About us

Kirsty Matthews-Künzi (1982), Owner & Montessori teacher

I was born in Scotland and at a young age moved to South Africa. I spend 14 years in South Africa where I did all my schooling.

I came to Switzerland in 2001 where I worked as an au-pair for 2 years. In 2003 I got married and started studying Montessori.

I have the Montessori teacher diploma for 0-3 years as well as the 3-6 years. After finishing my Montessori studies, I started the Swiss Early Childhood Educator. I have also completed other courses such as coaching, team management, self-management, Montessori leader,”Berufsbilderin”.

In 2007 I decided to open up Meadows Montessori and in 2010 I added the second kindergarten group and the crèche.

My idea and vision of why I opened up Meadows was and still is... every child deserves a good start in life it shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to give children a good start in life. 10 years down the line, I still believe in this.

In 2012 my first daughter was born and in 2014 my second daughter was born. And now more than ever I support my belief as I want to give my children and every other child the best that they can possible have. I love working with children, seeing how they progress

and learn, I believe they are our future and we should help them do the best they possible can. My one favorite quote is:

 

“the best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.”

And I truly believe and teach by the famous Montessori quote of “help to do it myself”.

Victoria López-Weiss (1977), Group Leader & English Montessori Teacher

I was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. I studied at an International School through all my Elementary and High School years.

I have a University degree on Tourism Management, but during my studies I worked in the 1st Montessori pre-school in Honduras for 8 years, and it was then that I realized my passion for teaching and interacting with children. I also got a degree on Psychological Foundations of the Teaching-Learning Process.   Then I got married and went to live to Spain for 7 years, during this time I worked as an English teacher for children and adults.

Then in 2013 we decided to come to Zurich (my husband’s hometown) and established our home here. I worked my first years as a full-time nanny for 2 lovely children.

In early 2015 I became part of the Meadows Montessori team,and I am proud to be a group leader in the Beaver group. I also started my studies in the Montessori Internationales Ausbildungszentrum in Munich, Germany, in order to become a qualified Montessori directress.

I’m very proud to be part of the education in each child that comes across our kindergarten. I believe that teachers and parents should be interconnected to build up the best in each child.  I am also a firm believer in Montessori, which supports that education is based on daily experiences that help the absorbent mind of the child to form the future adult.

In my free time, I love spending time with my husband and friends, reading, music and cooking.

Two of my favourite Maria Montessori quotes which I believe and stand up for are:

 

“If help and salvation are to come, they can only come from the children, for the children are the makers of men”.

“Of all things love is the most potent”.

Maria Montessori

Carmen Bürgi, Group Leader & Montessori Teacher

My Name is Carmen Bürgi. In the year 1998 I found my calling to be a Montessori Kindergarten teacher. Before that I have been trained to be a doctor’s office assistant and also a sound engineer. I used to work with Kirsty at the American Swiss Montessori Kindergarten in Bülach.

After that I have lived in the USA back and forward for many years. In between I have also had a part time employment at Meadows Kindergarten. During this time, I also earned the diploma for FABE.

For 4 years I have been seeking experiences in a day care for school children. Since 2020, I am happy to be back and be part of a lovely team and wonderful kids in the Meadows Montessori Kindergarten.

My hobbies are my two nephews and my niece. I am also active in church and I love to read and enjoy nature.

Ariana Xhinolli, Teacher Assistant

My name is Ariana Xhinolli. I grew up in the Canton of St. Gallen and this is where I completed my apprenticeship as an early childhood educator (FABE). After successfully passing my exams, I worked as the Group Leader for children from 3 to 4 years old.

For further professional development, I decided to move to Zurich where I lead a baby group, as well as the “step in” manager of the creche.

I am happy that I have been able to really make my hobby my profession. I love working with children and enjoy seeing them grow into their personalities.

The Montessori approach of Meadows offers me the chance to learn more and to grow professionally. I am excited for this challenge.

 

"It’s not the child that should adapt to its environment, but the environment needs to adapt to the child."

Maria Montessori

Ana Ferreira Rodrigues, Childcare specialist

My name is Ana. When I was still little, I already knew that I wanted to work with children. My wish got even stronger after finding an internship as FaBe. After 2 years of internship, I was able to start and finalize my apprenticeship at the same childcare institute. By now I have already gathered some professional experience and am looking forward to many more years of working with the children.

I joined the Meadows Montessori Team in September 2021, where I can now explore the world of Montessori. What inspires me the most in this pedagogic is that the children are accompanied very closely. Mistakes are seen as possibilities to learn and chances for development. You can feel the joy in learning. For me, the individual development of each child has priority.

I speak German fluently, good English and thanks to my origin, Portuguese. I like travelling in my free time and love to discover new countries and cultures. I also like spending time with my family & friends.

My open, positive and empathic personality helps me interacting with the children and also with their parents.

Nora Djelili, Childcare specialist

I was born and grew up in Italy. When I was young, I have discerned my passion for languages and my wish to deepen my knowledge in this field. Therefore, I started my high school in 2014 with focus on languages in Avezzano, Italy. After three years attending this school, we have decided to move to Switzerland.

When researching different fields, I found the profession of a childcare specialist highly interesting. After completing my apprenticeship “FABE Betreuung”, I was able to gain experience also a group leader of a childcare institute.

Since I have always found the Montessori pedagogics fascinating and have also attended a Montessori school as a child, I have decided to now go and explore this world.

My flexibility, my patience and my empathy in working with the children and the team is may strength. I look forward to master everyday life and work with the children and the team.

I would like to offer the children the possibility to express themselves in a creative way. I will try to quench their thirst for knowledge and show them our modern world. I will always respect the childrens’ individual needs and give them support for the next stages ahead of them.

Laura Telaku (2004) Apprenticeship FABE

I was born in Zürich. I am 18 years old and now coursing my 3rd year of apprenticeship of FABE.

 

"A Montessori teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart."

Maria Montessori

Peggy Schröder, Backoffice

My name is Peggy Schröder. I live with my husband and my kids Casimir and Coralie in Glattfelden. I like spending time outdoors, love pasta, waves, yoga and tortoises.

I got to know Mini Meadows & Meadows Montessori in summer 2012 when I was looking for a suitable crèche for my son. In the meantime,  both of my children go to school and no longer accompany me to the Kindergarten.

Over the years, Mini & Meadows Montessori have become a happy part of my family’s life and in 2020, I joined the team and took over the administration of the backoffice.

 

"Be cheeky and wild and wonderful! "

Pippi Longstocking