Childcare team and philosophy

Kirsty Matthews-Künzi (1982), Owner & Montessori teacher

I was born in Scotland and at a young age moved to South Africa. I spend 14 years in South Africa where I did all my schooling.

I came to Switzerland in 2001 where I worked as an au-pair for 2 years. In 2003 I got married and started studying Montessori.

I have the Montessori teacher diploma for 0-3 years as well as the 3-6 years.  After finishing my Montessori studies, I started the Swiss Early Childhood Educator. I have also completed other courses such as coaching, team management, self-management, Montessori leader,”Berufsbilderin”. 

In 2007 I decided to open up Meadows Montessori and in 2010 I added the second kindergarten group and the crèche.

My idea and vision of why I opened up Meadows was and still is... every child deserves a good start in life it shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to give children a good start in life. 10 years down the line, I still believe in this.

In 2012 my first daughter was born and in 2014 my second daughter was born. And now more than ever I support my belief as I want to give my children and every other child the best that they can possible have. I love working with children, seeing how they progress

and learn, I believe they are our future and we should help them do the best they possible can. My one favorite quote is:

 

„the best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.”

And I truly believe and teach by the famous Montessori quote of “help to do it myself”.

Michélle Roth (1996), Group leader

My name is Michélle Roth and I live in Embrach. After finishing school, I was able to do 2 yrs of internship and after that an apprenticeship at a crèche.

I love spending my free time with friend. I like to travel, getting to know the world and other cultures is important to me.

I am empathic and open and I appreciate working with children and their parents. It makes me happy to see children grow and develop.

 

„We must be prepared to see the hidden wonders in children and help them to unfold.“

Maria Montessori

Seraina Zweifel (1998), Co-Educator

My name is Seraina Zweifel and I live in Bülach. After finishing school, I started my apprenticeship in the city of Zürich for being a FABE which I finished in 2018. In 2019 I stayed with a Canadian guest family on a ranch and got the chance getting to know the country with a camper and also with the horses. After my return, I started with Mini Meadows.

I did a training to become a sports trainer for children (J & S) and work for sports clubs. In my free time I like to spend time with my sisters and their dogs or with my friends. I like travelling and would love to see the whole world. I am a very open and empathic team player. I think it is important that every child is individually seen and supported. I love working with children since they add so many fascinating aspects to daily life and they make me see the world through different eyes.

 

„To stimulate life, leaving it free, however, to unfold itself, that is the first duty of the educator.“

Maria Montessori

Stefanie Gubler (1983), Co-Educator

My name is Stefanie Gubler. I was born in Canton Aargau in 1983 and I live with my husband and 2 kids (2005 & 2009) in Rorbas.

I have completed an apprenticeship as a pastry chef.

After my daughter was born, I was a stay at home mum. After that, I have been working as a childminder as well as in the Patisserie department of Globus in Zürich. Now, it’s time for something new.

I am happy to be a part of the Mini Meadows Team since April 2020. I like accompanying the childrens’ progresses and supporting their growth.

I like doing handicrafts, playing outside and see how the kids love it.

In my free time, I play the piano, do sports and spent time with my family and friends.

 

„You are never too small to be wonderful!"

Zeruja Franciskumar (1993), Co-Educator

My name is Zeruja Franciskumar (1993) and at the moment I live with my family in Zürich Affoltern. In 2011 I started my apprenticeship Early childhood educator at Mini Meadows and completed it in 2014 successfully.

Until the birth of my daughter (2017), I was able to brighten my knowledge and competencies as Co-educator and also as group leader at Mini Meadows. From 2017 until 2020, I worked as a group leader at a Crèche in Zürich city first as group leader and after the birth of my second daughter as Co-educator in a 60 % pensum.

I am more than happy to be back and supporting the Meadows family. In my daily work, it is very important to me to accompany each child individually in a supportive way in his/her development and personality. I love supporting the children each day with fun and joy.

I enjoy my role as a Mom of three very much and love spending time with my family and friends.

 

„It is not the child that should adapt to the environment, but we should adapt the environment to the child”

Maria Montessori

Peggy Schröder, Backoffice

My name is Peggy Schröder. I live with my husband and my kids Casimir and Coralie in Glattfelden. I like spending time outdoors, love pasta, waves, yoga and tortoises.

I got to know Mini Meadows & Meadows Montessori in summer 2012 when I was looking for a suitable crèche for my son. In the meantime,  both of my children go to school and no longer accompany me to the Kindergarten.

Over the years, Mini & Meadows Montessori have become a happy part of my family’s life and in 2020, I joined the team and took over the administration of the backoffice.

 

"Be cheeky and wild and wonderful! "

Pippi Longstocking