Staff
At PMK we have purposefully selected our teachers for their commitment to the Montessori philosophy, their diverse skills, talents and experiences they bring to their role, contributing to the creation of a strong, passionate and committed team.
To us, TEAM means:
Together
Everyone
Achieves
More
PMK teachers see education as a journey not a race. We believe that each teacher is a leader in their strength and our children are both initiators and leaders of learning. We demonstrate collaboration and reflection while actively encouraging and engaging with our community in the learning process.
Our teachers see themselves as partners in discovery and co-constructors of knowledge as we scaffold learning and guide participation. We role model on-going learning, our centre values and respect for each other and our environment.
Canaan Quinlivan-Vega Ron
(Owner/Manager/Teacher) PMK & PMK II
Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), University of Auckland.
Post-Graduate Diploma of Business (Human Resource Management). University of Auckland.
Bachelor of Arts (Indonesian Studies and Asian History). University of Auckland.
Fully Certificated Teacher
My background prior to joining PMK and setting up PMK II I bring to our team a strong understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach and experience as both a Lead Teacher and a Centre Supervisor. This experience meshes well with our Montessori approach. I hold a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE) and a Post-Graduate Diploma of Human Resource Management along with a Bachelor of Arts. I studied Montessori Education for two years with the Aperfield Montessori Trust.
I seek to facilitate an environment where children feel safe to challenge, query, take risks, ask “why” and explore their skills as natural researchers while engaging in meaning making about their world. I believe in empowering children to make decisions about their learning and in presenting them with provocations to explore new learning.
As a parent to two sons and one daughter, I appreciate the “ages and stages” of both pre-schoolers and school aged children, bringing this understanding to my daily work with our PMK tamariki.
Alexia McKee (Assistant Manager) PMK
Bachelor of Teaching, Early Childhood Education. New Zealand Tertiary College.
Fully Certificated Teacher.
I’m passionate and enthusiastic about the value of authentic and rich childhood education. I believe each tamariki and whanau bring their own culture and knowledge to centre environments. Social equity and fairness are paramount to me, as I feel all children have unlimited potential.
I believe as kaiako/teachers it is our role to provide a welcoming supportive, fair, respectful and inclusive environment for all whom enter. I value manaakitanga and believe kaiako/teachers should work in partnerships with the families of our tamariki, because children’s families are usually at the core of their little worlds and have extensive valuable insights about their child.
I strongly connect with kaupapa māori and advocate/ practise treaty-based practice. I feel strong connections to kaupapa values which consist of caring for our environment and seeing the child as a divine spark.
I look forward to working alongside my team with your wonderful tamariki/children.
Diana (Di) Cameron (Teacher) PMK
Bachelor of Education (Teaching), University of Auckland
Fully Certificated Teacher
Kia ora tamariki and whanau. I am a very proud mother of four children ranging from young teenagers to young adults.
I have always loved working with children and when I embarked on my OE at the age of 18, I spent 8 years nannying in London and still have strong connections to the families and my charges. More recently I spent several years working at Eden Campus school for teenage mothers which was run by Auckland Girls Grammar School. It was here I realised that I wanted to be involved in children’s care and education so I decided to study and gain a teaching qualification in early childhood education.
I am passionate about children’s learning and love to see them grow, learn and explore. I believe that children learn alongside each other in a safe, nurturing environment and that all children are capable, confident, and competent learners.
I recognise the holistic way in which children learn and I value the principles and strands of Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum. I believe that children are their own first teachers, with the second being their parents and myself, and the third being nature where they can explore and experiment to find their own answers and make their own decisions. Given the right resourses in the right environment they are able to explore their interests with the guidance of the teacher.
Durga Devi Toolap (Teacher) PMK
Bachelor of Education (Teaching), University of Auckland
Fully Certificated Teacher
Kia Ora and Namaste
My name is Durga devi Toolap. I am Nepali born and grew up in Malaysia, and now I call New Zealand my home. I am a mother of two gorgeous boys and I absolutely love spending my time with them. Juggling parenting and working alongside children has helped me become the person I am today.
Teaching and learning are co-related and essential throughout life! Every day is a new learning experience for me. I believe that learning is holistic process; through collaboration with children and peers, through observation, discoveries and constant reflection. I believe, just like the many strands in Te Whariki, learning and teaching weaves into the practice. Therefore, as a Kaiako, the holistic approach is essential in my life, as a lifelong learner, teaching and learning alongside others. For me personally, inclusiveness is one of the holistic approaches that I believe is crucial. Inclusion encompasses gender, ethnicity, diversity, values, etc.
I wish to support children and families by providing and creating an environment that promotes collective learning and care.
Taiaroa (Tai) Paterson (Teacher) PMK
Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), University of Auckland, NZ
Bachelor of Physical Education, University of Auckland, NZ
Provisionally Certificated Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Tai and I’m a proud wahine Māori from Te Arawa, Kai Tahu and Ngāti Raukawa iwi. I grew up in rural north-west Auckland which instilled in me a strong love for both community and our precious natural environment. I’ve also got a huge passion for sports and adventurous activities, and growing up, that kept me busy all year round with surf club at Muriwai in the summer and hockey at North Harbour in the winter.I carry all my passions with me into my teaching as I believe the values and lessons they have taught me align with the fundamentals of early childhood education. When tamariki are able to explore different environments, build connections with others, feel apart of a community whānau and enjoy fun-filled experiences their opportunities for learning and development are endless. As a kaiako, I strive to support tamariki to be brave, kind and creative individuals with open minds to navigate their world. I also use holistic thinking and teaching methods to understand and provide for children’s diverse and individual needs.He aha te mea nui o te ao? What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata, it is the people. Nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa
Shelley Quinlivan
(Owner/Director/Relief Teacher) PMK & PMK II
Master of Educational Administration (Honours), Massey University, NZ.
Diploma of Teaching (Primary), Christchurch Teachers’ College, NZ.
Fully Certificated Teacher
I am one of the owners and the director of PMK & PMK II. I am also a practicing teacher and can often be seen at both centres! I purposefully chose to move from the primary sector where I held a senior leadership role, to the early childhood sector because I wanted to make a difference in early learning through working among our younger learners within the preschool environment. I have significant experience in the ‘transition to school process’ and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and several years of teaching internationally within the private sector. I bring with me both leadership and teaching skills specific to the ‘early years’ of education.
Having a strong background in the acquisition of early literacy and numeracy skills and a knowledge of what makes for a successful transition to school assists me in ensuring our programme represents our children’s on-going interests and needs. I am committed to reflecting and aligning the Montessori Philosophy within the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki.
I am also a parent to three adult daughters and grandparent to five active learners. I understand the joys and challenges of parenting in today’s world!
Simonette Lubbe (Assistant Manager) PMK II
UNISA (University of South Africa) – Bachelor of Arts major in Psychology and English
LiteraturePost Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE – Intermediate and Senior Phase). IQA assessed as Level 7
Fully Certificated Teacher
Hello! My name is Simonette and I am the Assistant Centre Manager here at PMK II. I am originally from Johannesburg in South Africa and came to New Zealand in 2019 from Korea where I was teaching older students for a number of years.
Prior to becoming a teacher I worked in the forestry industry where I ran a number of educational courses. Through these courses I discovered a great joy for teaching (not to mention that teaching is probably in my blood as both my mother and brother are teachers!) and decided to further my training with a post graduate certificate in Education, becoming an Early Childhood Educator.
It’s such a pleasure watching our students explore, grow and thrive here at PMK II. I enjoy watching them take what they’re learning and building these skills into passions as well as a strong preparedness for school and life. Alongside the structured educational aspects of Early Childhood Education, I am also passionate about bringing movement and physical activities into our day, sharing a love of dance and yoga with children.
In my spare time I like to spend time with my daughter, my husband and our dog. I love being able to go off and have adventures, taking our daughter out to experience this beautiful city.
Ina Sofia B. Asis (Teacher) PMK II
Bachelor of Science in Family Life and Child Development, University of the Philippines
Fully Certificated Teacher
Kia ora e te whānau! I am Ina, born and raised in the Philippines and I moved to NZ last year.
Prior to moving to Aotearoa, I was a tutor for school-aged children and a teacher/guide in a Montessori Preschool in a Nido/Assistants to Infancy environment—a younger age group. Because of this experience, I know that children are very capable of being independent, even from a very young age.
I have genuine confidence in the Montessori approach and environment as it provides the opportunities for self-care, care for the environment, academic learning, and grace & courtesy. Children will be confident, empathetic, respectful, and independent learners.
Alongside teaching, I have also worked on a project with an NGO dedicated to developing a module for Child Protection.
Outside of work, I love volunteering for children in need. I have been volunteering ever since I was little alongside with my family in the Philippines. I have been a part of an NGO that aims to bring children together for fun and learning, regardless of socio-economic backgrounds. This experience laid the foundation of why I want to understand how children come to be the way they are in the context of their family and community.
In my spare time I enjoy playing table tennis and singing in a choir. I love watching choral groups perform and listening to a variety of choral works.
I am glad that I can take these life experiences (social work, sports, music) with me as I teach in ECE.
Lyra Whitehouse (Teacher) PMK II
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
NZ Certificate in Learning Support. Te
Pükenga.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (Neuroscience with French). University of Sussex.
Provisionally Certificated Teacher
I have been a kaiako with Ponsonby Montessori Kindergartens since 2023. I am experienced in a range of education contexts including ECE, SEN (special education needs) and freelance teaching up to NCEA Level 3. My areas of special interest in practice include language and communication, additional learning needs and inclusive pedagogies.
Whakatauki,
Poipoia te kakano kia puawai
– Nurture the seed and it shall grow
Rocio Lopez Labrouve (Teacher) PMK II
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) New Zealand Tertiary College 2021
Fully Certificated Teacher
Hola! My name is Rocio Magali Lopez Labrouve, and yes, I’m Latin hence the long name ♡ I am originally from Argentina with French and Spanish heritage.
I have had the pleasure of being a kaiako since 2018, teaching firstly infants and toddlers for 4.5 years. Since 2021 I have shifted my practice to the preschool aged group of learners.
Besides teaching, I have been teaching yoga since 2020, and professional dance since 2020.
Pilar Sánchez Arroyo (Teacher) PMK II
Teaching Degree, Specialising in Early Education from the University School – Centre for Teacher Training in Madrid 6 September 2010
Fully Certificated Teacher
Hola!
My name is Pilar. I come from Spain. I completed my teacher degree in Madrid before moving to London, UK, where I taught for more than 10 years.
My main focus when teaching children is to be independent, for them to love to learn new things. I am an advocate for promoting good mental health within the setting and between children.
I was told by a five year old boy during my first weeks in London that I didn’t know how to talk, so I made a goal for myself to learn phonics and to read to children. Nowadays, I love teaching children how to sound letters, how to blend these sounds to make words, and how to begin to read simple sentences.
We decided to move to New Zealand after having two girls. We wanted to give them the freedom they needed to be children and to have better quality family time.
In my spare time (if any with two little girls!), I love reading and listening to music, going out with friends for a hot chocolate or simply going for a walk and chatting about anything. I love a good conversation.
As Albert Einstein said, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
Holly Smith (Teacher) PMK & PMK II
Master of Early Childhood Education. November 2024.
Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood. New Zealand Tertiary College – March 2024.
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) New Zealand Tertiary College – Graduated November 2022.
Secure Beginnings Parenting Course – March 2023.
Fully Certificated Teacher
Kia ora, I’m Holly. I’ve been working with tamariki since my early 20s, and I’m proud to be part of the teaching teams at both PMK and PMK II. I hold a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and I’m passionate about creating learning environments that nurture children’s wellbeing, identity, and voice.
My teaching is guided by the values of whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (care and respect), and ako (reciprocal learning). I believe every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported as they grow into their unique selves.
Outside of teaching, I love spending time with my whānau, especially my son. I enjoy working on our home, getting creative with art, and playing the ukulele. It’s a real privilege to be part of each child’s learning journey and to help lay the foundations for a lifelong love of learning.
Reina Ma (Teacher) PMK II
Bachelor of Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education, East China Normal University
Bachelor of Art, East China Normal University
Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, New Zealand Tertiary College
Fully Certified Teacher
Kia ora koutou, my name is Reina Ma. Originally from China and move to New Zealand since 2014. Since completing my studies in 2016, I have dedicated myself wholeheartedly to the field of Early Childhood Education here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
With over nine years of teaching experience, I have been privileged to work closely with young children and their families through a range of pedagogical approaches. Prior to joining PMK II, I have been inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which continues to influence my practice through its focus on the environment as the third teacher, the image of the child as capable and curious, and the importance of co-constructing knowledge through relationships. In the past year, I’ve also begun my journey with the Montessori philosophy, which has enriched my understanding of child-led, purposeful learning. Integrating these philosophies together has strengthened my belief in the importance of observing and honouring each child’s unique rhythm, interests, and potential.
I see myself not only as a teacher, but as a friend, a co-learner and co-researcher—curious, reflective, and always evolving alongside the children. Teaching is a profession of both creativity and uncertainty, and I strive to offer a learning environment that is responsive, joyful, and rooted in the children’s own inquiries and play.
Relationships remain at the heart of my practice. I believe that strong, respectful, and authentic relationships with children, whānau, and colleagues are the foundation of meaningful teaching and learning. I am a firm believer in the pedagogy of love—where empathy, trust, and care weave through everything we do.
Outside of teaching, I’m a creative soul who enjoys crafting, DIY, drawing and etc. I’m also a pet lover and a proud cat mum to two very special companions – a playful Sphynx boy which is no hair and a sweet Devon Rex girl with just a little hair! They bring a lot of joy (and mischief) to my life.
I am truly grateful to be part of PMK Team – and even more so, to be part of your child’s learning and growing journey. I look forward to sharing many special moments together.
