Pauline Downing Ko Maungatautari te maunga, Ko Waikato te awa, Ko Tainui te waka, Ko Tāpapa te marae, Ko Ngati Raukawa te hapū, Ko Tainui te iwi, Ko Pauline Downing ahau. I’ve been teaching for most of my adult life from kid’s church to adults in Korea, and my biggest undertaking, home-schooling my daughter through to university. Following this I decided to make it official and completed my BA in Primary teaching in 2012. I taught in Primary for a year, then moved to ECE where I discovered a passion for early childhood learners and the enthusiasm they have for life. I enjoy guiding them as they explore the world around them while discovering what their interests are and how to tap into them. Building meaningful relationships with children and their families is important to me. I’ve enjoyed being part of the Montessori team for almost 1.5 years as together we nurture your child’s love for learning. Originally from Cambridge, I have two adult children and moved to Gisborne in 2018 where we plan to settle until the lights go out.

Sandy Starr has been a qualified Early Childhood Teacher for 30 years. She trained as a Kindergarten teacher and taught in 4 different Kindergartens over the years.  Sandy has  taught here at Montessori since 2001, and has completed part of her Montessori Training.

Melissa Morrison Ko Orongorongo te maunga,Ko Wainui-o-mata te awa,Ko Wainui-o-mata mea Te Upoko o ika o Maui ahau,Ko David Morrison taku papa,Ko Marilyn George taku mama,Ko Jerram Morrison raua ko Clarissa Morrison aku tamariki,Ko Melissa Morrison ahau,No Turanga-a-kiwa ahau.Melissas first experience with Gisborne Montessori was in 2013 before she started her Bachelor in Teaching ECE Degree in 2014 and graduated March 2018.  Melissas studies have led her to experience other learning communities and she is delighted to be here.  Melissa love the Montessori philosophy and finds it is a joy to share in your childs learning journey. 

Casey Thomas a fully registered ECE teacher/Kaiako returning to work at Montessori Preschool. She has previously worked here from 2012-2016 before embarking on a Diploma in Naturopathy, ECE relief work and having her second child. Casey is a mother to two girls (3 & 14 years old).Casey has always had a passion for the Montessori philosophy, she simply loves observing and supporting children to independently follow their interests and engage within a prepared environment, and witnessing the growth and development that occurs from their individual experiences. Casey plans to continue upskilling her knowledge and understanding of the Montessori philosophy in order to provide the best quality education she can.Casey looks forward to working with, growing and learning alongside you tamariki, and whānau.