Bonne educatrice EN

My name is Elizabeth Makilanda. I am from Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. I hold a BA (Hons) in Care and Education and Disability Studies. I have more than 15 years of experience in the school sector, working with children from 2 to 6 years old.

I have also been living in France for more than 4 years. I am a dedicated and passionate Montessori educator at Les Colibris school, working with children from 2 to 3 years old. My goal is to contribute to each child's development by implementing Montessori methods and philosophies that promote independence, autonomy, and social skills.

Passionate about early childhood education and development, I have always been drawn to environments where every child can grow at their own pace. The Montessori approach, for which I hold AMI certification for ages 2.5–6, fully aligns with my vision: a respectful, caring and child-centred philosophy.

I have gained diverse experience in Montessori schools, educational settings and after-school programmes, allowing me to develop a professional practice attentive to each child's needs. As a mother of two daughters aged 3 and 5, I bring a sensitive and practical perspective on children's emotional and affective development.

Warm and attentive, I love supporting children in their autonomy, curiosity and flourishing, while fostering a climate of trust and kindness. I deeply believe that working in partnership with families is essential for children's well-being and growth.

I have always been passionate about pedagogy in all its forms, as well as the discoveries in neuroscience that shed light on child development. After a European baccalaureate with an English specialisation, I studied languages with a degree in English (partly in Ireland), then specialised in language teaching with a Master's in French as a Foreign Language. Bilingual in French and English, I taught both languages for several years in France and abroad: in India, Peru and Turkey.

Early on, I chose to dedicate myself to early childhood education, convinced of the decisive importance of the first years of life. It was during six rich years in a French-speaking kindergarten in Turkey that I discovered Montessori pedagogy. Captivated by its holistic vision of the child, I returned to France to complete the Montessori educator training (3–6 years) at the Institut Supérieur Maria Montessori in Lyon, obtaining my international diploma in June 2023.

Also trained in Positive Discipline, my goal is to create an environment that respects each child's pace, needs and individuality — a space conducive to flourishing, autonomy and self-confidence.

Hello, and welcome!

My name is Alida Potgieter. I was born and raised in South Africa and am now proudly a German citizen—a rather romantic story that I will save for another day!

I have been a qualified teacher since 2006 and have had the privilege of working with children between the ages of 2 and 12 in both school and private settings. Throughout my career, I have taught in South Africa, London, Germany, and now here in Paris at École Montessori Internationale Les Colibris, Suresnes.

Since joining Les Colibris in 2021, I have had the joy of becoming part of this wonderful Montessori community. I began as a Montessori Assistant and now serve as the English Teacher for the 3–6 environment, as well as the Teacher and Coordinator of our Wednesday English Kids Club.

One of the greatest privileges of my work is accompanying children as they discover English in a joyful, natural, and meaningful way. Through songs, stories, games, conversation, and hands-on Montessori materials, I strive to create an environment where every child feels confident to explore, communicate, and develop a genuine love for language. Watching a child gradually understand, speak, read, and express themselves in a new language is one of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher.

I believe every child has unique potential and learns best when they feel safe, respected, and inspired. It is a true privilege to accompany each child on their individual learning journey and to celebrate every step of their progress.

"The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.'" — Dr. Maria Montessori

Since childhood, I have aspired to become a teacher for young children. I fulfilled this dream by becoming a primary school teacher and then an AMI Montessori Educator for children aged 3 to 6 at the Institut Supérieur Maria Montessori.

My quest for joyful, individually adapted learning naturally led me to Montessori pedagogy. This is what I believe in: giving every child the chance to grow with confidence, respecting their needs, their pace, their personality and their dignity. Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting and accompanying many children, each one unique.

I also completed a Montessori 0–3 training to better understand and support children from birth.

Originally from Brazil, Karina has over 13 years of experience in Montessori education. Her journey has taken her into classrooms in Brazil and the United States, where she has guided children with warmth, intention and a profound understanding of Montessori philosophy.

Her approach is rooted in connection: she sees each child as a unique individual and creates spaces where they feel safe, seen and encouraged to explore and grow. Her deep commitment to supporting each child passes through respect, independence and curiosity.

Outside the classroom, Karina is a passionate traveller, always eager to discover new places, cultures and perspectives — a passion she shares with her daughter Bella. Their many adventures have shaped a worldview built on empathy, open-mindedness and a genuine celebration of diversity.

I have always known that my place was with children. At sixteen, I obtained my BAFA diploma and began leading extracurricular activities for children and teenagers. After my baccalaureate, I started a degree in psychology, while teaching dance and supporting children and adolescents in school settings.

After a year of travelling during which I discovered Montessori pedagogy, I returned to France and trained at the Institut Montessori de Lyon. In this pedagogy I found the keys to caring and positive education. I also trained in Nonviolent Communication.

Convinced of the value of co-education, I equally support parents in their questions so that children can thrive serenely. School should be a place where the joy of learning reigns! 'One way to measure the relevance of an educational module is a child's happiness.' — Maria Montessori

My name is Aude-Claire, and I am of French–Luxembourgish nationality.

I have been a Montessori educator for the 3–6 age group for many years, and I have been the Head of the Les Colibris school in Suresnes since September 2025.

Watching children grow, develop, discover and make sense of the world around them makes me happy every day, and seeing their eyes light up when they become passionate about a subject or succeed at something new truly gives meaning to my work.

As a violinist, I love sharing my passion for music with them, and I occasionally bring my instrument into the classroom during circle time.

As Head of School, I am committed to bringing the Montessori pedagogy to life within the school, and to building a community of parents, children and educators in which everyone finds their place, feels part of the project, and gives the best of themselves.

I obtained my BAFA diploma at the age of 16. Already drawn to working with children, I began early on to lead holiday camps, supervise music groups and accompany school outings.

It was during a stay in Ireland that I discovered Montessori education. I left France to settle in Dublin and completed the Montessori 3–6 training, also obtaining a FETAC diploma. After training, I taught in a Montessori school as an English-speaking educator. Missing my family brought me back to France in 2014.

Every day at school looks similar but is so different in the learning and growth we witness in each child. It is a true joy to be a witness and an actor in each child's development, with a pedagogy that champions autonomy and respects each child's pace — all while instilling beautiful values: peace, respect, mutual support and kindness.

My name is Amy and I am delighted to join the teaching team of the École Montessori Internationale Les Colibris in Neuilly-sur-Seine as an English-speaking educator from September 2026.

A native English speaker, I divided my career between film and television, as a screenwriter and translator, and teaching English in several primary schools in Paris, before training in AMI Montessori pedagogy for children aged 3 to 6.

Born in London and having arrived in France at the age of ten, I grew up in a bilingual environment from an early age. This experience deeply shaped my vision of language learning, which I see as a genuine lever for a child's development, both intellectually and creatively, as well as in the way they make sense of the world.

My path, at the crossroads of teaching and creation for children, has nourished my interest in storytelling, communication and self-expression. I am particularly drawn to the Montessori approach, in which languages come to life within a prepared environment, where the child learns by exploring, experimenting and through everyday exchanges.

I am committed to guiding children in a natural, lively and joyful learning of English, nurturing their curiosity and giving them the confidence they need to open up to the language and express themselves with ease, enthusiasm and pleasure.

Originally from Vence, I grew up in a Franco-Spanish family. I devoted the beginning of my studies to understanding human beings — their struggles and potential — to help them become fulfilled individuals who find their place in the world. My psychology studies revealed a clear truth: the construction of the human being begins in childhood.

After studying the various educators who have revolutionised education throughout history, it was Dr. Montessori's work that struck me. My AMI Elementary training for ages 6–12 taught me the characteristics of children at this stage. I obtained my AMI 6–12 educator diploma in 2019.

I then worked as a Montessori educator in Guadeloupe before returning to my home region in 2021 to join the Les Colibris team in the Orange Class. My own development continues to grow as I exercise this role with children, each of whom has their own unique way of being and infinite individual resources.

Holding a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University, I have also completed AMI Montessori training for Children's House (3–6) and Elementary (6–12).

I have had the opportunity to teach in Montessori schools in the United States, Southeast Asia and Poland. As a Montessori teacher, I believe that each child is a unique individual with their own strengths, interests and learning style.

My goal is to create a learning environment that fosters independence, creativity and a love of learning. I strive to help each child reach their full potential by offering opportunities for collaborative exploration, while fostering an understanding of their role in their community, culture and the natural world.

Since 2015, I have been working with children and am passionate about their development, their curiosity and their unique ways of learning. After starting in activity leadership and studying Language Sciences, I discovered Montessori pedagogy — a decisive encounter that profoundly shaped my path.

I had the chance to observe and experience this pedagogy in several schools before completing my official training at the Institut Supérieur Maria Montessori in Montpellier. What motivates me every day is creating an environment where children progress at their own pace, build confidence and enthusiastically discover the connections between all areas of knowledge.

In the classroom, I love seeing how cooperation and exchange enrich learning, and how cosmic education broadens their view of the world in a holistic and inspiring way. I look forward to meeting your children and collaborating with you to support their development.

From the moment I discovered Montessori in 1998, I was deeply captivated. The more I immersed myself in its pedagogy and philosophy, the more I wanted to incorporate it not only as a method of education but also as a way of life. This passion led me to earn a scholarship to complete the advanced course at the Fondazione Centro Internazionale Studi Montessoriani in Italy, where I received my diploma in 2003.

Since that day, I have worked as a primary-level educator. Twenty years on, I am the mother of three children, and my conviction in the Montessori method remains unwavering — I have witnessed its effectiveness both in the classroom and at home.

I joined Les Colibris in 2022. I have faith in the environment, the children and the fellow adults who accompany me. Together, we guide children towards reaching their full potential.