Our experienced teachers help shape confident learners

Meet the Team

Close-up of a young woman with wavy brown hair, light makeup, and wearing a sleeveless top with a leopard print pattern.

Azaria Muldoon

Owner / Fantail Team Leader

Qualifications: Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), Unitec, graduated 2020, AMI Montessori 0-3 orientation certificate (2021)

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.

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Lena Chua

Tui Kaiako

Qualifications: Bachelor of Laws/Arts,
Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESOL)

Hi, I’m Lena and I’m excited to be part of the kaiako team in the Tui class at OMP. I hold a Bachelor of Laws/Arts from the University of Auckland, followed by a Certificate in TESOL and several years teaching ESOL. I later completed a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and have a strong passion for early childhood education.

I have three children who also began their learning journeys at OMP, giving me a special connection to the centre. I’ve completed my AMI 3–6 Orientation and am beginning my Montessori journey with enthusiasm.

I believe in supporting children to become independent, confident learners in a calm, safe, and engaging environment, while building strong and positive relationships with families.

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Hei Sang Ko

Tui Team Leader

Qualifications: Bachelor of Education 2016 (Montessori Early Childhood Teaching).

I began my teaching journey at OMP as a student teacher in 2015, later working as a reliever in both the Fantail and Tui classrooms while completing my studies. After graduating in December 2016, I joined the Tui class full-time.

I aim to support children to become independent, calm, and focused learners through Montessori principles, while also encouraging creativity through arts and crafts. I value clear communication and strong relationships with both children and parents as part of a consistent learning environment.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing the ukulele and guitar, which I often bring into mat-time for musical fun. I am fluent in both English and Korean, my first language, and have lived in New Zealand for over 15 years.

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Jasmine Fan

Fantail Kaiako

Qualifications:Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) AMI Montessori 0-3, 3-6 Assistants Certification.

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.

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Zechun Ye

Fantail Kaiako

Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (English); Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education); Infant/Toddler Montessori Diploma

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.

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Karen Ogilvie

Tui Kaiako

Qualifications: NZ Diploma in ECE (Aperfield Montessori), AMI Orientation Course 0-3yrs, Post Graduate Cert (Mentoring), Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

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.