Teaching Team

I’m the Centre Manager here at Orākei Montessori Preschool, and I’ve been working in early childhood education for ten years. I come from a big family with seven siblings, and it was through caring for my nieces and nephews that I first discovered my passion for working with young children. Since joining OMP, I’ve really enjoyed deepening my understanding of the Montessori philosophy and learning alongside our amazing kaiako. As a manager, I aim to lead with respect, collaboration, and kindness—creating a nurturing environment where both children and teachers can thrive. I especially love supporting tamariki as they develop independence, confidence, and a strong sense of self, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a passionate and caring community here at OMP.

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.

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

With nearly four years of hands-on experience in Montessori centres and a steadfast commitment to fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment, my passion lies in igniting a lifelong love of learning in young minds. I firmly believe in the uniqueness of each child and strive to provide a stimulating, safe, and supportive space for them to explore their potential. Confident in my ability to make meaningful contributions as Fantail Classroom Kaiako/Teacher at Orakei Montessori Preschool, I am dedicated to promoting intellectual and social development while prioritizing the safety and well-being of every child. I aim to contribute to the team to cultivate a warm and supportive atmosphere where our children feel empowered to explore and embrace the joys of learning.

My name is pronounced quickly as sir-ch-wen. I am married to Hiram and we have a daughter named Aria. I love the balance of freedom and stability that a bird has and always relate this to my own life. I have lived in many cities and my environment has changed but I am loving where I have landed and am quickly feeling a sense of home in beautiful Orakei. I have worked with young children for six years. I love to personalize education for each child while moving all forward and am intent on helping tamariki become lifelong learners and doers. I believe that capable individual is the most valued outcome of childhood development so I want to help with their independence, discovery, and skill-building capabilities while building greater connections to others and the world around them.

I have 6 adult children with 4 beautiful grandchildren, and have lived in Auckland for over 30 years. In my teaching it is important to respect the child and value their independence. Montessori stated once that learning is not only by listening to words but by experiences in the environment. I love quiet adventures, reading, playing piano, knitting and sewing. I have a young turtle: Amadeus and Lily, who is an adorable, full of energy border collie.