Meet our guides - Meraki montessori

Paul Scanlan

Head of School and Montessori Guide

Introducing our Principal, Paul Scanlan, a dedicated education professional with a rich academic background. Holding a Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching with a specialization in Montessori, Paul is well-equipped to lead our school with a profound understanding of foundational educational principles.

Furthermore, Paul possesses a Masters Degree in Montessori, demonstrating an advanced level of expertise in the Montessori philosophy and methodology. With an additional credential of the AMI diploma for ages 3–6, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to our learning environment.

Committed to providing an exceptional Montessori education, Paul combines theoretical mastery with hands-on teaching skills to ensure a nurturing and stimulating educational journey for every child in our care. We are proud to have Paul at the helm, steering our school towards educational excellence.

Ashleigh Millar

Montessori Guide

As a child I was able to experience several culture rich countries as my family traveled the world. My father's job in management of a metal recycling company allowed our family to live in multiple different countries. I was able to come to learn about different peoples and their way of life. My love for people and their beautiful differences grew from this.

My family settled back in New Zealand where I finished my schooling. My Montessori passion was first sparked during my Primary Teaching Degree specialising in Montessori Education, which I completed in 2017. Since then it blossomed as I observed different Montessori schools in Auckland and worked with the inspiring teachers and associates here at Meraki.

In 2018 to 2019 I travelled to Bergamo, Italy to complete my AMI 6-12 diploma with the support of the Meraki team. This training has given me an amazing range of tools I need to cater to the different interests and capabilities of the children I work with. As I continue to grow and learn I look forward to guiding children to reach their own development potentialities.

The children bring me happiness each day as they help me to explore the world through their eyes. Every day they teach me something new and unexpected in their own wonderful ways. In guiding children using the Montessori approach I hope to encourage children to become confident, happy and prepared for what they will face in the future. Outside of teaching I love arts and crafts, field hockey, cooking and baking, spending time at our beautiful beaches, being with friends and family and reading.

Abbie Meredith

Montessori Guide

My name is Abbie Meredith and I am a Montessori guide at Meraki Montessori school in Auckland. After completing my Bachelor of Education specialising in Montessori I came to Meraki to begin my work with the children. After working for one year I was then able to go and obtain my AMI Advanced Montessori 6-12 Diploma in Bergamo, Italy.

My time studying and travelling Europe with my partner allowed me to grow personally and professionally and gained new life experiences, different cultures and I am thrilled to be able to share these memories with the Montessori community here at Meraki. I am originally from Tauranga where my family lives but now live in Auckland with my partner.

I love learning about the human body as well in relation to health and sport with Volleyball being a huge interest and passion of mine in the past. Most of all I take an interest in children and understanding how they develop and grow into peaceful and happy people of today's society. The specific theory and philosophy that Montessori offers resonates with me and I enjoy the scientific foundation of it. Following the child and understanding how they develop spiritually, psychologically and physically is an important part of this role and I look forward to all the opportunities I can take to learn as much as I can to help these children.

Caz Seagar

Montessori Guide

Greetings, I'm Caz, one of the teachers in Taurangi. I hold a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and 12 years of invaluable teaching experience. My journey at Meraki has spanned two enriching years so far.

I'm a proud parent to two amazing kids, Daniel and Mackenzie, who are both attending Meraki. We live in Torbay and our family thrives on the coastal lifestyle, bonding over activities like camping, surfing, and boogie boarding.

Beyond family and work, you'll often find me hitting the pavement for a run, getting lost in a good book, or diving into new areas of knowledge. Life is a delightful mix of teaching, parenting, and personal pursuits, making each day uniquely fulfilling.

I am currently taking part in a Montessori certificate programme and look forward to extending my knowledge of Montessori.

PP Photo coming soon

Prema Perumal

Montessori Guide

Kia ora. I'm Prema. I have lived on three different continents (Asia, Europe and North America), and am delighted to land on this fourth continent, in Aotearoa, with my family!

After a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and working as a software engineer for almost a decade, I wanted to find another way to contribute meaningfully to my community. I completed a Master's degree in Conflict and Dispute Resolution in Oregon with a focus on Restorative Practices in schools. As I started a family with my husband, David (who was in Montessori schools until the age of 15!), I began exploring Dr. Maria Montessori's life work of peace education.

Inspired by my son's first Montessori primary school experience and his guide, I took the AMI 6-12 training course in Bergamo, Italy. I have since served as a Montessori guide in a diversity of settings, both rural and urban, public and private schools, and in mixed age classrooms of ages 6-9 and 6-12. I am passionate about helping children find wonder, meaning and purpose in the universe through the cosmic education designed by Maria Montessori. I look forward to sharing this passion through the unique, supportive and authentic environment at Meraki Montessori.

When I find time between teaching and parenting my three kids, I love conversing about new ideas over tea, and learning new hand crafts.

Our guides bring the values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and ako to life through respectful relationships, thoughtful guidance and a deep belief in every child's potential.