Little Steps
Montessori Team

Meet the team!

mary yang

Head teacher

Ki Ora, my name is Mary. I am the head teacher at Little Steps Montessori. In July 2005, I
graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Education, teaching early childhood. After spending
ten years in main stream education, I found myself looking for a new direction in my teaching
practice. I was inspired by the unique Montessori approach to learning. In 2015, I completed
the AMI Montessori assistant course, whilst around the same time joining the Little Steps
team.  Over the past 7 years, my three children have also attended Little Steps with me and,
from a parent’s perspective, I have seen great value in Montessori education. I believe that it
is important to provide an environment that fosters self-discovery and independence, where
children are given the space and time to develop their interests and guided to reach their
potential.

pamela cusack

teacher

I have a wonderful love of learning and creating ways for children and people
to have purposeful experiences they will enjoy and remember. In 2006 I graduated with a Bachelor of Education in teaching which followed with an AMI Diploma for
3-6 in 2011.   Music is one of my passions along with
singing and movement. Maths and science are definite wonders for me and I enjoy using the Montessori method to create lifelong relationships
in re-lation to Maths and science. I enjoy the challenge of creating art and
sketches and encourage children to do the same in their own way. Reading and
language are a constant source of delight so again using the
Montessori Method as a wonderful way of enriching the use of language for all to
benefit.
My 2 beautiful grandchildren bring me much joy and I enjoy my morning beach walks with my dogs Charles and Pippi.

danny li

teacher

I was born and raised in China and moved
to New Zealand when I was 16 years old. I
graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of
Hospitality Management in 2010. After a
few years of working in the Hospitality
industry, I then found my real passion is
working with children. I decided to study
ECE Teaching and graduated from New
Zealand Tertiary College with a Graduated
Diploma in ECE Teaching in 2013. I have
enjoyed the past seven years working with
children in Montessori Preschool, it has helped me understand the Montessori Philosophy
including self-directed and hands on
learning and collaborative play. 

Chensa Clarkson

teacher

I was born in England and have lived in New Zealand for over 20 years with my
wonderful family.
Being inspired by Maria Montessori’s Philosophy and method of education, I
attended Mercy Montessori Africa, (affiliated to Mercy Montessori Institute Ohio
USA). I graduated as a Montessori Directress in 1998.
I also hold a certificate in Education Early Childhood and a certificate from
Association Montessori Internationale Children’s House Assistant course. This has
enabled me to work alongside children and families for over 20 years, as a home
educator, Montessori Directress and an Education support worker.
I consider myself to be very blessed to have spent so many wonderful years
working with children and families.

Stella Xu

teacher

I was born and raised in China. My Chinese name is Qianmian Xu. I moved
to New Zealand with my husband in 2016 and have been living in North
Shore since then. I graduated from New Zealand Tertiary College with a
Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education in January 2019, and I
became a fully registered ECE teacher in February 2021. I have enjoyed
the past two years working with preschool children in a Reggio inspired
centre. I recently found my interest in Montessori teaching philosophy and I
feel greatly honoured to join the Little Steps team in August 2021.
 I believe that all children have their own potential. I value the importance of
children’s exploration and I aim to support children to become independent
and competent learners. I am looking forward to meeting you and your
family.