Our people
We’re a small, dedicated team with over 24 years of combined Montessori experience from outstanding schools in London and Brighton. We’re Montessorians by heart, as well as by qualification.
Over the years we’ve formed a close friendship built on mutual respect and a shared love for early childhood education.
We each bring different skills, interests, and strengths, and we thrive on the energy and inspiration we get from working together.
Roxana, Cristina and Caroline x
Roxana
Roxana holds a BA in Montessori and Early Childhood Studies, is fluent in two languages and brings over seven years of experience from outstanding Montessori settings across London, including the first to blend Forest School principles into its approach. Before relocating to Brighton in 2025, she began developing Chrysalis as a parent-and-toddler group in North London, inspired by her experiences with her own young son.
As an educator, Roxana is passionate about nurturing the connection between children and their environment. She sees her role as igniting curiosity and offering children the tools they need to explore, express, and thrive. Through Chrysalis, she envisions a warm and collaborative bridge between home and nursery, where parents, educators, and children learn from one another to provide thoughtful, personalised care.
Outside of work, Roxana enjoys tucking into a good psychological novel at a local café, watching puppet theatre with her son, or writing blog posts to share her insights into Montessori practice. She’s delighted to be settling in Fiveways, a neighbourhood that feels beautifully aligned with the Chrysalis ethos.
The Chrysalis micro nursery operates from Roxana’s home.
Cristina
Cristina holds a Level 5 Foundation Degree in Montessori Early Childhood Practice and brings eight years of experience from leading Montessori settings across London. Fluent in three languages, she also holds a Master’s degree in Immigration, Gender, Family Models & Integration Strategies, along with additional training in children’s yoga and mindfulness.
Cristina is passionate about creating a more collaborative learning community, one that extends beyond the quick exchanges at drop-off and pick-up. She believes that when children feel secure and there is harmony between home and nursery, their capacity for joyful play, deep exploration, and meaningful learning flourishes. A strong advocate for environmental education, Cristina thoughtfully integrates sustainable living into her teaching, inspiring children with lasting values from a young age.
As our resident minimalist, she brings a calm, intentional approach to our learning environments, ensuring they are orderly, beautiful, and conducive to focus and creativity.
Outside the classroom, Cristina is enjoying life by the sea after relocating from London. You’ll often find her discovering new coastal walks or unwinding at a local yoga studio.
caroline
Caroline holds a Level 5 Foundation Degree in Montessori Early Childhood Practice and brings nine years of experience from Montessori settings across London and Brighton. One of her most formative experiences was working in a setting inspired by the original Casa dei Bambini, where the kitchen was the heart of the environment and parents were deeply involved, creating a true home-from-home. It's a spirit she’s excited to bring to Chrysalis.
For Caroline, the environment is everything. She believes that when it’s thoughtfully prepared, children can independently explore and excel in ways that align with their natural curiosity and readiness. She’s especially looking forward to working alongside old friends, like-minded educators who share her deep respect for the fragility, power, and significance of childhood.
Outside the classroom, Caroline is a mother and a passionate creative. She’s an artist, knitter, seamstress, and ceramicist, and loves a sea swim (on warmer days!) Having lived in Brighton for the past five years, she’s enjoying introducing Roxana and Cristina to some of her favourite local spots.
