Teaching Team

Sonali Perera - Centre Manager/ Tui kaiako
Sonali Perera - Centre Manager/ Tui kaiako
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts(2016), AMI Montessori Diploma (2013), AMI Administrators Certificate(2022)
I have been teaching at OMP since 2016, before this I was Head Teacher at a Montessori Preschool in Sri Lanka. I am married to Channa and have two lovely twin daughters Cheyenne & Skyvie. I am a highly motivated and dedicated teacher who is committed to the Montessori teaching philosophy because it encourages children to grow up as independent personalities with their own unique potential. As a Montessori educator, it is my aim to provide a carefully planned, stimulating environment which will help the child develop an excellent foundation for lifelong creative learning while maintaining a positive, collaborative parent/teacher relationship which helps to make learning more meaningful for each child.
Lena Chua- Tui Kaiako
Lena Chua- Tui Kaiako
Qualifications: Bachelor of Laws/Arts, Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESOL)
Hi! I’m Lena. I’m super excited to be part of the kaiako team here in the Tui class at OMP. I graduated from the University of Auckland in 1999 with the Bachelor of Laws/Arts. After that, I went on to do a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESOL) and subsequently I taught ESOL for about 5 years. In 2001, my husband and I got married and since then we’ve had 3 beautiful children, Zach, Mikayla and Caleb who will be turning 16,14 and 13 respectively this year. My 3 children started their very happy learning journeys here at OMP many years ago and Pauline was their teacher; hence the special connection with this place. In 2016, I graduated from the University of Auckland with the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and since then I have been passionate about teaching, particularly with the preschoolers. I have completed my AMI 3-6 Orientation Certificate Course and I am very excited to start my Montessori journey. I believe that the Montessori approach provides the best learning environment for children. As a Montessori educator, I aim to empower children to be independent and to follow their innate desire to learn and grow to be confident and respectful individuals. In order to achieve this, I will make sure the environment is one that is calm, safe and stimulating while maintaining a positive parent/teacher relationship.
Hei Sang Ko  - Tui Team Leader
Hei Sang Ko - Tui Team Leader
Qualifications: Bachelor of Education 2016 (Montessori Early Childhood Teaching).
I initially began teaching at OMP as a student teacher in 2015. I continued to work here during 2016 as a reliever teacher while completing my studies, teaching in both of Fantail and Tui classroom. In December 2016, I finished my teaching degree and began to work full-time in the Tui class. I aim to encourage children to be independent, peaceful and diligent with my knowledge of Montessori philosophy. I will also support children’s need for creative activities through different types of arts and craft activities. As a member of Montessori teaching team, I will maintain an environment of consistent learning and communications with parents and teachers. In my spare time I play ukulele and guitar; this helps children during mat-time for musical instrument fun. During my 15 years of living in New Zealand, I have become fluent in English, I am also fluent in Korean which is my mother language