Shauna Cummins
Teacher
Shauna, a native of Kilmacow, first joined the Kilmacow Montessori School family as an After- School student during her primary school education and thrived within the environment. She thus went on to study Early Education and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education. During her studies Shauna completed her work experience and training at our school and it was an honour to offer her a teaching position in September 2019. An accomplished athlete, with a flair for the creative arts, Shauna brings with her a youthful exuberance which will be
an invaluable asset to the education of children. In her spare time, Shauna enjoys socialising, walking, music and watching Netflix.
“I have always known that I wanted to work with children in some capacity, however, it was through my various work experiences at Kilmacow Montessori School from transition year onwards that I quickly realised this was the career path for me. My first work placement at Kilmacow Montessori School was for only one week, a short time, but it had a long-term lasting impact on my chosen path. I am continuously amazed by Kilmacow Montessori School, the staff, the impact it has on children’s lives, and the love everyone in the community has for it. I’m so happy to be working as part of a school that plays such an important role in my life and so grateful to work with such wonderful people and children, who make my job feel like the easiest thing in the world”.
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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.
“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.”
“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.
“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.”
“I am so looking forward to getting to know all the families and getting involved in the local community of Kilmacow. I believe that parents, and teachers working together is paramount in child development. I love having the opportunity to help children in my care to achieve their very best. Being able to interact with children on their level is thrilling and makes every day an adventure”.
Nicola Coughlan
Teacher
Originally from County Wexford, and now residing in Co Kilkenny. Nicola has been part of our teaching team since May 2023 and Holds a Diploma in Early Education and brings with her, 17 years of experience in Early Education.
A culturally curious person, Nicola has honed her teaching talents all over the world, from Australia to New Zealand and many other places. She is skilled in Arts and Crafts and is no stranger to the stage, having performed with many musical societies both here and abroad.
Her interest in Culture, The Arts, and her passion for exploring the unknown, make her a perfect fit for Kilmacow Montessori School
In her spare time, Nicola enjoys listening to music, walking, and travelling around Ireland with her family.
Janet Scully
Montessori Teacher
Janet, a Kilmacow native, is an exciting addition to the teaching team at Kilmacow Montessori School.
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She holds a Montessori Teaching Diploma and a Level 6 certificate in Early Education. She also comes to us with 15 years’ experience.
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Janet is passionate about Montessori Education and strives to create a supportive and enriching learning environment for all children. She is creative, enthusiastic, with a scientific mind which will be a wonderful asset to our school.
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A philanthropist in her spare time, Janet donates much of her time, experience, and talent to the welfare of others. She also enjoys Music, Sport, and Socialising.
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“I love teaching young children. It is so rewarding watching them grow throughout the year and I always feel so proud of their accomplishments. I love being around young minds, who are always eager to learn and know more. As adults it is my belief that we should be learners for a lifetime. A good teacher cannot continue to inspire learning without also being a learner”.