The Team

Manager/Owner – Paula Howes

Justyna – Montessori Teacher, Deputy Manager, Level 3 Qualified,Senco Practitioner

My name is Justyna I am the Deputy Manager and Senco for Secret Garden. I have had the privilege to work here from the beginning. We started as a small team and now is quite a few of us! I have Bachelor’s Degree in tourism, and administration. Also level 3 Nursery Qualification, and in 2018 I became Montessori qualified. Since 2013 I have been working as a teacher in few different settings – Montessori and non Montessori. I could talk hours and hours about why I think Montessori gives children the best start in their education. In my free time I enjoy making materials and research new activities for school. As a family we like walking, traveling and generally having fun.

Katie – Montessori Teacher, Assisting Deputy Manager, Safe Guard Officer and Forest School Teacher

Hi, my name is Katie. I have had the absolute pleasure of joining the team at Secret Garden Montessori in April 2018. I completed my Level 4 in Montessori Pedagogy in 2016 and have worked at a Montessori and Forest School in Henley-on-Thames for the past three and a half years – I am due also to complete my Forest School Leader training within the next few months, and am absolutely infatuated with this wonderful method. I am a strong advocate for outdoor learning and the incredible benefits it has in regards to healthy brain development and emotional wellbeing. When I’m not working I enjoy exploring the great outdoors with my dogs and partner, cooking and relaxing with a good book.

Elisha – Montessori Teacher, Babyroom Deputy Manager, Level 3 Qualified Practitioner

Hi, my name is Elisha, and i am the Deputy Manager of the baby room. I have completed my Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and development as well as my Montessori Diploma. I have always been interested in working in early years and love that I am able to watch the children grow and develop, meeting their first milestones. I began my first placement, while training, at Secret Garden in September 2019 and fell in love with nursery! As well as my experience from Secret Garden, I have also spent some time in a reception class as well, as a Special Educational Needs school which is an area in early years I am interested in. I look forward to meeting you all and getting to know your children!

Louise – Montessori Assistant and QTS

Hello, my name is Louise.
I am currently on maternity leave but will be returning later in the year. I was really excited to join the team at Secret Garden Montessori Nursery. I have worked with children from an early age, starting with volunteering in schools and with youth groups while at secondary school here in North Somerset and at University in Sheffield. I completed a PGCE at the University of the West of England and have spent a large part of my teaching career so far in mainstream nursery classrooms. <br>
During this time, I developed a real passion for the Early Years and in particular following the interest of the child. I discovered that my educational values align closely with the Montessori method, which I researched when on maternity leave with my son, and so I am keen to start my Montessori training once I have settled in. <br>
Outside of work, I enjoy running and crafting as well as walks in the woods with my family.

Chloe – Montessori Assistant, Qualified Level 3 Practitioner

Hi, my name is Chloe, and I am from Nailsea. I joined the Secret Garden Montessori team in June 2022. I have a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development which I studied at Weston College. I chose a career in childcare as I have a passion for supporting children in their learning and development and I also have an interest in becoming a primary school teacher in the future. I find the Montessori approach very interesting, and I am looking forward to starting my Intergrated Montessori Practice this year.

Kimberley – Montessori Assistant and Qualified Level 3 Practitoner

I have always been interested in children and the Early Years from a young age. I am also interested in the Montessori method and looking forward to starting my Intergrated Montessori training later this year.

I have worked within a private nursery as an additional support worker with SEN children. This has allowed me to have a greater understanding and knowledge of how to support each individual child with their needs.
I am qualified at both Cache level 2 and 3 in Early Years development and whilst studying I also enjoyed visiting the different nurseries during my placements.

I am now looking forward to learning more about the Montessori method and also Forest School