Kia ora, I’m Hannah, the acting head kaiako at Levin Montessori while Ash is on maternity leave. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in teaching in 2019 and have since also completed a diploma in Applied Psychology to support my teaching. I am passionate about creating equitable opportunities for tamariki to thrive in their learning environment and will always do my best to provide this safe, supportive space. The concept of ‘ako’ has always been at the heart of my teaching, where I am both the teacher and the learner simultaneously. I believe there is always so much to learn from our tamariki!

I live in Ōtaki Beach with my partner Justyn and our retired racing Greyhound Nando. We love spending time outside, whether that’s in the garden or at the beach. I am so excited to have joined the Levin Montessori whānau and I can’t wait to get to know you all.

HEAD TEACHER

Ash Wiki Kia ora! My name is Whaea Ash, and I am the head kaiako here at Levin Montessori. I have been lucky to be a part of the Montessori whanau for over 10years and have had the privilege to work alongside some amazing tamariki, whānau and kaiako! I am a fully registered teacher with a Bachelor of Education, and I hold my Montessori diploma. My passion towards the ECE sector is as strong as ever and continues to grow. I love meeting new tamariki and whānau and going on to build respectful, positive, and fun relationships! I am a proud Shannon girl, born and bred and currently still reside there. I am blessed to be surrounded by my whānau and friends whom I spend a lot of time with outside of mahi. We have a beautiful daughter who keeps us on our toes, and we are a big sporty whānau so that is a big passion of mine! I look forward to getting to know you and your tamariki and being a part of their learning journey whilst they are here at Levin Montessori! Naku noa!

KAIAKO

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Taupiri te maunga, Ko Waikato te awa, Ko Tainui te waka, Ko Waikato te iwi i te taha o tōku mama Ko Parawera tōku tūrangawaewae. Ko Ngatokimatwhauroa te waka, Ko Waitangi te awa, Ko Te Ahuahu te maunga, Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi I te taha o tōku papa. Ko Parawhenua te marae. Ko Stella Marella Emily tōku ingoa. E mahi ana au i te whare kohungahunga o Levin Montessori ki Taitoko. No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

KAIAKO

Kia ora, I am Whaea Courtney. I am a newly graduated kaiako with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I live in Ōtaki with my son Jaxon. We enjoy getting out in our local and wider communities through social sporting groups and schooling activities. We enjoy spending quality time with our extended whānau and enjoy exploring the outdoors. I am a passionate kaiako with strengths in emotional development and social competence and have a love of supporting the curiosity of young minds through active play and learning experiences and enjoy celebrating each child's individual learning successes. Creating positive and secure relationships and early learning experiences for tamariki and their whānau is an important quality in my teaching practice and I look forward to supporting your whānau on your Montessori learning journey.

I am so excited to have recently joined the kaiako team here at Levin Montessori, and am really looking forward to getting to know you all and building strong connections with our tamariki and whanau.

I completed my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) IN 2020 and have been teaching part time since then. I am passionate about supporting tamariki as they grow in confidence, indpendence and curiosity. I feel very grateful to now be part of the Montessori community here in Levin. I cant wait to meet you all and begin this exciting journey together!!