I was born and raised in the UK from a South American, Caribbean father and a Dutch mother. I am very proud of my ancestry and how this has shaped me and opened up so many wonderful experiences in my life.  I lived in London for over 30 years. Following my media education I had a successful career in the post-production industry based in London. 

 

An opportunity to live in Australia became possible. A huge physical move but also a massive cultural change. I had my first child in Australia, adapting to a new life away from all that was familiar. I gained a whole new appreciation of motherhood and parenting, while being far away from family and friends. 

 

Like many I was seeking a tribe, a collection of like-minded parents for social and emotional support within my community for my son and myself. This was a lot harder than I imagined but it opened a door to a new mind set, ambition and purpose. 

 

I found a lovely little Montessori playgroup called 'Gamarada' for my son. It was more or less immediately obvious that this was what I had been looking for. 

 

I was so inspired; I took things a step further and gained my AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) Assistant Certificate (3-6yrs). I later did the intense training and qualified as an AMI Montessori Director (0-3yrs). I worked and ran infant community programs for two private schools in Sydney. I was later asked to join the Board of the Aboriginal Montessori playgroup 'Gamarada'.

 

Later I became part of the infant community team at the 'Inner Sydney Montessori School'. To help complement my work with young families I trained and qualified as a Doula to support families during pregnancy and birth. After this we relocate to The Netherlands where I had my second child. I started my Doula work here in The Netherlands working with refugee women who were facing giving birth in refugee camps, I continue this work and find it so humbling and so rewarding.

 

Now I'm excited to bring The Montessori Village to Haarlem.