Montessori Elementary

Paola joined the Maria Montessori Institute as the Elementary and Adolescent Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo), bringing over twenty years of experience supporting children, families, and educators through personalised approaches, tailored to a wide range of learning differences. A passionate advocate for inclusive education, Paola’s academic and professional journey has been deeply influenced by the principles of Maria Montessori. Her research has focused on demonstrating that Montessori pedagogy is inherently inclusive and uniquely suited to children—and adults—with emerging needs and disabilities. She holds Level 3 qualifications in Maternity Nursing and Childcare and Education, Level 5 qualifications in Early Years Lead Practice and Leadership and Management for Youth and Adult Care Services, a BSc (Hons) in Social Science and Anthropology, and a Master Level Diploma in Special Educational Needs. In addition, Paola has completed professional development in Montessori Pedagogy and SEN, Speech and Language Development, Sensory Processing, and holds a Level 4 Makaton qualification—a communication system designed for individuals who are non-verbal. Outside of her professional commitments, Paola serves on the board of NEURO-GEMS, a think tank that champions neurodiversity by advancing inclusive scientific research, advocating for equitable rights, fostering education, and promoting systemic and societal change.

Pablo was born in Valencia, Spain. Previously studying and working as an Architecture Technician, Pablo was introduced to the Montessori Method through a friend. Their conversations inspired Pablo to complete the AMI 3 to 6 Diploma Course at the Maria Montessori Institute and apply for a position as an Elementary Assistant at the Maria Montessori School. Pablo has supported the Elementary programme for over five years, with experience working in both the Hampstead and Bayswater Elementary classes. He completed the AMI 6 to 12 Diploma Course in 2021 and became Lead Teacher in September 2022. He is excited to bring together his classroom experience and Montessori training in providing a rich experience in Spanish language and culture for the children. Pablo is also a talented artist, preparing gorgeous materials for the Elementary environment.

Leslie has been working at the Maria Montessori School since 2017, previously as Lead Teacher of the Hampstead Lower Elementary and now assisting the Bayswater Elementary class. Leslie obtained her 6 – 12 AMI Diploma at the Montessori Institute of San Diego. Prior to moving to London she was a 6 -9 Lead for fourteen years at an AMI school in the US. Leslie grew up in the middle portion of the US and obtained degrees in geology from Duke University, environmental studies from the University of Montana, and education from Loyola University Maryland. Before she discovered Montessori she taught physical and earth sciences in prep schools and two-year colleges across the US. She spent summers working as a horseback wilderness guide and a National Park ranger. She dabbles in a variety of fine art and musical endeavours and enjoys travel, sailing and hiking.

Charlotte grew up in North London and was herself a Montessori child throughout her Children’s House and Elementary years. She attended Rainbow Montessori Children’s House in Highgate before continuing her education at their Elementary school in West Hampstead. After graduating from university with a degree in Art History and English Literature, Charlotte spent a year travelling Australia, where she worked with Aboriginal families through a Sydney-based charity. This experience sparked her deep interest in child development.
Charlotte initially worked in Arts Education before enrolling in and completing the AMI 3-6 Diploma Course at the Maria Montessori Institute in London. Following this, she taught as Lead in a Children’s House in Central London. Knowing that her long-term passion was to work in Elementary education, Charlotte went on to complete the AMI 6-12 Diploma Course in Bergamo, Italy. Charlotte worked alongside the former Lead of Lower Elementary, developing extensive knowledge and practical experience in leading a 6-9 environment. Following this experience, Charlotte is thrilled to be taking on the role of Lead Teacher for Lower Elementary from April 2026. She is delighted to continue supporting the children and community in this position.

Jessica was born and raised in North London and gained her degree in English Literature with Theatre Studies at the University of Leeds, graduating in 2021. Knowing she wanted to work in education, Jessica joined a Montessori School that September as Assistant to Head and after one year, fell in love with the method and embarked upon the 3-6 Diploma (2-year evening course) at the Maria Montessori Institute in London alongside her full-time role at the school. Jessica graduated in June 2024 and became Lead Teacher of the Children’s House at the school, until she decided to expand her understanding of the child by moving into the Lower Elementary at the Maria Montessori School. Jessica brings with her into the Lower Elementary a deep understanding of the child in the first plane and works closely with children as they transition from the Children’s House, delivering remedial and transitional work. Jessica also spent many years of her life as a dancer and enjoys sharing her passion for theatre, singing and performance with the children.

Charlie joined the Maria Montessori School in 2018 where he first worked as Classroom Assistant at Bayswater Elementary and, upon obtaining his AMI 6 to 12 Diploma from the Maria Montessori Institute, joined the Hampstead Upper Elementary class as Lead Teacher. Charlie was born and raised in London and also has a Degree in Sociology. Charlie is an avid sportsman playing a wide range of sports and activities including golf, football, yoga, fencing, and fishing. A fountain of general knowledge, Charlie enjoys participating in various types of quizzes and enjoys bringing this into the classroom for the children.

Bella was raised in Bath and went on to study Drama at Bristol University before training as a theatre director at Birkbeck University in London. She first worked with children when she directed James and the Giant Peach in Kalimpong, India with a group of 50 Primary aged children. Bella went on to lead a series of educational workshops to local children at the Glasgow Citizens Theatre and Intermission Youth Charity in Knightsbridge which helped her realise her interest in working in education. Most recently, Bella designed the children’s events program at The Arts Club in Mayfair which emphasised ‘connection through creativity and enrichment.' Bella is delighted to be given the chance to apply these skills in an educational setting, where she can help foster the growth of young minds.

Giorgia has been working at the Maria Montessori School since September 2023, first as Classroom Assistant for the Hampstead Upper Elementary Class, later as Classroom Assistant for the Hampstead Griffin Class and now moving into the role of Spanish Teacher for all Hampstead Elementary classes. Giorgia was born in London and later re-located to Rome with her family. Giorgia has a Degree in French and Hispanic Studies and prior to Joining us, has worked with children in a variety of capacities, across ages and cultures, as a tutor and a Teaching Assistant, as well as supporting children with special educational needs. Giorgia is extremely interested in Montessori pedagogy and how Montessori serves the Elementary aged child. Giorgia is passionate about languages and cultures, and she speaks English, French, Italian, and Spanish. She loves to sing, and she is especially interested in the link between dance and singing and how these can be applied in education.