Our Staff
George – Centre Manager
Education - Diploma of Early Childhood Education (AU); Accredited Parent Effectiveness Training Facilitator; PhD in Biomedical Science (UK); Masters Degree in Sports Nutrition (UK); Masters Degree in Sports Medicine (UK).
Experience – George is an experienced nutritionist and parenting education professional, also designs the children’s balanced and nutritious meals, and researches develops and delivers parent and carer educational information seminars and workshops. He has over 10 years extensive experience in nutrition and meal planning for elite sports personals, and coaching children. George is a board member of Victoria Association of Parent Effectiveness Training and a qualified Parent Effectiveness Training facilitator.
"I come from a family that has been involved in assisting children expand their horizons through learning for over 30 years. My academic achievements were a result of a guiding curiosity that persists to this day, with learning and reaching insights still leaving me in awe and giving me goose bumps to this day. It is the same awe that the children express when learning something new and meaningful, and this guides me and motivates me in creating the environment that will provide the children with as many opportunities as possible to reach these feelings of awe and achievement."
Charlotte - Montessori Directress / Early Childhood Teacher / Education Leader
Education - Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education, Montessori Diploma
Experience - Charlotte’s experience in the Early Childhood sector started in 2002 in the role of the Montessori Directress, and in 2005 more skills were added to her arsenal and she became the Early Childhood Teacher. For the past 14 years, Charlotte’s experience extended into management, which she managed to such a level, that the Dept of Education rated the centre Charlotte was managing as Exceeding the standards set by the National Quality Framework.
"I have been involved in the education of young children since 2004. I have worked in a range of Montessori environments together with families in a playgroup for children under 2 and also set up and run a transition group and a Cycle 1 Montessori classroom for children 3-6 years old. I have worked in both a kindergarten setting and a long day care setting.
I have 2 grown up daughters who were my inspiration for becoming involved in early childhood many years ago.
I love gardening and have a strong interest in sustainability and the natural environment. I believe that the role of the adult is to offer opportunities to the young child; to initially observe and then to entice the child into exploration leading to concentrated effort. This is the key to learning. The Montessori philosophy offers this.
Early childhood education is about sharing knowledge, both theirs and ours, not just about imparting facts. For the educator, it is also about constant self-reflection and challenging old belief systems. It is more about discovering what the child wants to learn, than what I want to teach."
- Charlotte
Jessica – Room Leader / Assistant Manager (2IC) / Qualified Early Childhood Teacher
Education - Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
Experience – Jessica brings nine years of dedicated experience in the Early Childhood sector, having served in various roles including Lead Educator, 2IC, and Assistant Early Childhood Teacher.
Jessica holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care and is on track to complete her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care by the end of this year. She began her career in the industry in 2016 and has accumulated a wealth of experience across various roles within early learning settings. Her roles have ranged from assistant and room leader in baby and toddler rooms to acting as the Kindergarten Teacher and Second in Charge (2IC), which is equivalent to an Assistant Manager.
Jessica is recognized for her reliability and her passionate approach to working with children. She places a high value on communication and teamwork, consistently striving to create a nurturing and supportive environment for children, families, and staff.
Cheressa – Montessori Directress / Trainee Early Childhood Teacher
Education - Bachelor of Elementary Education, Montessori Education in Early Childhood
Experience – Cheressa has 8 years’ experience as a Montessori Directress and Early Childhood Teacher in the Early Childhood sector with pre-school aged children.
Cheressa obtained her bachelor's degree in elementary education, majoring in special education, in the year 2016. She began her teaching career at a school with a progressive educational philosophy. After being inspired by unique teaching practices and a desire to teach children in innovative ways, she began to research various educational approaches and fell in love with the Montessori method. She went through AMI Montessori training and became a Montessori guide in the Philippines in 2017. She spent a good six years teaching in a Montessori environment. She believes seeing the improvement of the children is one of the most enjoyable elements of teaching.
Anastasia – Early Childhood Educator (in training)
Education - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education (working towards)
Experience – Anastasia brings nearly two years of dedicated experience from her time at Alto.
Growing up under difficult conditions as a child I absorbed information about my surroundings that helped me understand the needs of a supportive environment. Working with my sister who has special needs I have developed an understanding of diverse needs, communication skills and experience of finding ways to assist those in need. Also, being a mother to a 4-year-old girl made me responsible, caring, loving person. I have experience in other areas that also help me in my role as an educator. I have a certificate of nursing from Greece, I was an excellent dancer (ballet and breakdance) and hairdressing experience too. I am also able to speak Russian at a conversational level. I am very happy to be a part of Alto’s team which teaches Montessori skills.
- Anastasia
Kristine – Early Childhood Educator
Education - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education
Experience – Kristine completed her traineeship at Alto and holds an assistant's position.
My name is Kristine Roberts, I recently completed my Certificate Three in Early Childhood Development and am looking forward to applying and extending my knowledge.
I am working at Alto as a casual educator. I hope to support children at Alto to progress academically, socially, and emotionally whilst they go about their day-to-day routine in childcare, and overall making their time in care nurturing and fun. I anticipate to help children grow as individuals and encourage them to have a strong sense of belonging, becoming and being within themselves. I hope to help children gain more knowledge and skills, so they can always achieve great- ness now and in their bright futures ahead.
I am a caring and happy individual, who is so excited to get to know your child/children at Alto Montessori Early Learning and Kindergarten
- Kristine
Koula – Grandma / Cook
Experience - Koula has extensive experience in commercial kitchens and catering, with a focus on preparing nutritious and delicious meals for children. She has been a valued member of the Alto team, serving the community for over three years.
Hi families, my name is Koula, a grandma here and the centre cook. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to cook for the children at Alto, filling up their little bellies so they can tackle the world through learning and experiencing.
- Koula