Marshwood Team
. . . we love what we do because we do what we love . . .
Mayanka
Centre Manager
Registered Teacher
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Bachelor in Education Early Childhood - University of Auckland
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First Aid certified
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14 years experience in Montessori teaching
I have worked in early childhood education for more than 14 years. Having attended a Montessori school myself between the ages of two and nine, I appreciate the lasting benefits of the Montessori approach and its focus on nurturing independent, confident learners.
I am passionate about the early years, believing they are fundamental for children to develop their personalities and understanding of the world. I aim to foster independence, curiosity, and a love for learning through hands-on experiences.
In my teaching, I integrate Montessori principles with creative activities such as dancing, arts, and crafts, helping children explore, express themselves, and engage fully with their learning. I am excited to be part of the Marshwood Montessori team and to work in partnership with families to support each child’s journey.
Thishani
Registered Teacher
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Graduate Diploma Early Childhood Teaching - NZTC
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Diploma in Early childhood-CACHE 3 qualifications - UK - vocational qualification, completed in British Orchard Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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Bachelor of Arts (Early Childhood Education), IIC Technology University,
Kingdom of Cambodia. -
First Aid certified
I have worked in early childhood education for over 10 years, with teaching experience in New Zealand, the UAE, and Sri Lanka. I am passionate about creating nurturing and inclusive environments where children feel confident, valued, and excited to learn.
I believe the early years are an important time for children to develop independence, curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. I enjoy providing hands-on, child-led experiences that encourage children to explore their interests and learn through play.
My teaching practice is guided by Te Whāriki and Montessori principles, with a strong focus on independence, creativity, and supporting each child’s individual strengths and needs. I enjoy incorporating stories, music, art, movement, and practical life experiences into children’s learning.
I am excited to be part of the Marshwood Montessori team and look forward to supporting each child’s learning and development.
Jaylene
Registered Teacher
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Diploma of teaching Early Childhood Education - Open Polytechnic
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Aperfield Montessori Diploma in Early Childhood Education
I am originally from California, USA and I've lived in New Zealand since 1988. I've been involved in Montessori education as a parent helper, Assistant, Teacher and Board Member.
Having taught at Montessori Schools for the past 30 years in Lower Hutt, Honolulu, Hawaii, Grey Lynn and now Glendowie, I continue to love learning from our children, my peers as well as our parents and whanau to create positive relationships and learning outcomes for our children. I truly believe in the power of concentration and how the Montessori Philosophy and Prepared Environment assists children to experience this power for themselves and manifest it in all they do.
I look forward to continuing my teaching journey in our wonderful community.
Tilini
Teacher
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Certificate in Pre School-Education - Open University of Sri Lanka
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First Aid certified
With a decade of experience as a trained Montessori teacher in Sri Lanka, including in the fields of Speech and Drama, I am deeply committed to cultivating a passion for learning and facilitating children's growth. I firmly believe that the formative years of childhood are a critical period for development, where every moment presents an opportunity for social and intellectual advancement.
As educators, it is imperative that we not only seek to impart knowledge, but to also serve as catalysts for inspiration and nurture the innate potential residing within each child. I am wholeheartedly dedicated to this ethos, and I look forward to contributing positively to the educational landscape here in New Zealand.
The Palmer Family
Preschool Owners
Kia Ora. I'm Stu director and owner of Marshwood (the children call me Stewie) and I am full time in school making sure the teachers, parents and children have all they need to make Marshwood a calm, fun and learning environment. We are consistently striving for the best for your children and hope that you will come and see us.
The Centre is owned by the Palmer family, Jacqueline, Myself, Jacob, Finn and Reid.
Our boys attended Marshwood Montessori a decade ago and when the opportunity arose to purchase the school, we seized the chance. Not only was it an ideal fit with our lives, but more importantly it upheld the principals we value.
We have always believed in the Montessori philosophy and the Marshwood way of blending the philosophy and the New Zealand curriculum (Te Whāriki) with fun and play in our huge natural playground. We noticed a real difference when our boys started at the school. This was reflected not only their development, happiness in exploring the space, but also in their behaviour and the respect they have for others.
Our goal is to continue the fantastic work and reputation the school has built since 1996, restore and create a lasting legacy for the community alongside our talented, supportive and experienced teaching team.
Naseeba
Registered Teacher
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Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching - New Zealand Tertiary College
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Diploma in Montessori Kindergarten & Nursery teacher training
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Early Childhood Teaching Certificate (MECAT UAE)
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First Aid certified
I am a committed early childhood teacher with over 11 years of international
teaching experience across India, United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand.
My teaching journey began in India, where I gained 2 years of experience as
a Kindergarten Teacher and Coordinator supporting Montessori, nursery, and
early years education while contributing to school organisation and
administration.
I have worked in New Zealand with over 3 years of experience in early
childhood education.
My strengths lie in creativity, communication, and designing meaningful learning experiences
that foster curiosity, expression, and holistic development. Inspired by the
strong women and children in my life, I bring empathy, resilience, and
intentionality to my practice.
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Mariz
Registered Teacher
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Graduate Diploma Early Childhood Teaching - NZTC
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Masters degree in teaching (majoring in social sciences).
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First Aid certified
Kia Ora katou!
My name is Mariz Nova Filipino-Cahucom, a qualified Early Childhood Education
teacher, a loving wife, and a proud mother of two wonderful sons. I moved to New
Zealand in 2024 to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming an ECE teacher. I hold a
Master’s Degree in Teaching, majoring in Social Science, a Graduate Diploma in
Teaching (ECE), a New Zealand Provisional Teaching Certificate, and a First Aid
Certificate.
I bring with me more than seven years of overseas teaching experience and one year
of New Zealand experience teaching in a Montessori centre. Working in a
Montessori environment has strengthened my understanding of child-led learning,
independence, and hands-on exploration. I am a competent, dedicated, and
reflective teacher who values high-quality learning experiences and builds positive,
respectful relationships with tamariki and whānau.
I consider myself to be a warm, resilient, and enthusiastic teacher who enjoys
bringing creativity into everyday learning through arts and crafts, music,
storytelling, and interactive experiences. I believe every child is capable and unique,
and I strive to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where tamariki
feel confident, valued, and motivated to learn and grow.
