Founder, Current Principal​

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"I have more than 30 years of experience with the Montessori method. My journey started when I founded a small Montessori themed playgroup in September 1990. We started off with only toddlers in my lounge, at home. My youngest son had a stuffed penguin, which he loved! I took inspiration from this, and called the playgroup "Little Penguins". I felt that this name was fitting, as it was something connected to my own family and dear to my heart. 

 

After completing various courses through Headstart College, I quickly developed a deep love for the Montessori method and found profound joy in teaching young children. My passion led to the rapid growth of my first Montessori Pre-school, "Little Penguins Montessori", where we welcomed more than 30 children, aged 3-6 years old.

 

As the school outgrew my home, I purchased and renovated an old house in 1999, creating a new space for Little Penguins. The school continued to flourish, and by 2005, a toddler section was introduced. In 2010, a brand-new school building was established in Ludwigsdorf, where the school still resides today.

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As the Montessori method gained popularity across Namibia, it became clear that there was a need for Montessori education beyond preschool. In 2016, Little Penguins proudly saw its first students enter grade 1, paving the way for what is now Keystone Elementary.

 

I play an active role in leading the school on a daily basis and I believe in making a difference in children’s lives.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​"

Operations Manager

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"I have been working as the Operations Manager at Montessori Centre for 5 years. I manage all of the functions of the School, apart from the academics. Professionally I am a chartered management accountant and an associate of CIMA. During Covid I left the banking world to try something different and I’ve never looked back."

Head, Upper Elementary

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"I have been a Montessori teacher for the past 20 years. I initially studied and worked in Geophysics, before becoming a teacher. I hold two Montessori certified qualifications, one for Pre-primary education and another for Elementary school education. 

 

I initially worked as a preprimary Montessori teacher at Little Penguins, before starting my journey in the  Elementary environment. I currently serve as the Head of Keystone Elementary and I have been a part of the Elementary School team since 2016. 

 

I find working with children very satisfying, because you can see and be part of their development on a daily basis. I love seeing their confidence grow and their personality develop during the years that they spend with us."

Manager Trainee, Teacher Lower Elementary 

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"I was fortunate enough to receive a Montessori education as a child and now I get to sit on the other side of the mat as a guide.

 

I have a Diploma in Primary (Elementary) Teaching (Level 6) (Montessori Specialisation), a B.Psych. (Honours) Degree in Psychology and have been a proud Montessori guide since 2021. I regard myself a life-long learner, always seeking knowledge & inspiration from nature and all living beings; seeds I hope to plant to grow forever.

 

I believe in the Montessori method as it evokes a sense of curiosity, independence and a love for exploration. The imprint that the Montessori material leaves on your core memory is remarkable, being  part of the children’s journey of self-realisation, love & light in a Montessori environment feels like home to me. I am deeply fulfilled in what I do."

Head, Little Penguins

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"I am a Montessorian at heart. I was in a Montessori Pre-school as a child and this naturally paved the way for me to become interested in the method as an adult. I come from the corporate world of Advertising where I was a Client Service and Project Manager for 8 years. After reaching a certain point in my life, I realised that I needed to make a change and wanted to make a difference in children’s lives. I decided to study a qualification in Early Childhood Development, with a focus on the Montessori Method of teaching, ages 3-6 years through the Montessori Centre of South Africa (in Cape Town, where we lived). We moved back to Namibia end of 2023, and in 2024 I started as the Head of Little Penguins.

 

I whole-heartedly believe in adding value to a child’s life and creating an environment for them to grow and develop into independent individuals. I get so much joy out of what I do on a daily basis and I feel grateful to be able to share my day with these inspirational little human beings."​​

Front Office

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"I have been working at Montessori Centre since 2016 as part of the office administration team. While I don’t teach in the classroom, Montessori education is a big part of my life—I come from a family of Montessorians, was a Montessori child myself, and both of my children have also received a Montessori education. This lifelong connection has given me a deep respect for the method and its lasting impact.

 

In my role, I support the day-to-day operations of the school, helping to ensure everything runs smoothly, so that our educators and children can thrive in a calm, well-organized environment. I’m proud to be part of a community that nurtures independence, curiosity, and a love of learning."

Head, Lower Elementary 

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"I Initially studied Graphic Design in Cape Town and worked for a Media company, I also did photography and worked in guest services on Cruise ships for 3 years in the US, before returning to Namibia.

After working in guest services on the ships, I encountered many bitter people and realised no matter how kind you are, you cannot cheer up everybody, and for some people your efforts will never be enough, this however is very different for children. The effort you put in can really make a difference in their lives. This really made me want to work with children. 

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When we started our family, I became really interested in the development of my own child. After presenting Kiddie Sport at different schools, I decided to study the Montessori method since my daughter schooled at the Montessori Centre. I really wanted to know how/what she is learning, and that is how my journey started at the Montessori Centre."​​​

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Head, Little Penguins

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"I started my Montessori teaching journey at Montessori Center and I have been teaching for 3 years. I currently serve as the Head of Little Penguins, where every day brings new adventures in learning and laughter.

 

I have a background in education and experience in both traditional and Montessori classrooms. I feel that I have found my true home in child-centered education, by using the Montessori method.

 

I genuinely love children—their curiosity, honesty, and creativity light up every room. Teaching feels like my God-given purpose, and the Montessori method aligns beautifully with that calling. It honours each child's unique path and nurturing their independence, confidence, and joy."

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Head, Waddle Ducks

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"I started at Montessori Center in October 2023. I am currently the Head of Waddle Ducks and I have an honours degree in Clinical Psychology. I previously worked at a practice as a psychological counsellor before embarking on my Montessori journey.

 

I specifically enjoy working with this age group (18 months - 3 years) as they remind you to appreciate all the little things around you. The Montessori method stands out most to me, because it shows the great potential each individual child has. The material allows them to learn at their own pace, showcasing their strengths.  

 

When you spend time with the children, you begin to notice that they point out the littlest details around them. They'll show you the smallest bug on the ground or a leaf blowing in the air.  They remind me to take it slower and be mindful of my surroundings."

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Senior Teacher, Waddle Ducks

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"I have been a Montessori educator for the past 10 years, and I currently serve as a Senior Teacher in the Waddle Ducks environment. In this role I guide the daily learning cycle, plan and assign purposeful tasks, mentor assistants, and ensure our classroom environment runs smoothly and stays faithful to Montessori principles. Before joining the Montessori community I taught in a government school, which gave me a solid grounding in mainstream curricula and classroom management.

 

Discovering the Montessori approach transformed my outlook: I love watching children grow into confident, self-directed learners when they are trusted with choice and hands-on materials. Although I work directly with the children, my leadership position also supports the whole school by modeling best practice, coordinating resources, and fostering a calm, prepared environment where every child—and teacher—can thrive."

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Senior Teacher, Upper Elementary

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"I am an upper elementary Montessori teacher with a background in Psychology. I have several years of experience working with children of different ages (from Pre-school to Grade 10).

 

I was first introduced to the Montessori method while I was working at a school that opened a Montessori-based Kindergarten, the philosophy of “help me to help myself” immediately resonated with me.

 

After completing my Pre-primary Diploma through Headstart Training Centre, and later my Elementary Montessori Diploma, I’ve had the privilege of working with children aged 3 to 12.

 

I’m passionate about how the Montessori method nurtures independence and a lifelong love of learning and I’m excited to be part of the Keystone Elementary team."