Sylwia Zywotko
Founder and Managing Director SENCo and DSL
Sylwia is a flexi schooling mum of two, who enjoys traveling to experience different cultures and new places. She loves cycling and reading.
Sylwia’s professional background is in Early Years and Montessori education. She has a bachelor’s degree in Early Years and Social Work and a master’s degree in Pedagogy. She first fell in love with Montessori education when studying in The Netherlands. She went on to study at Montessori Centre International in London in 2008. In 2012 she studied to become a Montessori trainer and went on to become a deputy for Montessori Movement in the UK Northwest Region. Sylwia has worked in education for over two decades!
The Montessori philosophy is Sylwia’s passion and inspiration through which she observes and understands child development. She values the Montessori method for the way it gently supports the holistic development of individuals. Her passion is so strong, that she wishes to inspire and support other families to explore Montessori education together.
Nathalie Wickramasinghe
Montessori Curriculum Leader Deputy Manager and Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
“Hello, my name is Nathalie. I have worked in the childcare sector for 28 years, starting my carrier as a nursery practitioner, Prep Classroom Supervisor and later took the role of Nursery Manager. I have been fortunate to have lived and worked abroad in countries such as the Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Dubai.
I am very passionate about teaching and look forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences with you, and the children of Manchester Montessori House, maintaining a high quality inspirational learning environment.
I believe that the early years of a child’s life are most formative. The Montessori environment supports every aspect of a child’s development, providing the best start in early education and learning”.
Lucy Hussey
Early Years Leader/ Expert, First Aid Officer, Fire Marshall
“Hello I’m Lucy.
Iv worked in Childcare for over 22 years and hold a Level 3 in Early Years Care And Education. Iv also undertaken lots of other relevant childcare courses, such as safeguarding and first aid. I am keen on promoting child health, wellness and nutrition. Setting our small people up for a life time of health and happiness.
Before my role at Montessori House I’ve worked in private day nurseries, supervised a after school club and been a childminder. I dedicated 4 years to be a house wife and stay at home mummy when I had my last baby in 2018, this was an invaluable time in mine and my families life and one that I cherish and look back on fondly.
I love being around children and take each day as a new beginning to do something new and exciting.
I’m extremely lucky to have a wonderful husband and 4 amazing children, we live local to Montessori House and enjoy our time together, baking, cooking, biking, crafting, playing games and going out on adventures. We love visiting National Trust and we go camping lots.
I’m also particularly good at relaxing, cuddles, reading stories and taking time to re energise and re set.
Natasha Smokcum
Forest School Teacher
Hello! I am a qualified forest school leader pursuing a qualification in therapeutic practices in nature. I focus on how the natural world aids learning, development, and well-being. I support children’s play and discovery through outdoor experiences, fostering nature connection for emotional, social, and physical growth. I work with children aged 5 to 14 in after school and holiday clubs and am planning forest school days for adults. I enjoy returning to early years education and appreciate the variety in my work. Outside of work, I have two children, aged 15 and 10, and we love exploring the outdoors together. My interests include hiking, swimming, foraging, dancing, and watching films.
Supply and SEN Practioner
Hello. I’m Doreen. I have worked in the Early Years Sector for about 30 years now. I qualified in Level 3 National Childhood Studies, Childcare Certificate and SENCO. I also have other qualification relating to child development.
My love and passion for working with young children is when my own children were little. I worked as a nursery nurse practitioner but soon after became self employed as a Child Minder for 0-5 yrs olds always achieving a level 5. This was very rewarding. Later as my own children grew, I took my skills to work as Teaching Assistant in schools. Again, very rewarding role seeing the children in my care achieve their goals each time with a smile. I am a creative person with the loves for baking and crafting. I have been told many a times that I am a very patient person. I enjoy engaging in the learning of the child weather indoors or at play outdoors. With the children we can cook and bake delicious foods together. Which is always a fun time. I am passionate about children being hands on when it comes to their own craft. With me, it is always a Well Done. It brings confidence.
I am very fortunate to be a part of the Montessori House Team where each child and staff feels and are very much valued.
French speaking Early Years Practitioner
“Hi ! My name is Lio and I grew up in Athens, Greece. I have studied Social Anthropology (BA), Human Geography (MSc), Early Years Education (Level 3), and I’m currently doing a PhD in Education (early years) at University of Manchester. My thesis is about storytelling within the pedagogy of Reggio Emilia and its impact on the communities of children. I started working with young children in 2013. I trained as a storyteller with Beanstalk charity in 2018, and I’m currently training in puppet theatre with my favourite storyteller (Yan-Tan-Tethera). Since 2023, I run a bi-weekly Reggio Emilia playgroup in Chorlton and Stretford for Manchester’s Greek community. I love languages (native Greek, C2 French, B1 Spanish, B1 German, A1 Turkish), chess, swimming and house plants. My dream is to make various forms of art for children, while being part of an educational team like MMH’s. My pronouns are they/them.
Nicole Dubertrand- French teacher
French Language:
I have been a French Language tutor for 32 years and started teaching children in 2007 when my home-ed journey began. Through the years, I have learnt so much from my students thanks to their diverse and different learning styles; I have learnt (in order to respond to their needs) to think in non-intellectual and more playful ways to convey the language, finding pathways to bypass the need for translation and endeavouring to offer an authentic experience.
I am always humbled when spending time with little ones, I love how in their presence, the experience that we share anchors in the present moment.
Process Art:
Process Art can be an authentic way through which to experience and assimilate language. Having had Fine Art training (many years ago!), I decided in 2021, to start running a class /project as an artist educator. This is now one of my main areas of interest, and I would be keen to pursue it in the context of conveying language too.
Manchester Montessori House 