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.
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.
Bianca King - Head Teacher
B.Ed (Montessori Early Childhood) Teaching
AMI 3-6 Diploma
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.
B.Ed (Montessori Early Childhood) Teaching
AMI 3-6 Diploma
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.
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.
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.
Kellie Burch
B.Ed (Teaching), University of Auckland
BA, University of Auckland
I have been living locally in the Devonport area since 2010 and have a daughter who has attended Devonport Primary and is about to start at Belmont Intermediate. After completing my Bachelor of Arts with a double major in English and Film, TV and Media I had become fascinated with my daughter’s development and learning as she grew. That was when I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I had some training in primary teaching and realised that early childhood was my true passion. I have been teaching in a local centre for the past 5 years, as I completed my training. I am so happy to join Acorn Montessori as a fully registered teacher. I am excited to learn more about the Montessori approach as I continue my teaching journey.
B.Ed (Teaching), University of Auckland
BA, University of Auckland
I have been living locally in the Devonport area since 2010 and have a daughter who has attended Devonport Primary and is about to start at Belmont Intermediate. After completing my Bachelor of Arts with a double major in English and Film, TV and Media I had become fascinated with my daughter’s development and learning as she grew. That was when I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I had some training in primary teaching and realised that early childhood was my true passion. I have been teaching in a local centre for the past 5 years, as I completed my training. I am so happy to join Acorn Montessori as a fully registered teacher. I am excited to learn more about the Montessori approach as I continue my teaching journey.
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.
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.