I grew up in Essex, England and moved to The Netherlands to be with my Dutch partner. I have a Bachelor's degree in Education and Childhood studies. During my degree, I worked at a local primary school in a number of classes, including special educational needs support classes. I have worked with a range of ages and enjoyed putting my knowledge into practice. I am extremely passionate about working with children and have developed my own knowledge in order to support their development best. Following my degree, I completed a TESOL qualification, in order to teach and understand how children and adults learn English as a foreign language. I enjoy working with children and ensuring they have a safe, stimulating, and creative learning setting in order to support their growth and development. Previously, I was the English teacher in the Zebra class in Amsterdam. I am excited to be a part of a great learning environment for children and to be part of the great teaching team at WBPS. In my spare time I enjoy reading, swimming, and spending quality time with my family and friends.
I was born in Brits, South Africa and have lived there all my life. I moved to the Netherlands, together with my husband, in the winter of 2019. From a young age, I wanted to follow in my mum’s footsteps and become a teacher. I was passionate about hockey and softball and represented my province at provincial level.
After completing a degree in Education at the University of Pretoria in 2015, I gained experience educating a diverse range of students from different age groups and backgrounds. I am an advocate for children learning through play and most enjoy guiding them in their first steps of academics.
I studied International Teacher Education for Primary Schools in Meppel, where I did two minors: intercultural understanding & religion and mental well-being for children. In the classroom I aspire to create a safe and calm environment where children can explore their needs and interests. Humor, flexibility, and curiosity are traits that I believe to be important for a great learning environment, hence I try to encourage those traits in my students as well. I am passionate about dancing, cooking, and exploring new places. I am very happy that I found my place here at Winford Bilingual Haarlem .
I am the director of the Winford Bilingual Primary School Program in Amsterdam and the Bilingual Coordinator. I earned my undergraduate degrees in Primary School Education and Special Education (k-18). I have completed post graduate work in Montessori education, Orton-Gillingham Language Speech/Language Therapy, Montessori Teacher Training, Brain Gym Kinesiology and I am a certified PADI divemaster. I have over 22 years of classroom experience as a teacher, therapist and education specialist. I was working at the Smithsonian Institution as the lead docent educator for divergent learners and Primary schools when I realized that I loved the Dutch culture and environment. So I decided to move to the Netherlands to work and live. When I am not working or walking on the beach, you can find me cycling on my Dutch fiets (bike) or scuba diving anywhere where the water is clear and the sun is shining.
I have worked for 23 years in international schools taking care of admissions, public relations and marketing. I love working in a school environment and connecting with new people. I am delighted to join Winford Bilingual on their exciting journey. In my spare time I go to yoga and circuit training classes, volunteer in two committees, and sing in a gospel choir. I look forward to seeing you at Winford Bilingual.
