Staff

Debbie McCarthy – Acting 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 ten-acre property near Jandakot. They grow vegetables and fruit trees, and raise chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, sheep, guinea fowl, bees, rabbits, 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.
Since 2012, Debbie has been the Deputy Principal of Beehive, after a very rewarding and enjoyable 20 years teaching in Junior Primary.

Amanda Furfaro – Teacher Assistant – La Casa del Nord – Junior Primary

Amanda is very committed to Maria Montessori’s philosophy of education for children and has been at Beehive since 2013. She has a certificate III in Children’s Services and has completed an Education Assistants course through Polytechnic West. She is also training for her MWEI 0-6 years Montessori Certificate. She loves Beehive as it is very family orientated and community minded. Her interests are reading, cooking, travelling and enjoying leisure time.

Andrew Hull – Business Manager

Married with two children, Andrew commenced at Beehive in February 2011, providing administrative support for the finance staff and committee. His duties include setting budgets, looking after finance matters and generally overseeing the financial stability of the school.

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.

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.

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.

Bronwyn Hope – Teacher – La Casa della Terra – Adolescent Program

Bronwyn holds a Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology), a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary), and an AMI Diploma (6 – 12) from Bergamo, Italy. Bronwyn also completed the AMI Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies (ages 12 – 18yrs). Attending Beehive as a child in the early 1980’s Bronwyn returned as a teacher in Middle Primary. In 2003 the school sponsored her to study in Italy for a year. On her return, she taught in Upper Primary, before teaching in the Adolescent Program from its inception. She feels extremely privileged to be part of an amazing school community from a child, a teacher and as a parent. She has a deep love of Montessori Methodology and cannot imagine teaching anywhere else.

Carolyn O’Toole – Teacher – Relief

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 works 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.

Cathy Woodhouse – Teacher – La Casa Contenta – Junior Primary

Cathy grew up in Melbourne, where she first studied Musical Theatre (BA) at the University of Ballarat before discovering her passion for Montessori education. This led her to India where she obtained her AMI 3-6 year olds Diploma and caught the travel bug. Over the years she has lived and taught in Melbourne, South Korea, Myanmar, India, the USA, New Zealand and now here in Perth. She is very excited to be a part of such a wonderful school and to nurture a beautiful learning environment in which each child can fulfil their potential.

Chantal Fenelon – Teacher Assistant – La Casa Contenta – Junior Primary

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 Contenta – the classroom where both her children had the privilege of starting their school career.

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.

Deanne Keene – Secretary

Deanne was originally employed as School Secretary at Beehive from 2005 – 2008 before taking time off and returning to the same position at the beginning of 2011. She enjoys working at Beehive as it has a wonderful working environment and the staff and parents are amazing. A single mother with two adorable children, Deanne enjoys the beach, netball, going to the movies and the company of family and friends.

Elisa Datos – Teacher – Italian

Elisa has been teaching Italian at Beehive since late 2019. Growing up in Venice, Elisa studied Conservation of Cultural Heritage and worked with art events and in a publishing house before moving to Perth in 2013. In 2015 she followed her interest in teaching and completed a Graduate Diploma in Education from UWA. Since then she has taught Italian in a range of local primary and secondary schools, though she feels particularly attracted to the practices of the Montessori system and to the warm, supportive environment of the Beehive community. Outside of school Elisa enjoys travelling, art, learning new languages, and music.

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.

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

Ellen is a past Beehive student and previously worked as an Education Assistant and Relief Teacher at Beehive, as well as teaching for a year at The Montessori School in Kingsley. Ellen completed her Montessori 3-6 AMI Diploma in Auckland NZ in 2010 and began teaching in La Casa dei Fiori, where she worked until 2015 before taking some time off and starting a family. Previously, Ellen completed a BA (Dance) at WAAPA (ECU) and a Graduate Diploma of Education (Murdoch), spending several years teaching dance and drama in Secondary Schools around Perth. She has also completed a Diploma of Business Management and runs a small visual arts and production company with her artist husband, Ross Potter. Ellen is excited to be back at the Beehive, and particularly thrilled to be back in La Casa dei Fiori.

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.

James Firkins – Grounds and Maintenance

James is from a small town in Cheshire, England and has been in Australia since 2012 and working at Beehive Montessori since 2015. His background is property maintenance, you will see him tending to the gardens, assisting staff with anything they may need in preparation for children’s projects and ensuring the whole school remains presentable and safe for the children. He and his wife hope their young children will join the Beehive Montessori family. He likes to keep active with lots of activities and enjoying Perth life outside of his Beehive working hours. He also has his own business that successfully maintains gardens SOR and a removals company just to keep him on his toes.

Jane Polla – Administration

Jane has been working part-time at The Beehive Montessori School since October 2006 as an Office Assistant, in particular in enrolments and enrolment enquiries.

She really likes working at Beehive because of the positive, caring atmosphere that not only exists for the students but for all the staff. Married with two adult children, Jane enjoys eating well, keeping fit and social get-togethers with family and friends.

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 Orientation to Adolescent Studies (ages 12 – 18yrs) 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.

Kath Meisinger – Teacher – La Casa del Mare – Upper Primary

Katherine Meisinger has been involved with The Beehive Montessori School since 1996 after she immigrated to Australia from South Africa. She became interested in the Montessori teaching method and subsequently enrolled in the 3 – 6 MWEI course. Kath was employed as a Teacher’s Assistant in the 6 – 9 environment, during which time she had three children who all attended Beehive. She has taught English in Canada, England and South Africa and worked in the architectural drafting field for a number of years. Kath travelled to Italy in 2008/9 to complete her studies in the AMI Diploma for 6 -12 year olds. Kath is inspired by and committed to the Montessori philosophy and method, and upholds these principles in her current role as an Upper Primary teacher where she takes great pleasure in delivering Montessori education to the students.

Lauren Ebert Day – Teacher Assistant – La Casa dei Fiori – Junior Primary

Lauren discovered a passion for Montessori in 2007. Thankfully her journey has brought her back to the Beehive Montessori School many times over the years. At the beginning of 2018 she took on the assistant roll in La Casa dei Fiori. She has recently completed her AMI 3 – 6 years Diploma in Morocco, Africa, and is currently completing her Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood. She is excited to have re-joined the family at Beehive and cannot wait to continue this journey of learning and fostering a pathway for our children to reach their full potential.

Lea Hammond – Teacher Assistant – La Casa della Gioia – Middle Primary

Lea worked as an assistant for many years in other Montessori schools and is thrilled to be working with Anthea in La Casa della Gioia.  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 every day work and life.  She is very happily married and has four beautiful children who keep her very busy.

Lily Sheehan – Teacher Assistant – La Casa D’Oro – Education Support Centre

Lily was lucky enough to have been born into the Beehive family as her mother was a teacher here. She enjoyed her whole primary school education at Beehive and graduated at age 12, prior to the implementation of the Adolescent Program. She returned to Beehive at 17 when she finished high school after completing a Certificate III in Education Support. In 2019 Lily completed a Montessori Diploma (3-6) in Morocco, and is currently finishing a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Studies at Curtin University part time. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, singing and attempting to play the guitar, as well as art projects and spending time with friends and family. She feels privileged to have had Montessori and Beehive throughout her life. She whole-heartedly believes in the pedagogy and philosophy and has a fulfilling purpose in life which is rewarding every day. She is grateful to be part of the Beehive family.

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.

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

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 its challenges, tantrums, laughter and humour.

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.

Makiko Fukada – Librarian

Originally from Osaka, the food capital of Japan, Makiko has worked for the school library since 2007. She holds a Diploma of Library/Information Services, a Diploma of Business and a B.A. in Librarianship and Corporate Information Management.  Studying Japanese calligraphy since she was five allowed Makiko the chance to teach calligraphy to Beehive’s Adolescent Program students during their Japanese Shogunate studies.  She likes reading, eating, walking, travelling, playing the piano, musical theatre, yoga and tai chi. She is grateful for the opportunity Beehive afforded her and enjoys working with students, parents and staff.

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.

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 railings and playgrounds.

Renata Cammarano – Teacher Assistant – La Casa della Luce – Middle Primary

Renata comes from an Italian background and enjoyed working as a special needs teacher assistant prior to coming to Beehive. She is currently the Teacher’s Assistant in La Casa della Luce at Beehive, which she thoroughly enjoys.  Just married in April 2019, in her spare time she likes to play tennis, listen to music and spend time with her nephew and nieces. She feels very privileged to be working in the Beehive Montessori School and hopes that she can live up to the high standard of the Montessori Education system.

Riris Fitzgerald – Teacher Assistant – La Casa del Cuore – Middle Primary

Riris arrived Perth in 1999, and her two children started school at Beehive at 3 years old. She has a Diploma in Secretarial studies from Jakarta and a Certificate III in Children’s Services. She has worked as an Assistant Marketing Manager and Personal Assistant prior to having a family.  Riris became a relief Teacher’s Assistant at Beehive in 2009, started full time in 2011 in a Junior Primary class, and from 2013 has been an assistant in Middle Primary.

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.

Sam Abrahams – Teacher – La Casa della Luce – Middle 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 teaching in La Casa della Luce.

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.

Susan Russell – Teacher – Drama and Relief

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.

 

Suzanne Cameron – Teacher Assistant – La Casa del Giardino – Junior Primary

Suzanne grew up on a 24 acre school campus surrounded by 250 years of rich history in India. In 1979 she accepted a position as a Teacher’s Aide and became so absorbed working with Nursery children she decided that was what she intended to do for as long as she could. She married John, who she grew up with, and daughter Ashton Sasha, “the love of her life”, was born in Calcutta in 1988. Joining Beehive in 1999 has been the highlight of her arrival in Australia. She finds much satisfaction and a great deal of joy each day she spends with the students. It is a great place to be and she has felt welcome and received a lot of support. She considers herself fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful institution.

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.