She has also worked at Southbank Montessori for six years in a range of roles. She is not new to Perth Montessori as she has been a relief teacher on many occasions, but as of Term 1 2023 has taken a permanent role Lower Primary guide.

When it comes to inspiring aspects of her job, Vijayata cannot name just one. Teaching in a multi-age classroom, and nurturing a child’s innate abilities to learn for constructive and positive outcomes rank in the top two. She also loves the child-centred educational approach in the Montessori setting, as well as appreciating how a child’s natural curiosity to learn and grow and flourish is always encouraged.

When not in her role, Vijayata can be found spending time with family, reading and leisurely walking.

Her favourite quote is; “The greatest sign of success for a teacher…is to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.’ “ (Dr. Maria Montessori)

Chathurika joined Perth Montessori as an education assistant in January of this year. Originally from Sri Lanka, she is bi-lingual and speaks both Sinhalese and English. Before joining Perth Montessori, Chathurika worked at Ngala Early learning Centre, SouthBank Montessori and Smart Start Montessori Based daycare.

One of the aspects Chathurika really loves about her role is being with children, helping them with their education, and seeing their achievements. Simply sharing in their accomplishments and happiness makes her every effort worthwhile.

Chathurika particularly loves being in a Montessori education setting because she sees that children have so much opportunity to become capable, self-confident, independent, enthusiastic and self-directed learners.

For leisure, Chathurika enjoys spending time with her family and likes cooking and baking. She also wishes to travel new places.

Chathurika believes that, in life, happiness is the greatest achievement one can have and that we should always believe in ourselves. “Our Life is shaped by our mind. We become what we think. Joy follows a pure thought like a shadow that never leaves.” –Buddha.

Madelaine joined Perth Montessori at the start of 2024 as the Upper Primary guide for Kardan. Before joining Perth Montessori, Madelaine worked as a Montessori education assistant at Beehive Montessori and The Montessori School Kingsley, as well as a kindergarten teacher.

In addition to a Bachelor of Education, Madelaine holds an AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) 6-12 Diploma, from the ‘Centro Internazionale Studi Montessoriani’ in Bergamo, Italy.

Jodie began her role at Perth Montessori in 2023, as Upper Primary assistant in Kardan. Jodie has worked in education support at Montessori schools including Beehive Montessori and Bluegum Montessori for over 15 years. Josie is passionate about the difference a Montessori education offfers students and enjoys supporting the guide and children on their educational journey.

Shamim comes from Singapore and has been at Perth Montessori since 2005. Prior to this, she taught in Kuwait for ten years.

Speaking English, Indonesian, Malay, Tamil, Hindi, and Chinese, Shamim loves being able to contribute towards the students’ growth and lives. She values the fact that the Montessori way prioritises every student’s individuality as they are encouraged to develop at their own pace.

When not in her role at PM, Shamim can be found teaching the ladies in her church and volunteering at the soup kitchen in Ellenbrook. A fun fact about Shamim is that she is married with five children!

The best advice she has ever been given is; “Be yourself and do the best that you can.”

Caroline is originally from Dublin, Ireland and has been with Perth Montessori since 2001. She grew up in Dublin until she was 21 and then spent three years backpacking throughout South East Asia, South and East Africa, Mexico, Florida, and the Channel Islands. During this time, Caroline worked in retail and hospitality.

After high school, Caroline had the opportunity to work for a year in a Montessori school, which is what ignited her passion for all things Montessori. Caroline is inspired most by watching her students learn and grow and develop intrinsic motivation and a love of learning. She loves getting to know both students and families and being able to respect and cater for individual learning styles/needs.

Caroline has a teenage son and a six-year-old daughter so, when not teaching, she is usually chasing around after them! She can also be found at the local surf club or assisting at her local football club in winter.

Her favourite saying is; “One foot in front of the other and one step at a time and, if it’s not working, change it.”

Ashe was born in Geraldton, but spent most of her youth living in Busselton. Before coming to Perth Montessori, Ashe worked as a Maths and Science teacher for five years. Before this, she was an environmental consultant in the Perth Region.

Having just started at Perth Montessori in 2023, Ashe finds working with students and staff who love learning most inspiring. When it comes to Big Picture, Ashe particularly loves seeing students excited about what they are doing and teaching her all about their passions.

When not working, Ashe is often found sewing her own clothes, swimming at the beach, hiking or playing sport.

Michaela grew up in Dubbo, Central West New South Wales and has lived in the UK, Darwin, Papua New Guinea and Sydney before finding her way to Perth. She holds a Master of Teaching (Secondary), specialising in English and Drama, and has worked as an actor, director and production manager. In 2020 she began teaching at Lincoln School inside Orana Youth Justice Centre which is where she found her passion for alternative approaches to education.

Michaela joined the Perth Montessori Adolescent Program in Term 1 2024 teaching English, HASS and Health to Cycle 4, as well as advising students on their Big Picture journey. She loves watching students really come to life when they find that ‘thing’ that inspires them and her favourite aspect of the Montessori approach is the way it facilitates that discovery. She is also excited to be teaching in an environment which carefully considers the holistic development of the child.

When she’s not at school, you might find Michaela treading the boards in a local theatre production, singing terribly in the shower, or chasing around her toddler on a family camping trip.

Michaela’s favourite saying is ‘A problem is just a solution waiting to happen’; and that mindset has served her well through many of life’s challenges.

Willow was born in Albany and moved to Perth for high-school. Before joining Perth Montessori, Willow worked as a maths teacher at Halls Head in Mandurah. She also worked as a wellbeing coordinator in London, UK. Willow has been at Perth Montessori since Term 1, 2023.

The most inspiring part of her role is watching students develop as a whole, rather than within a segmented learning structure. When it comes to Montessori, Willow likes that students call the teachers by their first names as it just feels better to her. When it comes to Big Picture, Willow feels it’s the way of the future, as it allows students to learn whilst developing real-world skills.

When not working, Willow can be found hanging out with her two young daughters, friends, and family.

The best advice she has ever been given is; “If you can be anything in this world, be kind.”

Deb originally comes from the Wheatbelt, WA. Apart from English, she also speaks Aussie slang (and is pretty good at it!). Before coming to Perth Montessori, Deb worked on farms, as a vet nurse, a support worker, a bookkeeper and an EA in mainstream schooling. Deb joined Perth Montessori in Term 4, 2022.

The most inspiring part of her role is helping kids develop a love of learning and explore their interests. Deb feels that the best thing about Montessori is the mutual respect and the development of independence that everyone is encouraged to have. She also loves how Big Picture allows the students to explore their interests and still cover all their school learning requirements and even enter university if they wish, without all the stress of ATAR exams.  

When not working, you will find Deb outside in the paddock, on or around the water, fixing something on one of their many cars, trucks, motorbikes or farm machines, or starting a new venture. She believes life is about constant learning; and a love of learning makes life much more enjoyable.

The best advice she has been given is; “Show respect even to people who don’t deserve it. Not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours.” Also; “If you love your job, you’ll never do a day’s work in your life.”

Linda comes from Jakarta, Indonesia. She speaks both Indonesian and Japanese and has taught Indonesian to the Perth Montessori students since 2014.

The most inspiring part of Linda’s job is seeing students appreciating other cultures. She also loves the way the Montessori approach allows for students to explore their creativity.

When not teaching, Linda enjoys swimming, eating out, cooking, and golf.

One of her favourite sayings is; “Happiness is not about getting all you want, it is about enjoying all you have.”

After doing some service leave cover for the retiring art teacher, Verena is now our permanent art specialist. Heralding from Australia, Verena speaks some German from having worked in Switzerland as an English Language teacher for four years. Before employment at Perth Montessori, she worked at Curtin University as a casual tutor for about 12 years. teaching intensive English language bridging and academic communications. 

Verena also unit coordinated a couple of Arts Education units online and was the Visual Art Specialist teacher at Central Midlands High School. What inspires Verena in her role is the fact that young people have such creative and original ideas, and she loves witnessing the joy students experience when they express themselves and discover new artistic skills.

When it comes to the Montessori way, Verena loves the holistic nature of the Montessori approach to education, in particular, the way the cosmic curriculum is organised around five great stories. When not in her role, Verena is a practicing artist who carries a sketchbook in her handbag as she often draws or paints. Other hobbies include riding her bike and breeding tropical albino guppy fish.

Her favourite Montessori quote is:  “If we try to think back to the dim and distant past, what is it that helps us reconstruct those times, and to picture the lives of those who lived in them? It is their art. It is thanks to the hand, the companion of the mind, that civilisation has arisen.”

Júlia joined Taaliny as an EA in Term 2, 2025. Júlia recently attained her AMI 3-6 Diploma in Spain.

Born and raised in Perth, Sally moved to Melbourne in 1996 looking for adventure. While studying for her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, Sally worked in after-school care and unexpectedly discovered the joy of working with children. She subsequently went on to complete a Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary) at Monash University, commencing her career as a classroom teacher in 2004.

Sally has travelled extensively throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, India and south-east Asia and speaks French and Spanish. In 2006, Sally spent two years living and teaching in Colombia. It was at that time that she came across Paula Polk Lillard’s book, Montessori Today. Reading this book ignited a spark in Sally’s imagination; she was determined to embrace this holistic approach and began working towards her International Montessori Teaching Diploma that year.

Sally’s passion for Montessori has sustained her throughout her career in education; from teaching in mainstream and Montessori classrooms, to investigating parents’ reasons for choosing a Montessori school in fulfilment of her Graduate Certificate of Educational Research, the child-centred philosophy of the Montessori approach has been her beacon. Sally holds a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from Monash University and has worked as an Inclusive Education Leader, Deputy Principal and most recently Principal of Mount Dandenong Primary School. Sally is inspired by the privilege of working with communities to effect educational change at the school and system level. She strongly believes in the transformational power of Montessori education to change lives for the better.

A couple of Sally’s favourite nuggets of wisdom are; “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” (Maya Angelou), and “The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn.” (Alvin Toffler)

At the start of 2022, Sally, along with her husband and kids, relocated to Perth for a lifestyle change and to be closer to her own family. Outside of school, Sally loves spending time with her family and dogs, especially exploring nature and discovering new places. She enjoys travel, walking, reading and cultural pursuits such as museums, galleries, restaurants and live music. Sally joined PM in 2022.

Originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Adin has been at Perth Montessori since 2005. Prior to this, he taught Martial Arts (and still has a club in Bull Creek that he teaches at two afternoons a week).

One thing Adin enjoys about his job is that he is able to work with all classes, as this allows him to see students transition through multiple cycles over many years. When it comes to the Montessori way, Adin loves the multi-age classes and the strong social and collaborative skills that emerge as a result.

When not in his role, Adin can be found either at a playground with his sons, Zayn and Amir or tinkering with cars, a passion his dad passed onto him at a young age. Something you may not know about Adin is that he can speak five languages: English, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, and Italian!

Adin’s favourite quote is; “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” (Wayne Gretzky)

Nina originally comes from Kenya and moved to Australia in 2004. Being multi-lingual, she speaks Punjabi, Hindi, Kiswahili and is currently learning French. Nina is a CPA qualified accountant.

Before coming to Perth Montessori, she had several accounting roles in various companies including Shell Australia as a Systems Accountant and at a legal firm in Trust Accounting. Nina came to PM in November 2020 and looks after the finances and cash flow. In her role, she loves the excitement of everything falling into place. Nina values the Montessori way due to its many, different modes of learning, some of which even involve playing games.

When not working, she enjoys walks on the beach, hiking, and watching TV. Nina is grateful for so many things, including being given the opportunity to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2018.

The best advice she has ever been given is; “Believe and have faith in yourself.” Also; “Every day is a Gift. Remember to unwrap it with Joy and Gratitude.”

Stefani Caminiti is the former founder and CEO of The Inner Ninja Foundation. Stefani is a registered counselor, an avid mental wellness advocate and international speaker. Stefani has completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and counselling and a master’s degree in suicidology.

Stefani has volunteered, worked and provided expert advice and consultation within the mental health sector for the past 15 years for various esteemed organisations. Stefani has a passion for working with youth and making their voices be heard.

Yoh began her association with the School as an OHSC educator but now supports our community in administration.