Liberty Montessori

✨️Meet Kaiako Upeka

~ Qualified ECE Teacher
~ ECE Masters Degree
~ Education and Leadership Masters Degree

My teaching journey began in Sri Lanka, where I taught World History at the secondary level, before finding my true passion in play-based learning within the New Zealand ECE context.

I have a deep love for nature-based play, and I believe children learn best when connected to the natural world. I bring the outdoors into everyday learning through natural materials, open-ended exploration, and hands-on discovery. I firmly believe that every child is unique, and recognising and responding to each child's individual needs, interests, and pace of learning is at the heart of my practice. I'm always seeking opportunities for career growth, and I embrace learning as a lifelong journey — one that continues to evolve with every new context I encounter.

Outside the classroom, I'm a mother of two daughters, and juggling career development with family life is a challenge I navigate with the same curiosity and dedication I bring to my teaching.

Fellow teachers describe me as a calm, friendly, creative, and reliable educator.

🍋 Cool kids, fresh lemonade! 😎

Squeezing, tasting, and creating sweet little memories together. A simple activity filled with joy, discovery, and independence. 💛

✨️Meet Kaiako Natalia

~ Qualified ECE Teacher
~ Social Work Degree
~ Graduate ECE Diploma

I am an Anglo-Indian Christian from Chennai, India, and the youngest of four siblings in a close-knit family, which has greatly shaped who I am.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and spent 12 years at the American International School in Chennai, working in early childhood education. In 2024, I moved to New Zealand to follow my passion for teaching young children and completed my Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE).

I enjoy baking, gardening, and long walks, and I love bringing these simple everyday experiences into the classroom to build meaningful connections with Tamariki.

Energetic, fun-loving, and positive — this is how my fellow Kaiako often describe me.

Our little animal friends were in need of a good scrub! 🫧🐘🦒

With warm soapy water, brushes, and plenty of careful hands, our tamariki enjoyed giving the animal toys a thorough clean. As they scrubbed, rinsed, and dried each one, they were building fine motor skills, developing concentration, and learning to care for the resources in our environment.

Simple activities like these help children develop a sense of responsibility while turning everyday tasks into meaningful, joyful learning experiences. 💛

“Please take a picture of my creation,” she proudly said, standing beside her special masterpiece made from little nature treasures. 🌿✨ A beautiful expression of creativity, imagination, and the joy of creating something unique with her own little hands. 💚

✨️Meet Kaiako Talana

~Student ECE Teacher

I am 19 years old and originally from South Africa, but I have proudly called New Zealand home for the past nine years.

I am currently studying to become an early childhood teacher and am passionate about supporting children to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.

I believe every child deserves a strong sense of belonging and a place where they feel valued and respected. I strive to create a warm, welcoming space where children can build confidence, explore their interests, and develop at their own pace.

I have a love for animals and enjoy fostering kindness, empathy, and respect for all living things. Building meaningful relationships with children and their whānau is at the heart of my practice, and I feel privileged to be part of each child's learning journey.

I’m often seen by my team as a Kaiako who children are naturally drawn to, who builds strong connections with whānau, and who is passionate and dedicated to continually grow as an educator.