Meet the Team
Our staff are hand-picked on their vibrant & nurturing personalities, their passion for education, and their enthusiasm for providing respectful, empowering and quality care for children.
Vanessa Burgess
Centre Owner & Teacher - Nido Class ( 0 - 3 Years )
Kia ora, my name is Vanessa, and I live in Waihi with my husband, Luke and two children. I have a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education, Aperfeild Montessori Diploma, and over 20 years of experience working in ECE. In my spare time, you will find me gardening and spending time with friends & family.
Julie-Ann Arundel
Centre Manager
Hi, I’m Julie-Ann, and I live in Waihi Beach with my husband Troy and children Zach, Benjamin, Erin and Madison. We moved to the beautiful Bay of Plenty about 16 years ago. I have worked in childcare for around 20 years and love watching children grow and develop, knowing I play an essential part in their learning journey.
Tyla Moore
Teacher - Bambini Class ( 3 - 6 Years )
Hi, I’m Tyla, and I live in Katikati. I gained my bachelor’s in Early Childhood Teaching in 2021. My passion is working with our over three children in the bambini room. I enjoy building relationship and watching children grow into their own personalities.
Camilla Paterson
Teacher - Bambini Class (3 - 6 Years)
Hi, I’m Camilla. I have just finished my qualification in Early Childhood Education in 2023. I have three children Ella, 15; Ava, 8 and Beau, 3. Raising my children helped me realise my love for teaching and caring for them and got me into my learning journey of ECE. I love learning and growing my teaching skills and am lucky to do so here at Montessori.
Dylan Sharp
Teacher - Bambini Class (3 - 6 Years)
Hello, my name is Dylan. In 2023, I pursued my studies in level four Early Childhood. I'm currently enrolled in an early childhood education bachelor's course. I'm passionate about working with people over three; I love to observe and engage with them as they pursue their interests further.
Shirley Hunt
Teacher - Nido Class ( 0 - 3 Years )
Hello there, My name is Shirley. My bachelor's degree is in primary. I worked in the early childhood sector and in primary schools for many years. I like to use my knowledge to help the older two-year-olds transition into the Bambini room while working between both Nido and the Bambini room. Also, I have three lovely grandchildren.
Eileen Harley
Teacher - Nido Class ( 0 - 3 years )
Outgoing and friendly child caregiver with demonstrated ECE experience as a permanent reliever in Aotearoa NZ. Experience caring for tamariki while providing encouragement and kindness. Adept at guiding playtime and leading creative activities, with a gift for keeping children engaged through fun activities.
Selena Thomas
Teacher - Nido Class ( 0 - 3 Years )
Kia Ora My name is Selena. Since 2022, I have been working at Athenree Montessori. I recently returned from maternity leave, having cherished time with my newest family member, Olive. I've completed my Early Childhood Education at level three. Seeing the younger children at Athenree Montessori explore and develop is one of my favorite aspects of working in our Nido class. A home away from home is what our center is.
Kaisha Gosse
Teacher - Nido Class ( 0 - 3 Years )
Covering Tayla Maternity Leave
Kia Ora My name is Kashia, and I call Waihi Beach home. I'm in my first year of primary bachelor's degree studies. In 2023, I finished my level 5 Early Childhood diploma. I've decided to work at Athenree Montessori while taking a break as I really enjoyed the vibe when doing my placement for my studies. Watching kids explore new interests and push limits is something I truly enjoy.
Tayla Henderson
Teacher - Nido Class ( 0 - 3 Years )
Currently On Maternity Leave
Hi, my name is Tayla Henderson, and I am starting my third and final year of study. I have always loved being around children and have always known I wanted to be a teacher. Teaching and watching the tamariki learn and thrive is enriching for me. I love building solid and trusting relationships will everyone in the ECE setting.
Kim Bouzaid
Reliever
Kia ora, I’m Kim and live in Waihi with my husband Mark. I have a son Matt and a granddaughter Daisy. I have a Diploma in Kindergarten teaching and have over 30 years of experience. I am dedicated to and passionate about early childhood education.
Desiree Willan
Reliever
Hi, my name is Desiree Willan; I’m a mother of two girls. I moved to Waihi Beach 3 years ago and love living out here. I'm passionate about working alongside our tamariki and assisting them in a way they can learn and explore the natural environment via play. Seeing them grow in their own time and space is incredibly meaningful. I'm pleased to see how their social development will continue to progress.
Robyn Sinclair
Reliever
Currently On Maternity Leave
Hi, I'm Robyn; at the end of 2021, I moved to Athenree from the Sunshine Coast - Australia, with my husband Rob and two children, Eli and Ruby. I am studying Certificate 4 in Early Childhood Education and enjoying every moment. I hope to continue building strong and supportive relationships with the Children and Athenree Montessori staff.
