Chiara – Nursery Owner
Hello, I’m Chiara and I am the owner of Monkey Puzzle Stoke Newington.
I am originally from Italy and I moved to London over 10 years ago to pursue a career in Architecture and Acoustics, after living and studying in the USA and France. I met my husband Pietro, a Civil Engineer while we were working for two large rival engineering firms– you can imagine what our dinner conversations used to be like!
Both Pietro and I come from large (and very loud!) Italian families, so we soon started our own and we are now the proud parents of Alberto, aged four, and Francesco, aged one and a half. We live in Islington and we enjoy spending time playing, cooking, baking, fixing things around the house and going on adventures around London – and also watching episode after episode of Fireman Sam.
Natalia Tucker – Nursery Manager
Hello, I’m Natalia and I am the Nursery Manager at MP Stoke Newington. I have worked in Early Years for over fifteen years now and my specialty is Performing Arts. I have a Master Degree in Applied Theatre and in my practice I incorporate Theatre in the delivery of the curriculum, specifically in the Personal, Social and Emotional Area.
Beatriz – Third in Charge
Hello, I’m Beatriz, I am from Palencia in Spain, a place where the sun always shines.
I moved to England 3 years ago seeking opportunities and because I love to travel.
I graduated in Primary Education at the University of Valladolid in Spain and I hold a QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). I started my career as a nursery practitioner and progressed through room leader and preschool teacher.
I really trust our children’s abilities and the principle of positive reinforcement – all of us can learn more effectively when encouraged and supported with a smile!
I am a very kinaesthetic person, full of energy, always ready to run around and sing along with anyone who dares to follow me. Are you ready for the next adventure?
Laura – Deputy Manager (on maternity leave)
Level 7 in Pre-Primary Education
Qualified Teacher Status
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Hapon – Early Years Practitioner
Hello, I’m Hapon. I was born in London but originally my parents are from Somalia. I have BA Hons in Education and English literature. I am the oldest of 4 siblings and I LOVE it hahaha!!! From such a young age I always knew I wanted to work with children and I have, from my first ever work experience in a primary school at 15 through to working as a Tutor during Uni. I have always enjoyed seeing the impact you can have on children, it’s amazing to see their growth from the age they start nursery up until preschool. I love building on their learning, language and most importantly their self-confidence.
Joanna – Early Years Practitioner
Hello, I’m Joanna and I am from Poland. I came to London 14 years ago and worked in hospitality. I am a mother of 3. When my younger children were born, I started working as a parent volunteer in the nursery they were attending. That was the time I realized that working with children gives me a lot of pleasure, so I became a Qualified Early Years Practitioner, and after completing my Level 3 I joined the MP Stoke Newington team.
I love to challenge the children and observe how they develop; I enjoy watching them making progress in their development through playing and exploring.
I am a creative and passionate person, I like books, movies and art. I am also a very active person – I used to be a professional basketball player! I love to ski and sail and a few years ago I have started to train in martial arts.
Yasmin – Nursery Practitioner
Hello, I’m Yasmin. I have always loved children coming from a family of 5 siblings. I have gained lots of experience working with children and I loved every second of it which inspired me to achieve my Level 3 in childcare. In my spare time I like to socialise and go out with my friends and family.
Roman – Nursery Practitioner
Hello, I’m Roman. I was born in Eritrea but I grew up in Ethiopia and my first language is Amharic.
I enjoy working in childcare because I love being able to teach children something new and see the ‘twinkle’ in their eyes when they understand and seeing how proud they look. I want to help children feel secure and confident and learn in their preferred learning style. I love watching them learn how to share, seeing them making friends, building relationships and becoming independent; I also love listening to them whilst they play and seeing how imaginative they are and I love dancing and my favourite place in the world is Lalibela in Ethiopia.
Songul – Nursery Apprentice
Hello, I’m Songul. I am from Turkey and I can speak Turkish and English. I like to work in childcare because being a part of a child’s development is very rewarding. Seeing how children grow and what they learn from me is the most beautiful part of my job. I was interested in teaching after being inspired by an amazing secondary school teacher who played a great role in who I have become now – I want to inspire my children like he inspired me. My favourite place in the world is anywhere with a nice beach and sand.
Minami – Nursery Chef
Hello, I’m Minami. I have been working as a Nursery Chef since March. I have lived in Winchester for over a year where I studied English and worked as a chef in pubs and tea rooms. I have worked as a nutritionist at a nursery school in Japan for two years. I like cooking and eating, and I hope all the children enjoy the great meals I cook for them!
Metaxia – Forest School Leader
Hello, I’m Metaxia. I am from Greece and I am the Forest School Leader here at MP Stoke Newington. I am a funny, energetic, positive, thoughtful and caring person.
I have a BA in Early Childhood Education from Greece, graduating with ‘Excellent’.
I have worked as a nanny, babysitter, tutor, entertainer and since I moved to London, I have worked in Ofsted Outstanding childcare settings, and in schools as High Level Teaching Assistant for autistic children. I have recently started blogging, writing about kids, and in the afternoons I study kids coaching and learn more about different age groups.
When I don’t do all the above, I enjoy long walks, and you will always find at the park, especially on sunny days! I like meeting my friends and cooking for them, which I something I love doing. When I have a time (and money) I travel – I haven’t been outside Europe yet, but it’s a future goal!
