"The first duty of an education is to stir up life,
but leave it free to develop."
- Maria Montessori
My Story
Michelle is the founder, owner, and Chief Executive Officer of Rolling Hills Montessori. Born and raised in England, she pursued her education at Rosebank Business School in South Africa before returning to England to follow her true passion—education.
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In 1988, Michelle began her Montessori journey and graduated from St. Nicholas Montessori Training School in London with a Highly Commended Teaching Credential.
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In 1989, Michelle and her husband visited the United States and quickly fell in love with California, later relocating with their three sons. She continued her work in education with the Palos Verdes Unified School District, supporting both special-needs children and Kindergarten classrooms.
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Although rewarding, Michelle deeply missed the Montessori philosophy that shaped her teaching. She returned to Montessori education as a Director and Teacher at a local school, where her vision continued to grow.
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Opening her own Montessori school had always been Michelle’s dream. After finding the perfect location in 2006— that dream became a reality—Rolling Hills Montessori, lovingly referred to as her “fourth child.”
Meet the Lead Teachers
"The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say,
'The children are now working as if I did not exist.'"
- Maria Montessori
