OUR EDUCATORS
With a diversity of cultures and experiences and a range of Montessori and Early Childhood qualifications, our Educators gently guide children to discover their unique strengths at their individual pace. Inspired by Maria Montessori, our dedicated Educators are genuinely passionate about making a wonderful difference in the lives of children during their precious early years.
Leigh Ketter
Director
My name is Leigh Ketter, I am a qualified Director with an Advanced Diploma of Children’s Services, and it is a pleasure to offer 25 years of directorship experience and skills to the Hope Island Montessori Community.
I am innately aligned to providing quality care and education for children, underpinned by my commitment to life-long learning based on my belief that all children are to be treated as individuals and should be able to learn and grow without bias or discrimination. I feel privileged to work with the successful team at Hope Island Montessori, who share the same beliefs and commitment to delivering an exceptional early learning journey for our children.
I look forward to extending my support to the families and educators of the Children's House, ensuring a sincere and caring environment genuinely based on the Montessori principles.
Lucy Nelmes
Early Childhood Teacher
I am thrilled to be a part of the Children's House as an Early Childhood Teacher. I hold my Bachelor of Education (Primary) and a Diploma of Children's Services. My teaching philosophy centres around building positive relationships with both children and their families and supporting the children in a positive, loving and nurturing environment. As an Early Childhood Teacher, I believe it is my responsibility to provide a solid foundation for the children in my care to foster a love for learning and support them in becoming curious, kind and confident individuals. I acknowledge that each child is a unique individual, and they should be viewed, treated and respected as such.
I believe my experience in a variety of educational settings has equipped me with the knowledge to provide a rich and engaging program that aligns with the values of Montessori in order to prepare children for a seamless transition into school and life.
Ronali Weeratne
Lead Educator - Nido
My name is Ronali, and I was born and raised in Sri Lanka. I was raised as a Montessori child from age two and began my professional Montessori journey in 1996.
In 1999 my husband and I migrated to Australia. I was fortunate to be a part of the first batch of the 0–3 Association Montessori Internationale Teacher Training conducted in the Southern Hemisphere. I was also fortunate to be the pioneer in setting up the infant community at the Isle of Capri Montessori, the first infant community on the Gold Coast. In 2002 I completed my 3-6 Association Montessori Internationale Course, and I began work at Harmony Montessori School in Caboolture whilst setting up and directing a 3–6 environment and running the first infant community for the school. After establishing a home Montessori School in Morayfield, I created the Oceania Montessori Community School. AMTEF recognised this environment as an Observation Centre for its teacher training.
I have participated in numerous Montessori and early childhood workshops and training courses throughout the years to keep myself updated locally and internationally. I am excited to share the knowledge and experience I have accumulated over the years and to make the early years journey of your children blossom into something that will impact their lives in the most positive way through the philosophy of Dr Maria Montessori.
Sheye Rosemeyer
Children's House Founder
As a Mother to six wonderful children who have thrived through Montessori, I have a genuine passion and commitment towards offering other families the same valuable opportunity.
Every day, I strive to create an exceptional experience for our beautiful children in their most precious early years. I truly believe there is nothing more important than helping lay the foundations for children to grow into capable, confident and kind people. I am privileged to be supported by a wonderful team of Educators who share my vision to offer the very best in quality Montessori early learning and loving care within a truly beautiful environment.
I greatly enjoy working closely with our Educators and families to witness the direct benefits of Montessori education in our children and to help maintain the high standards I would expect as a parent myself, first and foremost.
Our Educators regularly attend in house and off site Montessori and Early Childhood professional development. You can find a full overview of our staffing arrangements for each room here.