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.