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“My favourite part of my job is seeing the smiling faces of our students every day as they come happily into school. I am immensely proud of the work we do at Kilmacow Montessori School and it is a privilege to be able to nurture these young minds in the earliest years of their education.”

Helen Murphy-Walsh

Montessori Teacher/Founder

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Helen, a native of Kilmacow, founded Kilmacow Montessori School in 2005. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Applied Early Childhood Education and Care, a Montessori Diploma in Education, and a Certificate in Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years from Mary Immaculate College. Her other qualifications include Train the Trainer and a Certificate in General Insurance (Insurance Institute of Ireland). As a teacher, Helen has a passion for delivering a top-class Montessori education within a friendly and child-centred classroom experience. It is only in this trusting environment that a child’s personality can flourish. 

 

Performing from an early age, Helen is no stranger to the spotlight and has appeared in numerous theatre productions throughout Ireland. She now prefers to use her expertise behind the curtain as a part-time choreographer and producer.
 

In her spare time Helen enjoys travelling, cycling, and the culinary arts. She is an avid reader and a connoisseur of musical theatre.

Leeann Murphy

Montessori Teacher/Manager

A native of Kilmacow, Leeann is the leading teacher at Kilmacow Montessori School since its opening in January 2005. She holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Early Education and a Montessori Diploma in Education. Her other qualifications include a Diploma in Song Therapy and a Certificate in Business. As a teacher, Leeann believes that the child will reveal themselves through their work, and an enormous trust is placed in the developmental abilities of each child. It takes a tremendous amount of faith to “follow the child” Her focus is on the children learning, not the teacher teaching.


At an Early age Leeann developed a passion for the Performing Arts. A semi-professional singer, multi-instrumentalist, and entertainer, she has travelled the world with various entertainment productions. Leeann Founded the “Murphy Traditional Dance School” in 2005, teaching dance to children, teens, and adults. She regularly conducts dance workshops throughout Ireland and abroad. When she is not in teaching mode, Leeann enjoys Traditional Irish Music, History, Sport, Reading, Quizzes and the Great Outdoors.

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“I’ve always been a natural with children, so a career in education was the way forward for me, during my teenage years I would tell anyone who would listen, how vital I believed the role of the educator was to the world. Literally sculpting the great minds of tomorrow. I could not and still cannot envision a career more valuable. These children help me to grow every day, not just as an educator but as a human being.

 

My journey continues to astonish me, every day is a new adventure. Our stories are all unique, but we all share one common thread. Maria Montessori. Her passion for children around the world and her quest for the respect of each and every person has led us to follow in her footsteps.”

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“I love seeing the smiles and love a child can give. As an early year’s educator, I want the best for each child I meet. I feel honoured to support and encourage each child’s interests and development daily. Children will build bonds in Kilmacow Montessori school that will last for a lifetime. Being a parent my myself I aim to show equality, support, and encourage each child to be happy. This is what I wish for each child in my care. That they feel safe and excited as they take their first steps in their education”.

Rachel Fitzgerald
Teacher

Rachel has been part of the teaching team at Kilmacow Montessori School since Sept 2022.A native of County Kilkenny, she currently holds a BA (hons) Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care. She has many years’ experience working in Childcare Settings throughout Waterford and Kilkenny. Rachel delivers a programme which is child centred, fun, and diverse with a distinct focus on the emotional development of the child.

Her talents and abilities in the Creative Arts, her personality, professionalism, and her deep understanding of Children ensures that each child will have a holistic experience during their first year at Kilmacow Montessori School.

In her spare time, Rachels Enjoys Farming, Walking, Listening to Music and she adores Dogs.

Marian Doyle

Teacher

Originally from County Cork, Marian began teaching at Kilmacow Montessori School in 2019 and holds a LEVEL 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Education and Supervision in Childcare. Her other qualifications include a Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills, Social Studies, and a Special Needs Assistant Qualification. Marian has 14 years’ experience. Room Leader in a Playschool, a Community Creche with infants and After-School, and in a Primary School as a Classroom Assistant, she has also worked in Residential Care for adults with Autism.


Marian brings with her a diverse background and experience in Social Care and Early Years Education which is an important asset to Kilmacow Montessori School. In her spare time, Marians interests include reading, spinning (on the gym bikes, not in the car!), and meeting new people.

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“I am really enjoying my time here in Kilmacow Montessori and working alongside its amazing staff. As a childcare educator and a parent, I believe that there are lots of memories to be made on our Montessori journey.

 

I love meeting the new families coming to our school each year and as someone who is still relatively new to the Kilmacow area, I am delighted to help new parents/guardians to integrate into the community.”

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“I always knew I wanted to work with children, and when I attended Kilmacow Montessori School for my work experience both at school and college level, I was mesmerized at the Montessori Curriculum and how the children responded to it. It is in these formative years, that the foundations for the future are laid and I am honoured to be a part of this journey"

Niamh Thornton 
Teacher

Niamh began teaching at Kilmacow Montessori School in September 2022. She currently holds a LEVEL 6 Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care, and a LEVEL 6 Advanced Certificate in Inclusive Education and Training. Previously, Niamh has held part time positions in Pre-School and After-School settings.

Niamh developed a keen interest in the Performing Arts at an early age and is an accomplished Sean Nos dancer. She has danced all over Ireland and abroad and has many accolades and titles to her name. She has also been Assistant Dance Coach at the Murphy Traditional Dance School for many years, where she has been teaching and mentoring children of all ages.
 
Niamh’s teaching approach follows Maria Montessori’s philosophy that children “learn by doing”. Her passion and dedication for her work, and her willingness to go above and beyond in all aspects and her love for children will be a wonderful asset to Kilmacow Montessori School
 
In her spare time, Niamh enjoys listening to Irish Traditional Music, Sean Nos Dancing, Jiving, Farming and the great outdoors. She also spends a lot of time helping out with local charity events.

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