Meet the Staff

Kate Walker
B.Ed. ECE Teaching
Children's House Assistant Certificate, AMI

In February 2014 my husband and I had the privilege of becoming the owners of Acorn Montessori Children’s House.  We are long term residents of Devonport, and we are committed to providing a quality Montessori Preschool for our community.  I believe that a positive foundation laid down in the early years will benefit children throughout their lives. I consider that the Montessori philosophy and methods which are based on respect for the individual and for their future potential, have the power to bring about positive outcomes for all children. It is an honour to be working in partnership with our Acorn Montessori families and dedicated and passionate teaching team.

Alejandra Lahsen - Head Teacher
B.Ed ECE, Universidad Nacional Andres Bello; Certificate in Montessori Education MWEI (Australia)

I completed a Bachelor in Early Years Education in Chile. In 2002 my husband and I moved to New Zealand and after a year working in childcare I had the opportunity to work in a Montessori Preschool. I was very inspired by the Montessori Method so I completed further study to gain a Montessori Certificate with M.W.E.I.

I am passionate about providing a learning environment where teaching is beyond knowledge and where children have the opportunity to discover their own strengths and potential and develop skills for life.

Peisi Lin
B.Ed (Montessori Early Childhood), AUT University
Children's House Assistant Certificate, AMI
B.Ed (Secondary Teaching), China

I completed my Bachelor of Education in 2014. During my study at AUT University I was so inspired by the Montessori philosophy and methods that I decided to study further and successfully obtained my Montessori Assistant Teacher's Certificate from AMI. I also hold my Bachelor of Education (Secondary Teaching) in China and have three years experience working in secondary teaching.

I am fluent in both English and Mandarin, and I am a qualified registered teacher in both in New Zealand and China.

Dorothy Cassidy
Montessori Diploma, Assistants to Infancy (ages 0-3) AMI

After many years of being interested in the Montessori philosophy and reading Montessori books I completed my AMI Montessori (0-3) Diploma in London in 1998. Originally from the UK I have lived in Holland for nearly 23 years and during this time I worked in a Montessori pre-school in Amsterdam. My husband and I moved to Auckland  for my husband’s work in 2013. I enjoy handcrafts such as knitting and cross-stitch and love sharing these creative skills with the children. I also enjoy travelling and reading and sports such as swimming, badminton and walking.

Bianca King
B.Ed (Montessori Early Childhood) Teaching

I moved to New Zealand from South Africa in 2003 with my parents and brother. I have always wanted to work with children and so I completed my Bachelor of Education (Montessori Early Childhood Teaching) in 2014 at AUT university. I've always enjoyed the idea of children being independent and having that love of learning. Seeing it in action is what really made me want to pursue teaching in a Montessori classroom. I continued this interest by specialising in the Montessori philosophy during my last year of university study and in 2017 I completed my AMI 3-6 Diploma. My other hobbies include baking, reading and playing the piano.