Maree Orland

I have been teaching at Casa dei Bambini Foundation School since 1991, following my return to New Zealand from Europe, where I trained as a Montessori teacher in Italy. This was a one-year, fulltime AMI Montessori Diploma course.

I hold a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning and full Teacher Registration. Initially I trained as a kindergarten teacher working in kindergartens in both New Zealand and Australia. In discovering Montessori many opportunities emerged for a very enjoyable, fulfilling and satisfying role in early childhood.

I am the supervising head teacher at Casa dei Bambini as well as a Teacher Trustee on the Board of Trustees.

My involvement at Casa dei Bambini has continued to develop over the years and I love being a part of this wonderful community.

My interests outside of school cover a variety of creative pursuits including fashion design, gardening, cooking and yoga.

Angela Carpenter

Hailing from Ngaruawahia in the Waikato I came to Christchurch in 1990 attending the Rangi Ruru Nanny school where I completed a diploma. I followed this with two nanny positions and it was through one of these families that I was introduced to Casa dei Bambini that kindled my interest in the Montessori philosophy of education.

I then undertook the Montessori Teaching Diploma and was fortunate that a position became available at Casa dei Bambini soon afterwards allowing me to join the teaching team. I have continued to study completing the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning. I hold the Assistant Supervising position at Casa dei Bambini and the role of Teacher Trustee on the Board.

My many interests include walking, gardening, reading and swimming.

Els Coster

I am the mother of two daughters who are completing their primary school years. I became dedicated to early childhood education and the Montessori philosophy after watching my children flourish in a Montessori school and decided to make this my career.

My qualifications include the Diploma of Teaching and Learning, The Aperfield Montessori Diploma and The Bachelor of Teaching and Learning.

I work full-time with the team at Casa dei Bambini and appreciate the opportunity to work in partnership towards the growth and development of young children.

I enjoy the outdoors, sports and spending time with my children. I compete socially in small multi-sporting events and squash. I am also very involved with my daughters' sport of Trampoline where they represent New Zealand at national and international levels.

Dale Evenden

I have been a part-time teacher and reliever for Casa dei Bambini since 2006 when I decided to reduce my hours from full-time teaching; previously I was a kindergarten teacher with a strong interest in Montessori, having helped to set up the first Montessori Preschool in Christchurch.

I gained the Montessori Aperfield Teaching Diploma in 2005 and also a Higher Teaching Diploma from Christchurch Teachers College. I have had Full Teacher Registration since 1992.

I am married with two adult daughters, who both have successful careers and are now living in America and Wellington respectively.

I consider it a privilege to be working in a wonderful supportive environment where commitment and passion to the Montessori philosophy is fully embraced.

Liz O'Brien

My involvement in education began as one of the founding members of the Casa dei Bambini Foundation School in 1990. I worked as a member of the Teachers Collective for five years gaining my Early Childhood Montessori Diploma during this time before moving onto Primary Montessori Education for a further two years.

Following this, my focus became Homeschool Primary Education, and it was through the development of the curriculum in Maths and English that in 2001 I established an after school tutorial service.

This opened an education opportunity to operate The Yellow School Bus - a mobile primary educational service for five year olds that bridged early childhood to primary education, using the full resources that Christchurch city has to offer.

Presently I am teaching the senior morning class children, in Casa dei Bambini's Extended Day programme and studying full-time at Canterbury University.

Education remains my passion, along with good coffee, good books and great company.