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 – 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.
Jojo – Deputy Manager
Hello, I’m Jojo!
I’m an ex-primary teacher, professional wrestler, storyteller, game designer, dungeon master, forest ranger, superhero, magical princess and mystical ninja.
Now I have consolidated all these skills into one ultimate role described only in hushed whispers as the Deputy Manager of Monkey Puzzle Stoke Newington. With over 20 years of childcare experience under my belt, I place an emphasis on achieving through laughter, fun and play.
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?
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.
Irene – Qualified Teacher
Hello,
I´m Irene and I come from Spain, but I have travelled around the world and lived in different places in the last ten years. I’m new to London, but I’m definitely here to stay!
I have a Bachelor Degree in Early Year Education with a specialization in English at Alfonso x el Sabio University in Madrid. I have had the opportunity to work during the last five years with children of all ages, from babies to preschool and this has helped me a lot to understand children and their natural development and needs.
One of my passions is art and I love sharing it with the children and helping them develop their creativity, which I consider a really crucial skill to develop in the world that awaits 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!
Monkey Puzzle Stoke Newington
