Staff

Bronwyn Hope – Principal

Bronwyn joined Beehive as a 3-year-old student and her life has been closely connected to the School ever since. She has been a Montessori teacher in 6-9, 9-12 and 12-15 for nearly 20 years, and her two children also attended Beehive. Bronwyn has now come full circle with her appointment as Principal.

Bronwyn holds a Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) and a Graduate Diploma in Primary School Education. Bronwyn began teaching at the Beehive in 2001, when she set up Beehive’s third 6-9 classroom and in 2003 she obtained an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Diploma (6-12) from Bergamo, Italy. She returned from Italy to work in Upper Primary and was later instrumental in setting up the Adolescent Program in 2007, attending the NAMTA/AMI Orientation to Adolescence training the following year.

She has a deep love of the Montessori Methodology and cannot imagine being anywhere else.

Debbie McCarthy – Deputy Principal

Debbie’s interest in Montessori education began when her eldest daughter started at Beehive Montessori School in 1984. That experience ignited a passion and prompted Debbie to leave her profession as a Textile Conservator and Restorer (initially with the WA Museum and later in private practice), to begin training as a Montessori teacher.

From 1985 she worked at Beehive in various roles, and began teaching full time in 1992. Debbie holds a Montessori Diploma (3-6); Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood); a Master of Arts in Education (Early Childhood); an AMI Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies (12-18 years); and a Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety.

Debbie and her husband live as environmentally sustainable as possible on a five-acre property in Wandi. They grow vegetables and fruit trees, and raise chickens, ducks, bees, trout and silver perch. Her strong belief in the importance of nature in children’s lives is shared with the students at Beehive, particularly the adolescents with whom she assists with their urban farm, aquaponics system, beekeeping and micro-economy ventures.

Debbie has been the Deputy Principal of Beehive since 2012, after a very rewarding and enjoyable 20 years teaching in Junior Primary.

Angelica McGoldrick – Facilitator – La Casa dei Piccoli – Playgroup

Angelica began her involvement with the Beehive Montessori School in 2008 when the first of her four children began school as a three year old. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy). On seeing the love of learning that her children developed through their Montessori schooling and knowing how important the early years are in the development of the child through her work as an Occupational Therapist, she completed the AMI 0-3 Assistants to Infancy Certificate Course in 2016 in New Zealand. On her return she was given the opportunity to help establish and facilitate the Parent Toddler Program. She sees it as a privilege to be involved with so many families as they start their Montessori journey at Beehive Montessori.

Holly Swaldi – Teacher – La Casa Contenta – Junior Primary

Holly’s journey into the Montessori world involved what she considers a trail of “Montessori breadcrumbs” which have ultimately led her to Beehive. Holly holds a Bachelor of Science & Arts (Nutrition) and minor (Sustainability). After earning her degree, Holly ventured out of her home state of Texas and landed in Perth. She also spent time living and working in Arnhem Land and in North East Victoria. In 2020, Holly returned to the USA and obtained an Association Montessori Internationale Diploma (3-6) in Dallas, Texas. After her training, Holly worked at a Montessori school in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. Holly’s return to Perth invited a serendipitous crossing of paths with Beehive – a school that she is deeply grateful to be a part of.

Ria Santoso-Teacher Assistant-La Casa Contenta-Junior Primary

Ria completed her Bachelor of Communication and Certificate IV in Children’s Services in Perth before returning to Indonesia, where she first received her Montessori training as a Kindergarten teacher. Her interest in Montessori grew, and she followed through with her training when she came back to Perth and joined a Montessori Childcare Centre. She truly enjoyed her experience as a relief Education Assistant for Beehive and is grateful for the opportunity to refine her Montessori practice by supporting the children and Holly in La Casa Contenta.

Ellen McCarthy – Teacher – La Casa dei Fiori – Junior Primary

Ellen first joined Beehive as a determined and bouncy three-year-old, and over the years continued her connection to the school, through volunteering, working as an Education Assistant and also Relief Teacher (both at Beehive and other Montessori Schools in Perth). Ellen has completed a BA (Dance) at WAAPA and a Graduate Diploma of Education, spending several years teaching dance and drama in Secondary Schools around Perth, before being drawn back to Montessori and working with younger children. Ellen completed her Montessori 3-6 AMI Diploma in Auckland, NZ, in 2010 and began teaching in La Casa dei Fiori. She has also completed a Diploma of Business Management and is active in the visual arts community alongside her artist husband, Ross Potter. Ellen’s daughter currently attends the school, and her young son enjoys Beehive’s playgroup.

Elise Elliott – Teacher Assistant – La Casa dei Fiori – Junior Primary

Elise is thrilled to be the new Teacher Assistant in La Casa dei Fiori. She is new to the Montessori philosophy of education but is excited to learn more. She has her Certificate 3 in Education Support from AIWT and loves helping children learn and grow. She has a passion for working with children from her roles as a nanny and assistant educator in a childcare centre. Her interests include travelling, the beach, movies and exploring the outdoors.

Lucy Clarkson Fletcher – Teacher – La Casa del Giardino – Junior Primary

Lucy has been part of the Beehive community since 2012 as the teacher of La Casa del Giardino, and as a parent. Lucy holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Law, a Montessori Teacher Diploma (3-6 year olds), and a Graduate Diploma in Education. She is delighted to be part of the daily learning and discovery that takes place in the classroom, the staff team and the wider community of the school.

Aria Ciampini – Teacher Assistant – La Casa del Giardino – Junior Primary

Prior to Beehive, Aria worked in a Montessori day care centre for a year and a half, and during that time thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Montessori philosophy. She is very excited  to be the Teachers Assistant in La Casa del Giardino, and is enjoying extending her knowledge about Montessori education in the classroom setting. She has a Certificate 3 and 4 in Education Support and loves being able to help children learn. Her passions and interests include swimming, painting and going to the beach!

Christine Pizzey – Teacher – La Casa del Nord – Junior Primary

Christine Pizzey studied in London at the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) where she received her Montessori teacher Diploma for 3 – 6 year olds. She returned to Perth in 1984 and began working in the only Junior Primary classroom at Beehive, La Casa Contenta. In 1986 a second Junior Primary classroom was built and named La Casa del Nord. Christine became this classroom’s teacher for the next 2 years, leaving in 1988 to have her daughter, Hannah, followed by Rachel in 1990. Both girls attended Beehive. In 1994, Christine returned to teach in La Casa del Nord, and continues to find it rewarding and fascinating to observe each child’s whole development.

Sally Howard – Teacher Assistant – La Casa del Nord – Junior Primary

Sally holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Classical studies from the Victoria University of Wellington, and a Graduate Diploma in Early Education from the University of Auckland. Sally spent a number of years travelling and working which included as an Au Pair and Second Language English Teacher in Spain and for the New Zealand Ministry of Education. Her Montessori journey began when her youngest daughter attended a Montessori school whilst in NZ, and where Sally then became an EA. Sally is very excited to continue her Montessori journey at Beehive after having spent this year relieving across the junior school getting to know the students and classrooms. She has been enjoying exploring Perth with her family and you can often find her at the beach, playground or library with her 3 girls.

Lorraine Martis – Teacher – La Casa D’Oro – Education Support Centre

Lorraine is the Education Support teacher in La Casa D’Oro, which means the House of Gold. She began in 1990 and has been at The Beehive Montessori School ever since, enjoying each day, with all its challenges, laughter and humour.

Chantal Fenelon – Teacher Assistant- La Casa D’Oro – Education Support Centre

Chantal began her Montessori journey in 1992, a year after having completed school in South Africa. She worked for a year as a Montessori assistant before backpacking through Europe and returning to South Africa to complete a Montessori Diploma.  She worked in a Montessori school in South Africa for 2 years then moved to Ireland where she continued to work in the Montessori system until her first child was born. In 2006 she moved to Australia and her daughters completed their schooling at Beehive. Rejoining the workforce in administration, she realised her true passion lay in interacting with children and in 2013 she completed a Certificate III in Education Support. She is truly delighted to work in La Casa D’Oro.

Miranda Murray – Teacher Assistant – La Casa D’Oro – Education Support Centre

Miranda started her Montessori journey after completing her schooling in Cornwall in the UK.  On attaining an AMI diploma in Years 0-6 education, Miranda taught in schools in London and Bath. Later discovering a passion for food, she trained as a chef for three years specialising in patisserie and chocolate. Working in professional kitchens for a number of years before gaining a certificate in adult education, Miranda combined her teaching and cooking skills with adults and children with special needs. In 2011 , Miranda moved to Perth with her family and is delighted to have joined the Beehive community in La Casa D’Oro.

Julia Amer – Teacher Assistant – La Casa D’Oro – Education Support Centre

Julia has worked in schools in multiple countries for the past 10 years since graduating with a Bachelor of Primary School Teaching in Austria in 2013. She has always had a big passion for working in education and developing her knowledge of Montessori and special needs education. Julia enjoys spending time in nature, travelling, camping and a good book. You’re most likely to see her somewhere on the beach or in the ocean. She is very grateful to be working in La Casa D’Oro with such a wonderful team of educators.

Maria Partridge – Teacher – La Casa del Cuore – Middle Primary

Maria began working at Beehive as a Teacher’s Assistant in Junior Primary, while embarking on a Montessori Diploma through MWEI. Maria also undertook studies in Early Childhood Education and successfully gained a Bachelor of Arts through Curtin University. She then worked at Perth Montessori School and gained experience as a teacher in a 3-6 classroom. Maria returned to work at Beehive in 2001 as a teacher in Junior Primary and enjoyed her role. In 2008, Maria decided to work with children in the second phase of their development. She completed a Bachelor of Education degree through Notre Dame University. She also completed in-house training to familiarise herself with the AMI curriculum. Maria is now teaching in Middle Primary and is thoroughly enjoying putting theory into practice. Watching children grow and develop still fascinates her.

Lea Hammond – Teacher Assistant – La Casa del Cuore – Middle Primary

Lea worked as an assistant for many years in other Montessori schools and is thrilled to be working with Maria in La Casa del Cuore.  She considers herself very fortunate to be part of the very welcoming and supportive Montessori community.  She is a passionate believer in the philosophy and strives to incorporate this in her everyday work and life.  She is very happily married and has four beautiful children who keep her very busy.

Anthea Brignoli – Teacher – La Casa della Gioia – Middle Primary

Anthea graduated from Hartley Teacher’s College, SA in 1979, after which she commenced a Montessori Diploma. Relocating to Perth, Anthea worked at the Perth Montessori school for a number of years, completing her AMI Montessori Diploma for 6 – 12 year olds in Bergamo, Italy in 1987/88. After a few years she took a break from teaching to begin a family. When her first child approached the age of three Anthea enrolled her at Beehive Montessori School and when her son followed soon after, she commenced teaching once again in 1996. She has worked in the 3 – 6 and 9 – 12 cycles of education and is currently teaching in a 6 – 9 classroom. She loves this stage of development and the educational aims of this age group. She boasts that Beehive has a leader with astounding vision, harmonious staff and supportive parents.

Rowena Fleming – Teacher Assistant – La Casa della Gioia – Middle Primary

Rowena is excited to begin her Montessori journey as an Education Assistant at Beehive in La Casa della Gioia. She has a particular interest in language and literacy, with studies in Linguistics and Auslan as well as certificates 3 & 4 in Education Support. She is passionate about supporting children in their schooling and inspiring in them a love of learning. Her hobbies include drawing, crochet and spending time with her cat.

Tina Case – Teacher – La Casa della Luce – Middle Primary

Tina began her Montessori journey when her daughter joined Inner Sydney Montessori School as an infant. Tina completed the AMI Montessori Diploma Casa dei Bambini (2.5 – 6 years) in Thailand in 2011/2012, and has since completed a Master in Teaching from UNE in 2017, AMI Montessori Diploma Elementary (6 – 12 years) in Sydney in 2015/2016, and an AMI Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies (12 – 18 years) in 2021 via zoom. Tina originally joined the Beehive community a while ago as a parent and relief teacher before teaching in Upper Primary at Blue Gum Montessori School. She is excited to return to the Beehive community as the teacher in La Casa della Luce. Tina considers it a joy and privilege to work with children in our beautiful school and  is also hoping to walk or ride her bike to school!

Maria Fahy – Teacher Assistant – La Casa della Luce – Middle Primary

Maria’s interest in education began as her children went through school, and a desire to change her career led to a Teacher Assistant Diploma from Notre Dame in 2003. Maria has worked in Montessori schools since then, in Playgroup, Junior Primary and Upper Primary. Maria is excited to add to her Montessori journey by working in Middle Primary with Tina in La Casa della Luce.

Sam Abrahams – Teacher – La Casa del Mare – Upper Primary

Sam’s introduction to Montessori was through a 10-week Upper Primary placement in 2005 while studying for her education degree. After completing a Bachelor of Education-Primary with a major in Maths in 2007, she took a position in middle primary teaching her passion of Physical Education. In 2010 she completed her AMI 6-12 Diploma in 5 week blocks so she was able to continue to work at Beehive throughout this period. In June 2011, she began teaching in La Casa della Pace before having maternity leave in 2014. Married with 2 sons, Kobie and Blaine who have both been educated at Beehive, Sam is now back teaching Upper Primary in La Casa del Mare.

Vera Lim – Teacher Assistant – La Casa del Mare – Upper Primary

Vera began as a Teacher’s Assistant in La Casa Del Luce, in Middle Primary, and is currently a Teacher’s Assistant in La Casa del Mare. She has an AMI Diploma (3-6) and taught in the 3-6 year environment in Singapore.  She enjoys good quality family life in Perth with her husband and two daughters and finds much satisfaction being involved with her church and community work.

Jessica Henke – Teacher – La Casa della Pace – Upper Primary

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media studies, a Diploma of Mass Communications and a Post Graduate Diploma of Education. She graduated with her AMI Montessori  Diploma (12 – 18) in 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio and her AMI Elementary Diploma (6-12) in 2019 in Bergamo, Italy. She has been a part of the Beehive Montessori School community since 2003 in varying roles: as a parent, a Beeliner and as a teacher in both the Adolescent Program and in the Primary school. She is currently an Upper Primary teacher in La Casa della Pace. She loves the supportive school community in which staff, students, parents, grandparents and the wider community are able to work together to create an optimal learning environment.

Esther Quah – Teacher Assistant – La Casa della Pace – Upper Primary

Graduating from the National University of Singapore in Business Administration, Esther worked for a few years before deciding to embark on a teaching career. Starting as a Teacher’s Assistant in a Montessori school in Singapore she completed her AMI Diploma (3-6) and became a teacher in the same school. Arriving in Perth she was employed as a Teacher’s Assistant in a Montessori School up north and feels blessed to be working at the Beehive Montessori School and to be part of the growing and developing process of these lovely children. Esther is the Teacher’s Assistant in La Casa della Pace.

Susan Russell – Teacher Assistant & Drama – La Casa della Pace & La Casa del Mare – Upper Primary

Having completed a Grad. Dip. Ed. in Theatre Arts, Media and English, and disillusioned with mainstream education, Beehive practised all the ideals Susan had left University believing possible. Both her daughters, attended since they were three and Susan has been actively involved in the school in many ways since. Most notably as the director of Beehive’s annual Adolescent Program play. The greatest joy in my time at Beehive is observing the growth and development of students in so many ways, and how this is enhanced so wonderfully by the direction of their teachers and Principal, the contribution of parents to the daily life, and the special events that are such an important part of our school community. This is a rare and extraordinary environment and community, made possible by everyone’s contributions, and one to be treasured by us all.

 

Brendan Giambazi – Teacher – La Casa della Terra – Adolescent Program

Brendan grew up in Perth, attended John XXIII College, graduated from WAAPA in 2003 with a BA in Jazz Performance, and completed a Graduate Diploma of Education the following year. Studies prior to this included Psychology and Commerce at UWA. Two years of travel in the late nineties after leaving school cemented an appreciation for diverse culture, art, music, food, architecture and belief systems. Combining these influences, Brendan taught music in the state system until 2010. He then began teaching in the Adolescent Program of Beehive in 2011 which he found to be an extremely positive and rewarding experience. The job has offered him opportunities to develop skills in many different areas and with such a dedicated group of teachers and talented students to work with and an interested and supportive wider Beehive community, Brendan looks forward to many more positive and productive years at the school.

Carolyn O’Toole – Teacher – La Casa della Terra – Adolescent Program

Carolyn commenced teaching from 1988 in Kalgoorlie for 5 years, before travelling and living in London, Margaret River, Karratha and Thailand doing relief teaching where necessary. She began at Beehive covering DOTT relief and found the whole environment at Beehive to be friendly and supportive. As well as working at Beehive, Carolyn worked with Dyslexia SPELD as a specialist teacher, tutoring children with Dyslexia and other learning disabilities. This work is so rewarding and she loves helping children to reach their full potential.  Married with 4 children, in her spare time she enjoys writing stories and may eventually gather the nerve to send one to a publisher.

Jade Cowderoy – Teacher – La Casa della Terra – Adolescent Program

Jade holds a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and is approaching completion of her AMI 12-18 Diploma with Sydney Montessori Training Centre. She started her Montessori journey in 2017 and feels so grateful to have recently joined the Beehive community. Jade is passionate about working with adolescents and enjoys igniting the students’ interest in the opportunities for work and study in the prepared environment. She feels privileged to be guiding adolescents towards becoming not just knowledgeable individuals, but compassionate, respectful, and responsible contributors to society. Jade has found her purpose in working side by side with adolescents and feels thankful to have the opportunity to do this in an authentic Montessori community at Beehive.

Ellen Wilson – School Psychologist

Ellen is excited to be the new school psychologist at the Beehive Montessori School. She is new to the Montessori philosophy and strongly values play in the teaching and development of children. Ellen is an AHPRA registered psychologist and ACA registered counsellor. Ellen has a Psychology Honours Degree, Post Graduate Certificate of Education, Post Graduate Certificate of Relationship Counselling and has completed training in Play Therapy. Ellen has worked as a school counsellor, and more recently as a school psychologist. Ellen enjoys working with families and children, and has supported people in the community and education for over 20 years during which she has built up a broad range of therapeutic experience. Ellen regards working with children, young people and families as a real privilege because it offers the opportunity to support positive, life impacting changes.

Marianna Piantavigna – Italian – Junior Primary

Marianna arrived in Perth from her hometown on Lake Maggiore seven years ago. She holds a Masters degree in Italian literature and linguistics and has recently concluded a PhD at the University of Western Australia. In Italy, Marianna worked as an educator and tutor with both primary and secondary aged students. In Perth, she has taught Italian as a second language at the university, as well as to young children.

Marianna loves to see students of different ages engage in learning through interaction and active involvement and is excited to begin this new adventure at Beehive.

Carolina Bertoncello – Italian – Middle & Upper Primary

Carolina grew up in Argentina in an Italian-Spanish bilingual context. She has taught in Argentina, Italy, the UK, Malaysia, and Australia. Carolina holds a tertiary degree in Dance and Fitness, an Honors degree in Applied Educational Translation and two Graduate Diplomas in Education with a major in Languages and a minor in Inclusive Education. In Perth, she has taught Italian in the Australian curriculum, Spanish in the International Baccalaureate, and run Dance/Fitness classes. Carolina loves to spend time by the ocean and to volunteer with her 2 Labradors. She is extremely happy to be part of the Beehive community and keen to learn more about the Montessori philosophy, which she finds fascinating.

Lee Wedderburn – Librarian

Lee has a Bachelor of Education and worked as a primary school teacher for 25 years, 10 of which involved teaching and running the school library.  She rediscovered Montessori and enrolled both her boys into Beehive where they stayed from the age of 3 to 12 years. Lee is happy to be back at Beehive and have children, books and a great team of staff back in her life.

Robyn Matthews – Music Specialist

Robyn has had many years of instrumental teaching experience and is currently enjoying teaching general music at Beehive. The children’s response to their music education is extremely gratifying and she couldn’t be happier. She is married with three children and loves to sing, play the guitar and share good times with family and friends.

Jasmine Royle – Teacher – Sport

Jasmine has taught Primary and Early Childhood Physical Education for the last 15 years across a range of schools in the Independent, Catholic and Public sectors. She has also been employed as a lecturer at UWA Crawley and Albany in the Masters of Education, Health and Physical Education degree. Her aim is to support children through physical development in a cooperative environment rather than competitive. She hopes that children feel confident about what their bodies can do in a safe space and their attitudes lead them to lifelong health and wellbeing. Jasmine has completed a Bachelor of Science (Sports Science) and a Diploma of Education (Primary).

Elisa Main – Finance Manager

Originally from Brazil, Elisa has worked in finance her entire life and joined Beehive Montessori School as the Finance Manager in March 2011. As the mother of 2 beautiful girls, Elisa has a very busy schedule and tries to find time to enjoy her favourite things like running and drinking good coffee.

Crystal Cameron – Enrolment Officer

Crystal joined The Beehive Montessori School in 2022, with a background in school admissions & enrolments, primary education and retail sales. She is delighted to have joined such a close-knit school community and getting to know the Beehive staff and families. Crystal enjoys a good cup of coffee with family and friends, visiting the beach, and keeping herself busy with movies and television shows.

Sarah Gough- Receptionist

Sarah recently joined our Beehive Montessori admin team in reception, and when not with us, enjoys spending her time exploring different meditation & yoga practices, painting, cooking, and catching up with friends. Sarah has spent some time abroad in the UK, where she was able to base herself in London and add some stamps to her passport! Sunny Perth is a new base and quite a contrast for Sarah, where making the most of the stunning beaches is a priority on weekends.

Lisa Wieringa – Personal Assistant to the Principal

Lisa  enjoys working at Beehive, finding the variety of events interesting and challenging while offering a great working environment with wonderful staff and parents. She is married with two adult children, and loves the beach and swimming, going to the movies, playing tennis and getting together with family and friends.

Mick Bailey – Grounds and Maintenance

Mick has been looking after the buildings and the gardens at the Beehive since February 2001. Always on hand to assist, you’ll find Mick busy with many jobs ranging from potting flowers to painting and repairing.

Scott Rees – Cleaner

Scotty has worked at the Beehive Montessori School for many years and has watched the school grow. While he enjoys working here, in his spare time he is surfing and supporting St Kilda in the AFL.