Staff Qualifications

Bachelor in Teaching and Learning University of Canterbury
Diploma of Teaching ECE New Zealand College of Early Childhood Education
Diploma of Teaching and Learning
Degree Primary Teacher Training
Aperfield Montessori Diploma in Early Childhood Education
TIME Montessori Diploma 6-12
MWEI Diploma in Montessori Studies
AMI Diplomas 3-6 and 6-9
London Montessori Centre Diploma 3-6
Christchurch College of Education Higher Diploma of Teaching
M.Ed. in Montessori Integrative Learning

Marsha Morgan, Montessori Teacher (primary) and Trustee

I wrote a paper on Montessori while still in undergraduate school. When my first two children were three and five I studied Montessori Primary at Centro Internazionale Studi Montessoriani in Bergamo, Italy. Except for a few years of working primarily with adults, I have been in the classroom ever since.

With Pauline's help, I started Nova in 1989 when it was known as Ripple Educational Community. The children continue to be my inspiration for learning and believing. Along the way, I became very interested in the nature of learning communities and this was the focus of my graduate thesis.

When I am not at Nova, I am working with Phil in adult Montessori courses for teachers and as a graduate professor in education.

Nicola Gresson, Montessori Teacher (primary)

After five years abroad, during which time I experienced many different teaching positions, I returned to the clean shores of my home, New Zealand. It was on my return that I was fortunate enough to become involved with the wonderful learning community that is Nova Montessori.

I have since trained as a Montessori directress. It is with continual joy and dedication that I spend my days with this beautiful community of children, parents and adult teachers.   May we all continue to live and learn well together.

Pauline Matsis, Montessori Teacher (primary) Co-Head of School and Trustee

Before the beginning of my Montessori journey twenty years ago, I worked with children and adults with Special Needs. When my two sons were born, they became the catalysts for joining with Marsha in founding Nova Montessori. I saw the importance of schools in shaping children's lives, intellects and world views, and readily embraced Montessori's approach to education. it has been an amazing journey of discovery ever since.

Nova has played a dominant role in this wonderful journey and I feel incredibly privileged to be working alongside such amazing children, educators, administrators and parents, all of who participate in the ongoing dialogue of life at Nova Montessori.

Philip Snow Gang, Montessori Teacher (primary) and Advisor to Trust

I knew about Nova even before I came to New Zealand because I worked with Marsha in Norway and Canada where we were giving courses for teachers. Twelve years later I received a phone call from Pauline asking if Marsha and I could relief teach. I did just that and have been tightly bound to the Nova community ever since.

My role at Nova is counterbalanced with giving courses for Montessori teachers and as a full time professor in a graduate school education programme. Like Marsha I received my Montessori experience in Bergamo, Italy. I also have Children's House Montessori certification, but never worked at that level. Marsha and I were both early advocates for Montessori secondary schools. I took that interest as a focus for my doctoral studies.

Shubha Narayan, Montessori Teacher, Co Head of School and Trustee (Children's House)

It was over seven years ago when I first walked into Nova Montessori
School as a visiting teacher, and it was at that point I decided to not
only be a visiting teacher, but to actually teach at Nova. Through my
commitment to children and the Montessori approach to education, life and learning I finally realised my dream to be here. Nova has been the one place I come to, to be rejuvenated as a Montessori teacher and as a human being. It touches the hearts of many.

It is a place of learning, which invites the potential from all children
and parents. It is an educational community of teachers and learners.

My husband and I have three children who have all attended Montessori
Early Childhood Centres, with my youngest child now attending Nova  Montessori Primary School.

Cath King, Montessori Teacher (Children's House)

I was born in South Africa, part of a large and very close extended family full of primary and secondary teachers. When I moved to New Zealand I was only five, but something of the family I left behind must have stuck with me because here I am thousands of miles away from them and following their lead.

Before having my own children I spent many years in various jobs ranging from banking to instructing aerobics. That all changed when my children were born. They both went to Montessori Preschools and then to Nova. I trained as a teacher in early childhood and worked in a number of centres.  I later tutored in early childhood training courses.

Doreen Pearey, Montessori Teacher (Children's House)

I originate from the north east of England where I trained as a primary teacher.

As my children grew I became involved in early childhood education and it was at that time that I discovered Dr Montessori’s unique approach to learning and education, which has deepened and kept me involved and excited for over twenty-five years.

I have experience in many areas of early childhood life, and I have watched with interest as Nova Montessori School has developed into the holistic educational centre that it is today.

Cornelia Holten, Montessori Teacher (primary)

Having moved from Germany to Australia in 2003 I went on holiday to New Zealand. I fell in love with the country and the people who lived there.

After returning to Germany I studied to become a primary school teacher and during these studies I was so happy to be introduced to the pedagogical theory of Maria Montessori. I therefore continued with my studies in the field of Montessori teacher training, which I completed in 2008.

To me, Montessori education is a way of “being.” It demonstrates every day that we are all part of the earth community and not separate from any other thing in the Universe. We are all related in a wonderful web of life. This interconnectedness is the context for the 9 to 13 year old children I am privileged to work alongside at Nova.

Lily White, Permaculture Gardening Teacher

Lily White is Nova’s Permaculture Gardening Teacher. Lily is well known throughout New Zealand as a leading expert on sustainable food production, otherwise known as “permaculture.”

Lily not only  supports the children by introducing all aspects of permaculture gardening, but teaches the children essential life skills for the future combined with a love of learning in the natural environment.

She teaches in schools throughout Christchurch, in Community Gardens, and at the W.E.A .( Workers Education Association) Canterbury. Lily is a much respected and sort after permaculture adviser and teacher.