Meet the team
A nurturing space where children aged 2.5–5 years old flourish through independence, curiosity, and meaningful relationships.
Melanie Simpson
Proprietor & Deputy Safeguarding LeadOriginally a shepherd, Mel discovered Montessori when her daughter attended The Village Montessori over 30 years ago. Finding that she aligned with Montessori principles so strongly, she trained as a Montessorian and took over the nursery in January 2000. She took on sole proprietorship in 2003 and still works as a full-time teacher alongside her team.
She is committed to the educational philosophy of the Montessori method and to following the natural development of the child. Mel strives to create a loving, secure environment where all children can flourish. She is a passionate conservationist; her hobbies include hill walking, foreign films and adventuresome dining.
Nanami
Deputy & Designated Safeguarding LeadNanami has worked as a Montessori guide for nearly a decade, beginning her training within a special educational needs school before discovering the Montessori philosophy. She joined the team as Deputy in 2022. She is drawn to the inclusive nature of the Montessori philosophy — seeing the world through a child's eyes and preparing an environment to nurture their natural curiosity and confidence.
She loves the creative freedom of the environment: from challenging obstacle courses and harvesting and roasting vegetables, to sewing projects. Nanami completed her Montessori Diploma and Early Childhood Studies (BA) at Montessori Centre International and London Metropolitan University, and has recently returned to her studies with a postgraduate Early Years Senior Leader Apprenticeship. Fun facts: food is a major part of her life; she enjoys trying new skills (pottery throwing, sewing clothes, tai-chi) and travelling — mainly to eat!
Becky
Montessori Guide & Inclusion Lead (SENCo)Becky has worked with children for over two decades. After gaining a BA Honours in Education at the University of York she completed a PGCE in Primary Education at the University of Manchester, then taught in various schools in Northwest England before becoming a Deputy Head in London.
Though her career in mainstream state education may have ended with the birth of her daughter, her passion for child development did not. After visiting the Village Montessori at an open day in 2021, attending the Toddler Group for a year, and spending two years dropping her daughter there — and not wanting to leave — her fate was sealed. She retrained as a Montessori Guide, began her new career here in September 2025, and has taken on the role of Inclusion Lead (SENCo). Becky enjoys nothing more than lying on a patch of grass reading an escapist novel, surrounded by the noise of her family playing. One day she'll finish that book!
Liz
Montessori Guide & Sustainability LeadAfter graduating with a Geography degree from Exeter University, Liz moved to London to work for a youth development charity — where she discovered that working with children was really where her heart was. She trained as a Primary School teacher and worked in the local state sector before going on to complete a Masters in Education and her Forest School qualification.
When her own children were small, she revisited the Montessori philosophy and started following it at home before sending her first child to the Village Montessori. Liz loves learning and has added a Montessori qualification to her PGCE and MA. Outside of motherhood and Montessori life she can be found sewing, walking, gardening or cooking — she particularly loves nature and sharing this passion with those around her, which led naturally to her role as our Sustainability Lead.
Emma
Dance & MovementEmma is a dancer and choreographer with a strong foundation in both performance and teaching. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Contemporary Dance from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in 2021 and has since been dedicated to sharing her love of dance with others.
Emma's teaching experience spans from early childhood education to dance for older adults and public engagement projects. She has performed in numerous productions including East Wall (2019) with the Hofesh Shechter Company, Die Zauberflote (2021) and Nabucco (2022) at The Royal Opera House, and productions at the Bregenzer Festspiele (2022–23).
Barbara
Emotional SupportOur guinea pig is a much-loved member of our team. Handling a small animal is immensely calming and joyful. The children help make sure she is fed and has plenty of fresh water each day, keep her bedding and cage clean, and look after her over weekends and school holidays — which all members of the family usually enjoy!