The secret to success in any great organisation is the people!
Our staff team have been carefully selected to provide exceptional care and education for the children at the nursery. Everyone brings a particular skill or energy to the team and everyone who joins us embarks on a voyage of discovery with the children, but also in their own personal and professional development. Our team ethic is very much that we can never stop learning from each other in order to achieve our shared vision, which is of course all about the children. We provide regular support, training and development opportunities for all team members to learn and grow to be the best that they can be.
The Monkey Puzzle Highbury franchise is owned and operated by a family business. Geoff & Wendy Kent, and their two sons Richard and Anthony.
Geoff Kent
Nursery Owner
My name is Geoff and I am the proud owner of Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Highbury. I have three sons of my own and have always been a dedicated Father, supporting their care and education to encourage them to be the best that they can be.
I have a particular interest and experience working with personal and professional development, something which underpins the quality of care we aspire to deliver as an inspirational and innovative team of childcare professionals.
In my previous role I was responsible for promoting diversity in the workplace and supporting working Mums with “back to work” advice on home/work balance and general wellbeing during parenting.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Vice President Sales, Coca Cola Enterprises
- Member of Diversity Council at Coca Cola Enterprises
- Pension Trustee
- Dedicated Father to three sons
Languages:
- English (fluent)
Wendy Kent
Nursery Owner
Baby Care Specialist
My name is Wendy. I am a dedicated mother of three sons and a qualified Nursery Nurse. I have worked in the NHS for over 20 years and have extensive experience working in a special care baby unit at the maternity ward in Hemel Hempstead Hospital.
During my time as a new Mother I worked in a local Primary School as a Teaching Assistant, where I helped with creative tasks and early literacy skills with children of all ages.
I very much enjoy working with children and particularly appreciate the importance of a stable and nurturing environment for the positive development of babies to young children.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- NNEB Qualified Nursery Nurse
- Special Care Baby Unit, Hemel Hempstead Hospital
- Teaching Assistant, Leverstock Green Primary School
- Mother to three sons
Languages:
- English (fluent)
Anthony Kent
Operations Manager
Qualified Early Years Teacher
My name is Anthony and I am from Hertfordshire. I enjoy working in multicultural London as it is a very vibrant city.
I am a qualified Early Years Teacher and love working with children, watching them learn and grow in the Nursery.
I particularly enjoy inspiring young children to take part in music, both as a key area of study and as a transitional tool to engage them in other areas of learning. I like to inspire creativity throughout education, encouraging self-expression and confidence in young children as an important part of their early development.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Early Years Teacher Status, Middlesex University
- MSc Advanced Music Production, Glamorgan University, Cardiff
- BA Hons Commercial Music, Bath Spa University, Bath
- Grade 8 Saxophone and Drum Kit, Grade 5 Music Theory
- Children’s Piano Teacher
Languages:
- English (fluent)
Richard Kent
Finance & ICT Manager
My name is Rik, I am the most recent member of the family to join the nursery team and am very excited to join in with the adventure!
I studied Accounting & Finance at Bristol University, where I met my lovely wife whilst singing in the choir. Since then I have worked as an Account Executive at Coca Cola where I was responsible for developing customer relationships and managing accounts.
In my spare time I enjoy dinner parties with friends, and caring for my two best friends, my bunnies, Barney and Bluebell. Like my little brother Anthony, I also have a keen interest in music and can play the saxophone.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- 7 Years experience as an Account Executive, Coca Cola Enterprises
- Grade 8 Saxophone & Grade 5 Music Theory
- Big brother to two little Kent brothers
Languages:
- English (fluent)
- Bunny (Intermediate)
Rachel Cannon 
Operations Manager
My name is Rachel and my experience with working with Monkey Puzzle started when I joined Monkey Puzzle Highbury as Joy’s deputy. I then moved to Monkey Puzzle Angel where I opened the new site and got outstanding on first Ofsted Inspection. Now I am back in Monkey Puzzle Highbury as Nursery Manager and I am delighted to continue my story here.
I originally moved to London, from Galway, in the West of Ireland to further my career in Childcare. I have now spent 9 very successful years working with children and being a part of t heir learning and development makes me proud every day! As a nursery manager I work very closely with the individual team members, as their personal and professional development is very important to me.
In my spare time I enjoy meeting up with friends and socialising. My main hobby is Irish Dancing and I’m part of the Maguire O’Shea School of Irish Dancing. Over the past couple of years we have travelled to many competitions in Brighton, Ireland and Milan. I also play ‘Camogie’ which is a physical sport which originated from Ireland.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
-9 Years experience in Childcare including 7 years management experience
-Advanced Safeguarding Certificate, Designated Safeguarding Officer
-Studying BA degree in Early Years leadership and management
-QQI Level 6 Qualification in Assisting Special Needs and Autism Awareness
-Level 2 in Understanding Autism
-Level 3 Certificate for Children and Young Peoples Workforce
Languages:
-English (Native)
Claudia De Stefano
Nursery Manager
Qualified Language Teacher
I’m Claudia, from Naples in Italy, a place where the sun always shines. I moved to England 6 years ago in pursuit of a career in education.
I graduated in Foreign Languages at the University “L’Orientale” of Naples. I am a CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults) qualified teacher and Cambridge Speaking Examiner for young learners, I taught English to Italian children for 6 years. I loved studying towards my Level 5 qualification as I learned leadership is not being in charge, it is to look after the people in your charge
I really trust in our children’s capabilities, and in the principle of positive reinforcement. All of us can learn more effectively when encouraged and supported with a smile. I’m a very kinaesthetic person, full of energy, always ready to run around and sing along with anyone who dares to follow me. My secret? Just some fairy dust!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
– Level 3 Childcare
– Level 5 Diploma in leadership for the children and young people’s workforce (management)
– Degree in Foreign Languages
University of L’Orientale, Naples
– CELTA Certified Language Teacher
(Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults)
-6 years experience teaching young children at the Helen Doron language school in Italy
-Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer
-Understanding Autism Level 2
-Paediatric First Aid Qualified
Languages:
- English (fluent)
- Italian (native)
Elyne Missinne
Deputy Manager
Hi, I am Elyne from Bruges, Belgium. I moved to this amazing city 4 years ago and London now definitely feels as my home. I started working in Monkey Puzzle the day after I moved to London and Monkey Puzzle has become my second family now.
I started in the Baby Room where I was Room Leader for 2 years. I loved to help all the little princes and princesses learn through play and help them to discover the world. I continued my journey as Assistant Manager where I learned how to support the fantastic team we have in the nursery. Now I continue my journey as the Deputy Manager and I’m really passionate about making this nursery the best place to be for our children and staff.
In my spare time, I like to travel and spend time with friends. I really enjoy to explore London by walking around, looking for new and cute places. When I am home, I really love to read or to get creative by drawing and painting. I always enjoy a cosy night in, watching a movie.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
-B.Sc. in Ortho-pedagogy: Clinical Child, Family, and Education studies
-B.Sc. in Applied Psychology
-Level 3 Childcare
-7 years Childcare Experience
-Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer
-Level 2 in Understanding Autism
Languages:
- Dutch (native)
- English (fluent)
- French (intermediate)
- German (basic)
Katie Holmes
Assistant Manager
Hi I’m Katie, I have been part of the Monkey Puzzle Highbury family for the last 2 years. Having worked for 2 years in New Jersey, USA as an au pair looking after children aged 3-7 I decided to move to London. I have just been awarded a Distinction in my Masters Degree in Early Years Education at University College London (UCL), The Institute of Education. I have also had experience in a preschool in Sweden with children aged 2-5, as part of my undergraduate degree at The University of Warwick. Whilst in Sweden I had the opportunity to experience the importance of outdoor learning and forest schools. I’ve also had lots of experience in the U.K. particularly in reception class in a private school nursery.
I love spending time with a wide circle of friends including those that I have made internationally. With them I enjoy trying different styles of restaurants and going to the cinema. I enjoy walking and playing with my two Golden Retrievers at home in the North of England and also exercising at the gym.
Helping young people to develop has to be the most rewarding thing in life. Children under the age of 6 have such open minds and a willingness to learn which makes them fun to be with. There is nothing more exciting than seeing a child understand a new concept or idea.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– MA (Distinction) in Early Years Education, University College London (UCL) The Institute of Education
-BA (Hons) Childhood, Education and Society, The University of Warwick
-Au Pair, Preschool and Baby experience
-Experience in Montessori and forest Schools
– Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer
-Paediatric First Aid Trained
Languages:
- English (Native)
Jasmine Kwabi
Discoverers Room Leader
Hi I’m Jasmine! I’ve been working in and around North London Nurseries for many years now. It’s an amazing profession to be involved in, I like working with children because I like watching them grow and develop new skills. It’s great to know that I have helped them as it makes my job worthwhile.
I like helping children reach their own personal milestones and I look forward to interacting with children and creating new experiences for them to enjoy and learn from. I especially look forward to lots of messy play!
In my spare time, I enjoy swimming and Topgolf; I also like to socialise and finding new places to eat out.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
Cache Level 3 Diploma for children & young people’s work force
-Over 6 years’ experience in childcare
-Experience in a special needs school
-Paediatric First Aid Trained
-Makaton trained
Languages:
-English (native)
Yasmine Eddy
Deputy Room Leader
Hi I’m Yasmine, I’m a dedicated childcare professional from London and I’m very excited to be joining Monkey Puzzle Highbury. I’m experienced in working in a variety of environments with lots of different children. I also have worked one to one with a child who had epilepsy; I think it is really valuable to adapt to children’s needs to make sure everyone has a good, fair start in life.
I also have some training in basic Makaton and have spent several years working across multiple settings as part of my level 3 CACHE childcare qualification.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, going to the cinema and going out with my friends.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
-CACHE level 3 in Childcare
-CACHE level 3 in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning (TA qualification)
-5 Years’ Experience in Childcare
-Paediatric First Aid Trained
Languages:
-English (Native)
-Makaton (Basic)
Andrea Califano
Deputy Room Leader
I’m Andrea, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I have wanted to be a teacher and work with children ever since I was a child myself. I have worked in different childcare settings back in Argentina for almost 10 years, and one of the things I love the most about this work is the fact that every day is guaranteed to bring new adventures and experiences, and I get the chance to share and enjoy every milestone the children achieve, while learning alongside them.
Now, after relocating to the wonderful and multicultural London, I’m beyond happy to have the opportunity to join the Monkey Puzzle family, and I look forward to continue learning and developing my career.
On my free time, I like to cook, watch movies, travel, and go out for walks, discovering new “hidden spots” in this beautiful city that never ceases to amaze me.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
-10 years’ experience in Early Years
-Level 5 in Early Years Education
-Paediatric First Aid
Languages:
- English (fluent)
- Spanish (native)
- Italian (intermediate)
Erica Lucia Espana Garcia
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Erica, I am from Spain where I lived in a town called Benidorm, which is near the beach with a wonderful view to all the Mediterranean sea.
I have worked for four years in a school with children between two to eleven years of age. I really enjoyed my job there. I came to England mainly to improve my English but also to experience living in another country.
I love to work with children, the way they see life, their innocence, their energy and sincerity. I think we can learn so much from them. I have dedicated many years of my life to children and I could say they are my passion.
Early Years is the most important foundation for children to learn and grow. They learn while they are playing and exploring their environment, so we are responsible to create a calm and stimulating environment where they can do it.
I love spending time with my family and friends, to go to the beach and listen to the sound of the waves. I also love to travel and discover new places and new cultures.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– Qualified Teacher Status
– First Aid trained
– Experience working in a school between ages 2 and 11 years
Languages:
-English (Intermediate)
-Spanish (native)
Najah Madow
Nursery Practitioner(Maternity Leave)
Hi I’m Najah, from London and I’m looking forward to getting involved in the world of professional childcare and education! I’ve just finished my BA and am excited to begin a full time role looking after children.
I’ve been training and getting experience for a while now and I’m interested in being able to develop real bonds with children and to help them explore their world. My favourite subject is expressive arts and design, as whether it’s crafts or messy play, I find most children engage really well and learn a lot from these activities.
In my free time I like to bake and I also love travelling. I hope to one day travel and teach in another country!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
-BA in Early Childhood Studies
-Level 3 in Health and Social Care
-Currently Training in Paediatric First Aid
-Experience in Pre-Schools and as a Teaching Assistant
Languages:
-English (Fluent)
-Arabic (Advanced)
Kate Welna
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Kate from Poland! I have 6 years’ experience working in childcare. I have worked with 0-5 year old children in different nurseries. I am a creative and passionate person, ambitious and love learning new ideas.
I am very passionate about the environment and I put a lot of emphasis on reusing and recycling. I love sports and working out every day. I love travelling and educating myself in other cultures.
Working in the nursery motivates me to be positive in my daily life. It has taught me patience, better understanding of children’s development and their needs. I am very happy to be around children and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
–6 years experience in nurseries/pre-schools
-Level 3 Childcare
-Level 2 in Children and Young Peoples’ Workforce
-Level 3 in Children and Young People’s Workforce
-Introduction to Child Psychology
-Paediatric First Aid Trained
Languages:
-Polish (Native)
-English (Fluent)
-German (Basic)
-French (Basic)
Alisa Seferi 
Nursery Assistant
Hi, I’m Alisa and I come from Greece. I studied and worked in Greece a nanny for several years, I am passionate about children and specially babies!
I have been living in Sweden and now is time for London, I decided to move here to grow in my career.
In my spare time I love swimming, as I come from a lovely sea village, I am very used to be inside the water most of the time!
The reason why I love working in Early Years is because of that joy feeling that the children transmit to you as soon you interact with them, they have that magic that spreads the love. I hope with all my dedication and positivity the children grow in a happy and active environment.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– 4 Years experienced as Nanny
– Experience as Aupair
– Overseas nanny
Languages:
– Greek (Native)
– English (Fluent)
– German (intermediate)
– Albanian (Intermediate)
Maria Martin Carvajal
Nursery Assistant
Hi I’m Maria. I came from Spain to London 5 years ago to work and improve my English. I decided to stay in London because there are more possibilities for me to develop my career and built my future.
I would love to help children in their early education, and I am very curious to learn how to support children with special needs.
In my free time, I like to do crafts at home, called ‘scrapbook’.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– Level 2 in Childcare
– Certificate Supporting Children with SEND in the Early Years Level 2
– Certificate Improving Children’s Learning Through Play Level 2
– Effective Safeguarding Practice Level 2
Languages:
-English (Fluent)
-Spanish (Native)
Tatiana Bueno
Nursery Assistant
I am Tatiana and I come from Colombia. I moved to London 5 years ago to learn English and start a career in childcare.
I love reading and travelling and working with children. What I like the most is to see the children learning through play in a natural way.
I hope to learn and further expand my knowledge while working in Baby Room.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– Level 2 in Childcare
– Level 3 in Childcare (In progress)
– Nanny experience.
– First aid trained.
Languages:
-English (Fluent)
-Spanish (Native)
Chantelle Msumbuga
Nursery Assistant
Hi I’m Chantelle. I live in London and have worked in and around different parts of London. I love to explore new areas of London that I’ve never been to before! I am so excited to be part of the Monkey Puzzle family. Having the opportunity to be a part of children’s fundamental growth and development is so rewarding so I am super excited to be able to experience and be a part of this everyday and Monkey Puzzle Highbury. I love working with children because every child is unique and brings new thoughts or ideas to an experience. It’s such a pleasure to be a part of their learning and development.
In my spare time I love listening to podcasts during my walks or when I’m outside. I also enjoy travelling and exploring new places. It’s so exciting to visit somewhere new as there is always the opportunity to experience new things or have a new adventure when somewhere new!
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– MSc in Psychology of Mental Health
– BSc Psychology with Sociology
– Paediatric First Aid trained
– Food & Hygiene certificate
– Experience as Nanny
– Experience as a Science Teacher
Languages:
– English (Native)
– Swahili (Advanced)
Toni Krahn
Room Leader
My name is Toni and I am from London! I have always been passionate about working with children. I think that every child is an amazing individual who can bring joy to anyone’s day with their excitement and smiley faces. I feel it is important to allow children to express themselves and their interests!
I have been working in childcare for many years now and I wouldn’t change it! It’s such an amazing profession to be involved in.
No day is ever the same! I love not only watching the children grow and develop but being a part of their learning and development. I particularly enjoy messy play and baking! One of the best things about this job is being a child again with the children. There is nothing more amazing than seeing a child’s happy smiling face and watching them achieve something! This job is full of adventures and new experiences each day.
In my spare time I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends and recently found a passion for making cheesecakes!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
-Level 3 Childcare
-6 years experience in childcare
Languages:
- English (native)
Michela Orofino
Deputy Room Leader
Hi I’m Michela from Pompeii! I’m here fulfilling my lifelong dream of spending some time living in the UK! I have lots of experience teaching and learning in other languages and I’m very excited to bring my passion for languages to Monkey Puzzle.
I particularly enjoy teaching children through games, songs and physical activities, as these are fun and effective ways to help children learn. I want the children to be happy and excited to come and see us every morning!
In my spare time, I love dancing, swimming, painting and playing musical instruments. I also love outdoor activities and exploration.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
-5 Years’ Experience in Teaching
-Level 3 in Childcare
-Masters’ Degree in Translation Studies
-Bachelor’s Degree in English and Japanese Studies
– Paeditric First Aid trained
Languages:
-Italian (Native)
-English (Fluent)
-Spanish (Intermediate)
-French (Intermediate)
– Japanese (Basic)
Kayleigh Barrett
Deputy Room Leader (Maternity Leave)
Hi I’m Kayleigh! I am the second eldest in a big family (I have 4 brothers and 3 sisters), so I have been teaching and playing with children all my life! I’m a very happy and caring person and I look forward to sharing this with the children every day.
I like to challenge myself in work and at home, like participating in a run for life for breast cancer. I also love to socialise and be with my friends and stay active by going to the gym.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
- CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator
- 3 Years’ Experience in Childcare
- Experience in Customer Service
- Paediatric First Aid Trained
Languages:
- French (Beginner)
- English (Native)
Irene De La Osa Sanchez
Nursery Practitioner
Hi, I’m Irene and I am from Spain.
I wanted to come to London to improve my English and to have an opportunity to live and work abroad. My most recent role was in a UK nursery where I worked across all age groups and I’m excited to work in the Monkey Puzzle team to broaden my experiences and opportunities.
I like to practice yoga and I used to dance. I actually would love to start dancing again. I also enjoy listening to music and watching TV series. I love to spend time with friends, going for walks, having dinner together or going to the cinema.
I love working with children because it is an active, fun and rewarding job where every day is different. I would like to support the journey of children that will be our future one day. I also enjoy planning and developing activities, especially when they involve arts and crafts.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– Preschool Teacher Degree
– 5 years experience in Early Years
– Qualified Spanish tutor
– Experience as an activity leader in Spain
Languages:
-Spanish (Native)
-English (Advanced)
-Catalan (Basic)
Ana Morales Canovas
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Ana, I am from Spain where I lived in a lovely town called Murcia. After finishing my Masters degree in Education I decided to come to London to progress my career in the Early Years.
Over the past 12 years I have been lucky enough to gain experiences in childcare settings in both Spain and England.
I love working with children, it is such a rewarding job because of the huge impact you can have in a child’s life. I find it so incredible learning and exploring together. It is especially amazing to see a child learn something new for the first time. The passion, happiness and excitement that occurs when they experience something new is so special to be a part of! I’m so excited to support children in achieving their full potential and develop their interest further.
In my spare time I enjoy sports, especially running, I try to run three times a week. I also enjoy cooking at the weekends from scratch!
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– Qualified Teacher Status
– Masters Degree in teacher training
-Bachelors Degree in Pedagogy
– First Aid trained
– Trained in SEN and understanding Autism
Languages:
-English (Intermediate)
-Spanish (native)
Luana Lamberti
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Luana, from Italy. I spent most of my life living in a small town in the south of Italy, before going to Milan to study. I After returning to my hometown, I decided I needed to move elsewhere to grow. After falling in love with London I knew that would be the best place for me.
I have always preferred working with children, because it draws on your creativity and resourcefulness. I always worked with children and I think that the best way to help them learn, is to stay with them in an empathetic relationship, as well as playing and trying new things with them. This is what I’m looking forward to doing at work.
In my spare time I mostly enjoy Reading and listening to music. I love walking and getting lost so I can find my way back home.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
-Trained Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist
-Experience in a range of childcare roles
-Experience Tutoring Disadvantaged Children
-Paediatric First Aid Trained
Languages:
-Italian (native)
-English (fluent)
Zara Queralt Martinez
Nursery Practitioner
Hi, I’m Zara and I come from Valencia, Spain. I studied my degree in Early Years Education and had lots of experience in Spain and abroad as well, discovering Early Years in places like Brussels, Ireland and the UK thanks to the Erasmus Program. I’m also a qualified Primary School Teacher, but my heart lies with younger children.
Once I finished my studies, I started working as a teacher in Spain and realised that I wanted to know more about the UK education system. So, I recently moved to London in pursuing my career. In my spare time, I like doing sports like Yoga, Roller Skating, Volleyball and walking in nature, with music being the soundtrack of all these activities.
I love teaching children and to be a positive role model for them. I love to embed values like tolerance, respect and empathy during the play. I am very passionate, and I believe that giving the children the freedom of expressing their feelings will help manage them. My main goal is to take care of the children, especially their emotions and feelings to support them in growing and developing.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- 6 Years Early Years’ experience in nurseries and Primary schools in the UK, Ireland, Brussels and Spain
- Qualified Early Years Teacher
- Qualified Primary School Teacher
Languages:
- Spanish (Native)
- Catalan (Advanced)
- English (Fluent)
Solene Montoisy
Nursery Assistant 
Hi I’m Solene! I am from Belgium and I have been in London for 3 years, I was supposed to be here for just 3 months, but I love the city so I’ve decided to stay!
I have been working in hospitality since I was 18, and now I want to change to childcare. Children are my passion and I love seeing them grow and learn with amazing activities.
I am a very musical person; by this I mean that music is my life! I am all the time listening to music but my most favorite hobby is playing the ukulele!
I also like photography and in my spare time I try to travel and take photos of everything!
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– Currently studying Level 3 in Childcare
-Passionate about children
-Child protection trained
Languages:
– French (Native)
– English (Fluent)
Valentina Heredia
Nursery Assistant
Hi I’m Valentina and I’m from Colombia. I moved to England when I was three years old and have grown up here. I have had lots of experience as a Nanny, in nurseries and support working for elderly people. I have loved gaining a wide range of experiences having the opportunity to care for others. All of my jobs have given me the chance to experience new things and challenge myself in different ways. I enjoy working with children because they remind me of how amazing the world is. They bring joy and brightness to my day as they are our future! I can’t wait to continue supporting children in their development at Monkey Puzzle Highbury. I’m looking forward to encouraging, supporting and motivating them in all aspects of learning and development. It is so special being a part of children’s learning and development and watching them grow and flourish in our care.
In my spare time I like to keep fit and active by working out. I enjoy cardio dance activities and challenge myself with lifting weights. I also enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, my favourite is my healthy pancake recipe!
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– Paediatric First Aid trained
– Food & Hygiene certificate
– Experience as babysitter
– Experience working in nurseries and as a teaching assistant
– Level 3 in Specialist support for teaching and learning in schools
– Level 3 health and social care
Languages:
– English (Native)
– Spanish (Native)
– Portuguese (Intermediate)
Andrea Cardenas Guerrero
Inventors Room Leader
Hi, I’m Andrea from Spain! I grew up in a town called Granada (not to be confused with Grenada) and I came here to find new challenges and experiences in the profession that is my passion.
I’ve dedicated a good deal of my life and time to learning with children, because as they learn and develop, I learn how best they do that. My experience in childcare ranges from au pairing, to reception teaching and of course Nursery nursing!
My favourite thing is to watch children play in the garden and story time, but I also enjoy playing the ukulele, the guitar and the flute!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
-UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
-Degree in Educational Sciences, specialising in Elementary Education awarded by the University of Almeria, Spain. (2006/2009)
– Paediatric First Aid trained
-9 years Nursery Experience, 10 years childcare experience total.
-Multitalented Musician
Languages:
- Spanish (Native)
- English (Advanced)
- French (Basic)
Marta Ballesta Gonzalez
Deputy Room Leader
Hi I’m Marta and I’m excited to join the Monkey Puzzle Highbury team. I moved here in 2017 after working in Spain and Italy in Summer schools. I enjoyed teaching children as they continued to learn during the Summer months through dynamic activities and helping children develop curiosity and knowledge through exciting and engaging activities.
I qualified as a teacher in Spain and then continued to complete my Masters in Emotional, Social and Creativity Education as I have such a big interest in children’s behavior and supporting children understand their feelings. I have been trained to an Advanced Level in sign language, which I plan to implement into the nursery environment.
I’m looking forward to meeting you all and bringing my expertise to the Toddler Room.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– 8 years’ experience in Childcare
-Masters in Emotional, Social and Creativity Education (Personal, Social & Emotional Development)
-QTS, Degree in Early Childhood Education
-Advanced Level in Sign Language
Languages:
– Spanish (Fluent)
– English (Intermediate)
– Italian (Intermediate)
– Sign Language (Advanced)
Samuel Garcia Caceres
Nursery Practitioner
I have lived in Toledo, Spain until last year. There I was studying whilst working- always with children in education.
I was a private English Teacher and conducting my research for my Early Years Teaching Degree.
I wanted to live in England as a challenge for me to improve English, learn about the British Education system and also challenge my research to working with different nationalities.
In my spare time I like taking my camera and visiting somewhere new. I love photography and I always try to combine it with travelling, my favourite hobby.
I like to help children learn with creative activities where they do not know they are combining a lot of strategies to learn a lot of areas of learning. I like helping them to be independent and challenge them to solve their own problems whilst they are learning.
My final research project for University was to understand the impact of teaching English speaking and grammar from Early Years and measuring this in their first few years in school. I am really interested on the production of the language, so I will focus my researches on it as I continue to practice my knowledge and research working in a British Nursery.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
– Qualified Teacher Status
– 6 years experience in Early Years
– Experience of being an English Teacher in Spain for 4 years
Languages:
– Spanish (Native)
– English (Intermediate)
Daniela Di Zenzo
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Daniela. I have lived most of my life in Italy, nearby Salerno. There, I had an internship in a rehabilitation center with people with developmental delays and Down Syndrome. Since I was a child I dreamt to move to London for different reasons, especially after reading “The little Dorrit” by Dickens. My favourite hobby is make-up. I also love walking, (it helps me think), reading and writing. I love the children, because with their spontaneous and innocent way to see the life, they always make me feel better, and turn a grey day into a colourful one.
I like teaching them through activities that can help them not only building their capability, but also their good behaviour.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
-3 Years of Experience in Child care as nanny
-Master Degree in Professional Education (University of Salerno)
-Level 3 Childcare
-Special needs experience
Languages:
-English (fluent)
-Italian (native)
-Arabic (basic)
Irena Jukic
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Irena. I am from a small town in Croatia and I decided to moved to London because it is such an exciting city! Whilst studying for my Masters degree I realised that becoming an educator and working with children was my true calling. Therefore, after my studies I spent a few years working as a teacher and I am now so excited to continue my journey as part of the Monkey Puzzle family. I love being a part of a child’s education and development because I get a sense of accomplishment when I see them developing and growing with my support. I never stop learning and I always try to develop my skills further so I can encourage children to reach their full potential. I’m looking forward to working with the team to support the Monkey Puzzle Highbury children to flourish and grow.
I love to travel and discover new places and learn about their culture. I think travelling is a great way to build your character and understanding about others. I also enjoy reading in my spare time. One of my favourite way to stay active is through riding my bike and walking and exploring new parts of London.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
-QTS
-Masters degree in Education of History and Master of education of Croatian Language and Literature
-Bachelor Degree in History and Bachelor of Croatian Language and Literature
-Experience as a teacher
Languages:
-English (fluent)
-Croatian (native)
Olivia Barry
Nursery Assistant
Hi I’m Olivia from London! I’m a truly Londoner, I have spent all my life in England and I’m excited to continue my experience with my new adventure in Childcare with Monkey Puzzle Highbury!
I love holidays and going away, I have been so lucky to be able to go to amazing places, such as, Turkey, Cyprus and Tenerife.
I love riding my bike with my friends while enjoying the fresh air. Another hobby that I love is drawing, I am very creative, and you will be able to see it in the room.
I love working with children, it makes me feel very happy seeing them grow and learn with funny and interesting activities.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– NVQ Level 2 in Childcare
– Currently studying Level 3 Childcare with Hawk Training
– Creative and passionate about learning and an individual approach to supporting each child
– Pediatric First Aid Trained
Languages:
-English Native
Plange Nii Kweti
Nursery Chef
My name is Plange and I am the Nursery Chef. I am from Kumasi in Ghana and moved to England around 15 years ago. I can speak my native language of Twi, but can also speak French and English.
I have been cooking professionally for 13 years and have worked in a range of kitchens, from Nursing Care Homes to Children’s Nurseries. I really enjoy making fresh meals and snacks for the children and giving them the energy they need to thrive in the Nursery. I actively support our Eating Healthy theme by teaching the children about different foods, providing fun cooking activities at our children’s cooking counter to support their learning. My signature dish is an African dish of Spicy Roasted Chicken with Joloff Rice.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– NVQ Level 2 Hospitality and Professional Cookery
– NVQ Level 2 Food Safety
– 13 Years Experience as Professional Chef
– 6 Years Experience in Childcare Settings
– Certificate Early Years Nutrition Programme
Languages:
– English (fluent)
– Twi (native)
– French (intermediate)
Ramla Ali
Kitchen Assistant
Hi my name is Ramla! I came to London because I love this huge city, for all it’s wonderful historical places and diverse cuisine! All of the different cultures and foods is a great source of inspiration for quality home cooking.
In my spare time, I enjoy being creative, with cooking and baking, and also making henna artwork for my friends and family.
I find working in a nursery kitchen quite interesting and enjoyable. Aside from all the things I’d normally be doing in a kitchen, I enjoy getting visits from the children at the kitchen counter. Teaching them about healthy foods and seeing how they can be taught to enjoy eating healthily is a wonderfully positive experience!
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
-Level 2 in food hygiene.
-Experience working for a professional cleaning service.
– Certificate Early Years Nutrition Programme
-Over 13 years of experience cooking for a hungry family!
Languages:
-Somalian (native)
-English (fluent)
Joining our Team?
We are currently inviting applications for qualified staff to join our team.
In keeping with our overall offering, we are looking for the very best candidates to join us. Are you creative and enthusiastic, with a genuine passion for enhancing children’s learning? Our salaries & benefits will reflect our aspirations.
In addition, team members will enjoy professional training support and personal development, to enable them to provide the best possible care for our children.
Please contact Anthony Kent on 0207 354 7390.
anthony@monkeypuzzlehighbury.co.uk
