Meet our Team.

Symon

Director

Rhonda and I are the Directors of Montiflora Ltd which owns and operates Liberty Preschool and, more recently, Wildflower wedding floristry business on Waiheke Island.

My former career as a GP was enriched over 30 years ago by a foray into ECE. I have never wanted to leave. In this capacity I am privileged to share Rhonda’s Montessori journey and over time I have stayed to be the anchoring Governor at Liberty while Rhonda orchestrates seasonal revelry amongst the roses and Waiheke wildflowers.

Our blended family affords us parental privileges with 9 beautiful humans, plus 2 dogs. We are blessed to have the opportunity to support Amanda and her wonderful Liberty Teaching Team to facilitate each enrolled child’s trajectory towards becoming the best possible version of themselves. We are forever grateful to the Liberty parents for trusting us to support and care for their most treasured possessions through these vital preschool years.

How is it possible to have a bad day amongst happily engaged preschool children? Their love of learning and the energy it generates is contagious. They teach us so much about life’s real priorities. Thanks kids!

Amanda

Centre Manager - Qualified ECE Teacher, Business Administration Diploma, ECE Degree

Originally from South Africa, I moved to New Zealand 24 years ago seeking new opportunities and a brighter future for my family. Becoming proud New Zealand citizens has been one of the greatest blessings of our lives and I am proud to call this beautiful country home.

I am now in a wonderful position where I can combine my Business Administration qualification with my Early Childhood Education degree, allowing me to support both the people and the operations that help our community thrive. Building relationships and fostering a strong sense of belonging is something I am deeply passionate about.

Supporting and nurturing young children has always been close to my heart. I strive to create an environment where children feel valued, confident, and secure, helping them develop a strong sense of identity and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning and life.

Family is very important to me. My daughter lives in Canada with her husband and my beloved grandchild, while my son’s passion for cricket keeps us happily spending many summer weekends beside the cricket field. We enjoy quality family time playing board games together, cycling and exploring our beautiful country, recently I discovered a love for crochet too.

My colleagues describe me as an encouraging mentor who supports children, teachers, and families, while bringing positivity and laughter into our learning environment.

Jillian

Qualified ECE Teacher - ECE Masters Degree

Kia ora koutou,

Ko Jillian ahau.

I am a registered Early Childhood Education (ECE) teacher originally from the beautiful coastal city of Yantai, China, a sister city of Tauranga. In 2024, I completed my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and subsequently joined the team at Liberty Montessori.

I am passionate about supporting tamariki from diverse cultural backgrounds and with a range of learning needs. My teaching philosophy is grounded in both Te Whāriki and Montessori principles, with a strong focus on fostering independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. I value the concept of ako, where teaching and learning occur together through meaningful relationships, collaboration, and shared experiences.

I strive to create a warm, inclusive, and respectful environment where every child feels a strong sense of belonging and is encouraged to learn and grow at their own pace.

My colleagues describe me as patient, humble, and kind. They also affectionately refer to me as our “Compliance Queen” for my commitment to maintaining a safe, high-quality, and compliant learning environment for all.

Sabrina

ECE Teacher - Pedagogy Degree, Postgraduate Child Development and Montessori Education

Originally from Brazil, I bring 16 years of teaching experience and hold a degree in Pedagogy, along with postgraduate qualifications in Child Development and Montessori Education. I am also studying Te Reo Māori and have completed Level 3 Tikanga Māori.

I am passionate about early childhood education and feel privileged to be part of the Liberty Montessori community. I enjoy supporting children’s independence, confidence, creativity, and love of learning through meaningful relationships and experiences. I strive to create a calm, caring environment where children feel safe, capable, and connected, while ensuring their learning journey is filled with fun and joy.

I am also a mother of two teenage sons, and motherhood has deeply shaped how I support and care for children and families.

Others often describe me as a caring and nurturing teacher whom children are naturally drawn to, bringing energy, warmth, and enthusiasm to our Montessori classroom.

Nidhi

Qualified ECE Teacher - ECE Masters Degree, Mathmatics Masters Degree

I am a qualified Early Childhood Education teacher with a Master degree in Early Childhood Education as well as a Master’s degree in Mathematics. I previously taught in India, which strengthened my passion for education and lifelong learning.

I am committed to creating a safe, respectful, and engaging environment where children feel valued, confident, and supported to explore and grow. I believe in strong relationships, consistency, and the Montessori approach, fostering independence, curiosity, and learning at each child’s pace.

Teaching is my passion, and I enjoy supporting children’s individual learning journeys while building meaningful connections with families.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy maths challenges and outdoor activities with my family. I am a proud wife and mother of two daughters, who inspire my nurturing approach.

My colleagues describe me as a calm, nurturing, and knowledgeable Montessori teacher.

Natalia

Qualified ECE Teacher - Social Work Degree, Graduate ECE Diploma

I am an Anglo-Indian Christian from Chennai, India, and the youngest of four siblings in a close-knit family, which has greatly shaped who I am.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and spent 12 years at the American International School in Chennai, working in early childhood education. In 2024, I moved to New Zealand to follow my passion for teaching young children and completed my Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE).

I enjoy baking, gardening, and long walks, and I love bringing these simple everyday experiences into the classroom to build meaningful connections with Tamariki.

Energetic, fun-loving, and positive — this is how my fellow Kaiako often describe me.

Lizelle

ECE Teacher - Media Studies Degree, Postgraduate Communication

Originally from South Africa, I hold a degree in Media Studies and a Postgraduate qualification in Communication. My love for teaching began in South Korea, where I taught English to children aged 3 and up. Later I combined my love for languages and teaching when I had the opportunity to teach Zulu to South African preschool and primary school children.

I especially enjoy capturing children’s special learning moments through photography and am often described by my team as the “social media wizard” behind the scenes.

As an immigrant, I understand both the challenges and rewards of building a new life in a different country. This experience has given me deep empathy for Tamariki and their whānau who have also migrated, and I am passionate about supporting them as they settle.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling the world, experiencing different cultures and going on outdoor adventures across New Zealand. Thanks to my two young children, I’ve managed to tick off most playgrounds on my New Zealand bucket list.

Talana

Student ECE Teacher

Kia ora,

I am 19 years old and originally from South Africa, but I have proudly called New Zealand home for the past nine years.

I am currently studying to become an early childhood teacher and am passionate about supporting children to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.

I believe every child deserves a strong sense of belonging and a place where they feel valued and respected. I strive to create a warm, welcoming space where children can build confidence, explore their interests, and develop at their own pace.

I have a love for animals and enjoy fostering kindness, empathy, and respect for all living things. Building meaningful relationships with children and their whānau is at the heart of my practice, and I feel privileged to be part of each child's learning journey.

I’m often seen by my team as a Kaiako who children are naturally drawn to, who builds strong connections with whānau, and who is passionate and dedicated to continually grow as an educator.