Our Team
Meet the team behind Frinton Montessori
Bonita Ellis
Business Manager
Safeguarding Deputy
Health and Safety Lead including Food Hygiene
Qualifications
BA Business Studies
Qualified Teacher Status
MCI Integrating Montessori Practice
Level 3 Safeguarding
Paediatric First Aid
About me
Bonita’s experience of Montessori education began when her youngest two children flourished at a Montessori nursery and an interest in the Montessori method was rekindled
after qualifying as a teacher. Bonita completed the MCI professional development course, which is a recognised qualification for the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board (MEAB). Bonita is an enthusiastic advocate of our ‘Knowledge and Understanding of the World’ curriculum and is always the first to suggest activities for engaging children in the natural world as well as the global human world around them – including establishing an exciting cultural exchange with a Montessori in Peru. Bonita also brings sound business practice to Frinton Montessori; having owned and run her own businesses prior to qualifying as a teacher.
Lucie Picardo
Nursery Manager
Montessori Teacher
Safeguarding Lead
Special Educational Needs Coordinator
Teaching and Learning Lead
Equality Named Coordinator
Qualifications
MA Educational Leadership
BA Philosophy and Theology (Hons)
Post-Graduate Certificate in Education and Qualified Teacher Status
MCI Integrating Montessori Practice
Paediatric First Aid
About me
Lucie is an experienced, outstanding teacher and has experience as a leader and a mentor;
supporting new teachers and developing teaching methods at a leadership level. She qualified through the Teach First programme and holds a first class BA (hons) as well as a Masters degree in Educational Leadership. Lucie is passionate about child-centred learning and is constantly striving to develop a learning environment, through research, reflection and collaboration, which empowers and celebrates every child as an individual. With a background in English and literacy, promoting a love of books and an ease of self-expression has always been a personal love for Lucie however she is incredibly proud of the wide-ranging curriculum we offer (as well as always willing to learn from children; whether about space, the animal kingdom or even geography!)
Charlotte Ellis
Montessori Practitioner
Social Media and Marketing Lead
Qualifications
NCFE CACHE Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Level 3
Paediatric First Aid
About me
Charlotte is our only Montessori-educated member of staff and can still remember much of the equipment and activities from her only Early Years education. Having pursued a successful career in digital marketing, Charlotte left in order to train and join the Montessori in March 2018. Charlotte is a passionate advocate in equal opportunities and enjoys incorporating this into the daily Montessori teachings.
Tracey Baker
Montessori Assistant
Qualifications
Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning
About me
Tracey has a wealth of experience in supporting children’s learning through one-to-one and group learning as well as holding senior safeguarding responsibilities in previous roles. She enjoys jogging, walking the dog and dancing to stay fit and healthy and loves reading and spending time with her grandchildren. Tracey loves having adventures and learning something new – all part of a day at Frinton Montessori!
Michelle Morgan
Montessori Practitioner
Yoga and dance lead
Qualifications
Paediatric First Aid
BA Hons Dance
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Apprentice
About me
Michelle has been teaching dance lessons to the children in the Montessori since 2018, and has been such a valued member of the team that she has now joined us full time as a Montessori assistant and is training in her Level 3 Early Years Diploma. Michelle is also trained in Yoga, and helps the children with their wellbeing through active yoga sessions.
Grant Picardo
Montessori Practitioner
Qualifications
BA Classical Civilisation
Post-Graduate Certificate in Education and Qualified Teacher Status
Paediatric First Aid
About me
Grant is a primary school teacher who joined our Montessori team at the start of 2021, bringing with him ten years of primary experience and passion to the team. He has a love for history and also knows lots of fascinating facts about space. Grant loves working on his allotment when he has free time and has enjoyed leading our gardening team this spring and has lots more green-fingered plans for the summer term.