Meet the Team
Passionate, Experienced Montessori Educators
At Koru Montessori, our team of teachers are not only fully qualified in early childhood education, but also deeply committed to the Montessori philosophy. Each educator brings warmth, respect, and a genuine love for supporting children in their formative years.
Led by Centre Manager Krystal Lochan, our teachers form a collaborative team who guide children with care, encourage curiosity, and build strong relationships with whānau.
Krystal Lochan
Centre Manager
Born and raised in Auckland, I’m a fully qualified early childhood teacher with a strong belief in respectful, child-led learning. My teaching philosophy centres on treating others how I would like to be treated—creating a warm, caring environment where tamariki feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.
At Koru, we take a holistic approach to learning, nurturing the emotional, social, physical, spiritual, and intellectual development of each child. I value strong, open relationships with whānau and believe collaboration is key to helping children reach their full potential.
It’s a privilege to lead such a passionate, high-calibre team of Montessori educators. Together, we are united in our commitment to excellence, and to empowering children with confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
“Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tatou mahi – Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.”
Clarisse Gorrez
Centre Supervisor
Originally from the Philippines, I bring over 20 years of early childhood education experience and have had the privilege of teaching in four different countries. I hold an ECE qualification from New Zealand and an AMI Montessori qualification from London. As the Centre Supervisor, I am passionate about creating an environment where each child is seen as unique, capable, and full of potential. I value building strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues, and I’m inspired by the joy of learning that happens every day. Outside of teaching, I love connecting with people, exploring new places, and enjoying good food!
Saori Kayano
Originally from Japan, I’ve been teaching at Koru for over 12 years. With a background in nursing and a Bachelor of Education (Montessori), I love helping children settle in and watching their curiosity and capabilities shine. I’m also a music lover and foodie.
Shuwen Tang
Kia ora, my name is Shuwen Tang, and I am an AMI-trained, qualified Montessori and Early Childhood teacher at Koru Montessori. Born in Shanghai, I’ve called New Zealand home for over 10 years. I love guiding children in a nurturing environment where they can grow with confidence and curiosity. Outside of teaching, I enjoy music, dance, learning languages, and volunteering at a cat shelter.
Aleksandra Skorniakova
Kia ora, my name is Sasha. I am originally from Russia and now proudly call New Zealand home.
I am an AMI trained Montessori teacher for children aged 2.5-6 years and am also qualified in Early Childhood Education in New Zealand. I am passionate about creating calm, positive, and purposeful environments where children feel valued, welcomed, and supported to develop confidence, independence, and a love of learning. I value following each child’s interests and guiding them in a thoughtful and personalised way. Building warm, trusting relationships with children and their whānau is at the heart of my practice. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family hiking, camping, and cooking. I also love reading adventure and fiction books, visiting museums and art exhibitions, and gardening.
I look forward to being part of your child’s learning journey.
Koru Montessori is a quality, child-centred preschool located in Sunnynook on Auckland’s North Shore, offering authentic Montessori education for children aged 2–6.
Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Sat - Sun: Closed
Contact
(09) 410 9535
korumontessori@xtra.co.nz
21 Kapiti Place, Sunnynook,
North Shore 0620
