Audrey

EDUCATOR MONTESSORI AMI 2-3 YEARS English speaking

Class 2-3 years 

I have always been passionate about education in all its forms, as well as about discoveries in neuroscience that shed light on child development.
After completing a European Baccalaureate with a specialization in English, I pursued language studies with a Bachelor’s degree in English (partly completed in Ireland), before specializing in didactics with a Master’s degree in Teaching French as a Foreign Language (FLE).

Bilingual in French and English, I taught both languages for several years in France and abroad, including in India, Peru, and Turkey. Early in my career, I chose to focus on early childhood education, in preschool and primary settings, firmly convinced of the decisive importance of the early years in a child’s development.

It was during six particularly enriching years in a French-speaking preschool in Turkey that I discovered the Montessori pedagogy. Drawn to its holistic vision of the child, I deepened my knowledge and returned to France to undertake Montessori teacher training for ages 3–6 at the Institut Supérieur Maria Montessori in Lyon. I obtained my international diploma in June 2023.

Since then, I have worked as an English-speaking educator in a bilingual Montessori school in Bordeaux.

Also trained in Positive Discipline, I support children in their development by combining kindness, structure, and attentive listening. My goal is to create an environment that respects each child’s pace, needs, and individuality—one that fosters personal growth, autonomy, and self-confidence.

Karina

EDUCATOR MONTESSORI AMI 3-6 years English speaking

Class 3-6 years

Originally from Brazil, Karina brings over 13 years of experience in Montessori education, with a deep commitment to supporting each child in developing their full potential through respect, independence, and curiosity.

Her professional journey has led her to work in classrooms in both Brazil and the United States, where she has guided children with warmth, intention, and a deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy. Karina’s approach is grounded in connection: she views each child as a unique individual and creates environments where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore and grow.

Outside the classroom, Karina is a passionate traveler who delights in discovering new places, cultures, and perspectives—a passion she shares with her daughter, Bella. Their many adventures have shaped a worldview rooted in empathy, open-mindedness, and a genuine celebration of diversity.

Élise CHENAUD

EDUCATOR MONTESSORI AMI 3-6 years English speaking

Class 3-6 years

I graduated from BAFA at the age of 16. I was already very attracted to working with children and at an early age I was able to start accompanying holiday camps, supervising music groups and school trips.

It was during a trip to Ireland that I discovered Montessori education.

I then left France to live in Dublin and follow the Montessori training 3-6 years in a private school. I also graduated from FETAC in Ireland.

At the end of this training I taught in a Montessori school as an English Montessori educator. The absence of my family and my home country prompted me to return to France in 2014. I then started working at Les Hummingbirds in the 2-3 year old class as a Francophone educator. Every day at school is the same in its routine, but it is so different and changing in learning and development that we can see in each child. It is a real pleasure to be able to witness and participate in the development of each child. and to have a pedagogy that promotes the autonomy of the child and that respects its rhythm, while having the opportunity to inculcate magnificent values. that are peace, respect, mutual help and benevolence. 

Ines LOPEZ

EDUCATOR  MONTESSORI AMI 6-9 years French speaking

Class 6-9 years

Originally from Vence, I grew up in a Franco-Spanish family. I devoted the beginning of my studies to understanding the human being in order to understand his ills, to help him to be a fulfilled individual taking his place in the world. Psychological studies have shown me that the construction of the human being takes place from childhood. After studying the different educators who have revolutionized education in the course of mankind, it is Dr. Montessori’s book that struck me, because it corresponds to the need of development of children in order to make them suitable individuals for our constantly changing society. The AMI training of Elementary Educator Montessori 6-12 taught me the characteristics of children of these ages, stakes of this development plan. Maria Montessori spoke of the need to transform adults to become educators and help children.

This happened thanks to the richness, complexity and rigour of this pedagogy. I graduated as an AMI 6-12 educator in 2019. I then worked as a Montessori educator in Guadeloupe, before returning to my hometown in 2021 to join the Orange Class Hummingbirds team where I have been teaching ever since. My development continues to grow as I carry out this role with children, who each have their own way of functioning and infinite individual resources.

Nicole CROMWELL

EDUCATOR  MONTESSORI AMI 6-9 years English speaking

Class 6-9 years

My name is Nicole Cromwell, and I will be the Lower Elementary English speaking teacher for 6-9. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and getting to know you over the course of this school year.
First, allow me to share a little about myself. I hold a Master’s degree in Elementary EducationEducation from Arizona State University. I have also completed my AMI Montessori training in Children’s
House 3-6 and Elementary 6-12. My journey in Montessori education has been fueled by a passion for learning and a commitment to helping nurture independent life-long learners. I have had the opportunity to teach in different Montessori schools in the United States, S.E. Asia, and in Poland.
As a Montessori guide, I believe that each child is a unique individual with their own strengths,
interests, and learning style. My goal is to create a learning environment that fosters
independence, creativity, and a love for learning. I strive to help each child reach their full potential by offering opportunities for collaborative exploration in which the child’s interests are supported and guided. While also, supporting an understanding of the child’s role in their community, in their culture and in the natural world.
I am excited to work together with you and your child to ensure that they have a successful and rewarding school year.