Spanish Language Programme

María Castro Gonzalez was born in the Canary Islands, Spain. Her desire to learn English and her interest in living abroad led María to move first to Ireland, and later to England. María has lived in London for eleven years, and throughout that time has worked with children from infancy through the Elementary years, to include completing and implementing a course on introducing Spanish as a second language. It was through these experiences that María discovered Montessori education. She went on to complete her 3 to 6 AMI Diploma Course at the Maria Montessori Institute and is enrolled in the AMI 6 to 12 Diploma Course which she began in May 2023. María is dedicated to supporting children in their growth and has a strong desire to engage children in lessons that lead to joyful learning.

Estefania graduated as an Early Year Teacher in 2010 and holds a Masters diploma in Social Education. Originally from Spain, Estefania moved to London in 2016, and since her arrival, Estefania has gained experience working with children in a variety of different capacities, including as a classroom assistant and a classroom teacher. Assisting and supporting children in their development has always been a passion for Estefania. Through her work in a Montessori school in Windsor several years ago, Estefania discovered the Montessori approach to education and completed her AMI 3 to 6 Diploma at the Maria Montessori School in 2022. She joined the Maria Montessori School in September that year, first as maternity cover at Crouch End and later as Children's House Spanish Teacher across all our sites.

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.

Paula Pérez-Martín was born and raised in Galicia, Northern Spain. As a young adult, Paula volunteered in her mother’s school, an experience which inspired her to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Early Years Education and later complete her Master’s Degree in Education. Paula has extensive experience in mainstream and international schools in Spain, Belgium, and the UK, where she worked in Oxford as well as London for the past eight years. Her Montessori journey began in Brussels, where she had the opportunity to assist in a French-Dutch Montessori school. Inspired to learn more about the method, Paula completed the 3 to 6 AMI Diploma Course at the Maria Montessori Institute. Paula’s experience has shaped her strong belief in the important role teachers play in helping to build the child's character, as well as develop independence, self-esteem, a passion for learning, and a love for others and the world. Paula fluently speaks Galician, Spanish, English, and French.

Malu Garcia Pardo was raised in Valencia, Spain, where she graduated from the University of Valencia with a degree in Law. She worked as a consultant in international trade before moving into education. Malu first discovered Montessori as a parent looking for an education system for her son. After earning a teacher diploma in Early Childhood education and the AMI 3-6 Assistant’s Course certificate, she worked as an Infant Community Assistant in a Montessori school in Tokyo.

Malu has taught Spanish to children and adolescents in various capacities and countries, and previously worked as a Spanish Teacher for children and teenagers at the Instituto Cervantes in London. Malu obtained her AMI Orientation to Adolescent Studies Certificate in 2020, and she is very excited to join the MMI team, combining her two passions: Montessori education and teaching Spanish.