Lizzie Earles is a Montessori at Arataki parent to two boys and is passionate about supporting the Montessori philosophy. Growing up on the Kāpiti Coast, Lizzie attended Reikiorangi Montessori and brings a lifelong connection to Montessori.

With longstanding experience as a senior programme manager working across youth services and mental health programmes, Lizzie has spent much of her career at the intersection of health and education. She brings experience in governance, planning, and fostering strong partnerships between whānau, schools, and communities.

Outside of work, Lizzie is slowly turning any spare grass into flower or herb gardens, and, like most locals, spending as much time at the beach as possible.

“Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world.”  Maria Montessori

Kia ora, my name is Donna, and it is a great privilege to be given the opportunity to work in the Montessori unit. I have been teaching for the last 20 years, six of these years I have spent teaching at international schools around the world.

I am passionate about children making their own choices. I read a lovely quote that sums up my philosophy:

“Instead of the teacher reaching up into the world of knowledge and bringing it down for the children to access, the teacher lifts the child up so they can access it themselves.”

I am a qualified chef, beekeeper, Garden to Table expert, and my home gardening demonstrates my commitment to sustainable living.

I have spent the last four years in Junior Montessori and I can honestly say this is ‘my jam’.