Meet our team
Tracey O´Connor
When I was pregnant with my fourth child in 2001 I wanted to learn more about child psychology and behaviours and how to enhance their growth so it lead me to the Montessori method. I loved the course so much as it showed me how that eventhough we are parents, we can always learn more about interacting with children.
I opened Tir Na nOg Montessori in September 2010 with 4 children and with some hard work and TLC it has grown allowing me to be part of building the best foundation for all the children that come through the doors of Tir Na nOg Montessori.
I love my job as it is very rewarding and everyday is different. I am learning all the time.
'We don't stop having fun because we grow old, we grow old because we stop having fun"
Aisling
I have worked in Tír na nÓg since September 2017, having previously completed work placement here during my college years. After my Leaving Certificate I began studying Montessori education and graduated from C.I.T with a Bachelor of Arts level 8 degree in the subject.
I adore the Montessori method of education, particularly the fact it helps to instil a sense of independence, self-reliance, self-motivation, self-belief and gives children a challenge through the use of materials across the many different subject areas.
I look forward to circle time each day in school, it is so motivating seeing the children being so invested in each theme and I love hearing back from parents about how proud their child was sharing their new found knowledge at the dinner table the previous evening. To me, it doesn’t matter what the topic is, our job is to instil a love of learning and a hunger for knowledge that the children can carry with them through their whole lives.
Nuria Castelo
I grew up in A Coruña, a small city in the north of Spain, as a teenager I got involved in social volunteering and thanks to that I decided to study Early Childhood Education. When I finished my studies I decided to move to Ireland to get to know another culture, improve my English and learn another educational model. Destiny led me to work at Tir Na nÒg Montessori, where I have been working since 2018 and here I discovered the Montessori methodology. Its materials and how well it adapts to the needs of the child have led me to do a Master's degree in this methodology and to love it deeply.
In my free time I love travelling, nature, reading a good book, cooking and any creative activity (sewing, drawing or painting are my favourites).
Every day I learn something new from the children. Together we grow and discover the world around us.
Karen
I love working with children because every day is different. I have worked in retail, photograpy, have travelled the world and have been a childminder for years.
I am a mum of two and live in Ballyvolane area. When I became a scout leader I realised I loved watching/teaching children become confident and independent people. This lead me in to completing Early chilhood care and education level 5 and have not looked back since.
I love everything to do with Art and Lego and have recently completed a Lego 6 Bricks course level 1 and 2..
When you love what you do, it doesn´t feel like work.
Joanna
I currently work at Tir na Nog Montessori. I have recently completed the QQI Level 6 in Early Childhood Care and Education where I concentrate on becoming an SNA.
I have worked in the hair industry for many years and during the lock down I decided I wanted to pursue a carer in childcare so I done the level 5 in Kinsale college and followed on with the level 6. I love working with children and seeing how they grow in spirit everyday.
I love to go to the gym, travel and I jump at chances to experience new things.
My favourite thing about working with children is watching as they learn through play and grow as a result.
Sarah
From a young age I always had a keen interest in working with children. As the oldest cousin on both sides of my family, I always took on the role of looking after my younger cousins .
I studied childcare and education and I loved how rewarding and fun working with kids can be. No working day is the same and I love how we as teachers are a part of their development and can help prepare them for the future. I particularly love montessori as I believe it encourages independence, increases confidence and learning in a social setting. I chose this career as I think as adults we sometimes forget that everything takes time and patience and we take things so seriously.
Being around kids, we learn from them that it's OK to have fun and to also be patient and they help keep us young. It is a very rewarding job which I really enjoy.