Joanne Stewart-Nash
Principal
- BA First Class Honours Education and Early Childhood Studies
- Montessori Diploma
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
- Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
- First Aider
Jo holds the Montessori Diploma Qualification to compliment her BA (Hons) Degree and has worked with children and families in various establishments for many years.
Before taking over Burgh Wood Montessori Nursery School in November 2016, Jo worked for a charity focusing on vulnerable children and adults and was involved in delivering literacy, drama and parenting workshops. Jo’s career history prior to taking time out to raise her two children involved working in the City, being actively involved with various charities and running a Beaver group for girls and boys in London.
It has always been a dream of Jo’s to run her own Montessori school and to provide a stimulating and happy environment for children to learn and play.
Nikki Crust
Manager
- Level 3 Early Years Educator
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
- First Aider
I have 30+ years of experience in early childhood education across both the UK and Australia, and I am passionate about creating a nurturing, enriching environment where young children can thrive. Throughout my career, I have remained deeply committed to a child-centred approach, ensuring each child feels valued, understood, and empowered in their learning journey.
My practice is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy which compliments the Montessori Approach where learning is made visible through meaningful documentation and observation.
I believe in fostering curiosity and creativity and I love using the outdoors as a natural extension of the classroom, a place where children can explore, investigate and connect with the world around them.
Strong partnerships with families are at the heart of my work. I believe learning is most effective when parents and educators work together in close collaboration, sharing insights, goals, and celebrations of progress.
As Nursery Manager, I am committed to leading a team that shares these values and where each member feels supported and inspired to deliver high-quality care and education. I look forward to building lasting relationships with families and supporting every child to reach their full potential in a joyful, respectful environment.
Sara Miles
Deputy Manager
- Level 3 Early Years Educator
- Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
- First Aider
I have worked in early years for around 20 years and honestly couldn’t think of anything thing else I would rather do. I love watching children develop and grow knowing that I played a part in helping that development. I did leave Early Years for 3 years to help my best friend in her coffee house but really missed being with the children so I returned!! I have an amazing family, my partner, 1 daughter, 2 boys and 2 dogs so most of my free time is spent running around after everyone or helping out in the coffee house.
Subagini Patrick Lucian
Montessori Directress
- Level 3 Early Years Educator
- International Montessori Diploma
- First Aider
Subagini Patrick Lucian has over 25 years of experience working with young children. She graduated as a Montessori Directress in 1990, and she worked as a lecturer in the Institute of Nursery Studies, Montessori Centre in Sri Lanka.
Subagini has worked at Burgh Wood since 2007 and her particular focus is preparing the school leavers to transition to primary schools. She also teaches German and she has a diploma in cake decorations and flower arrangements.
Subagini has a calm nature and is able to channel her energy to helping children to learn essential skills needed, as well as having fun and building caring relationships. Subagini has also taken a particular interest in our woodland sessions which are held once a week.
Subagini is happily married and has two children. She enjoys decorating wedding cakes and making flower arrangements.
Nichola Bradford
- Level 3 Early Years Educator
- First Aider
I am married with 2 grown up girls now in their 20s! how time flies…
I worked in the bank for 10 years then left the banking world to stay home and raise our family. Once my girls went to school, I found an interest in child development and wanted to delve further. I completed my Diploma in pre-school practice and started working as a practitioner in a Montessori pre-school, I found the Montessori method fascinating and so rewarding to see the children gain so much independence and important life skills at such a young age, which will stay with them forever.
After a year I took over as Manager and stayed there for 13 years. I have also had some experience of working in Children Centres and in a nursery within a private school, I am now pleased to be back in a Montessori setting.
My hobbies include anything creative, party decorating, organising and spending time at the beach.
Louise Brennan
SENCO
- NNEB (Level 3) Early Years Educator
- First Aider
I qualified in Early Years over 20 years ago and have always had a passion for working with children and helping them learn and grow. I’m married and mum to two gorgeous girls who keep me busy with their social calendars. We enjoy trips to the cinema and long walks in the park.
Donna Hillman
- NNEB (Level 3) Early Years Educator
- First Aider
I have worked in childcare for over 20 years. Since leaving school it is all I wanted to do. I have worked in lots of different environments from looking after children in the home nannying to working in early years settings. I love being part of helping a child grow and develop, which is such joy.
I am married and have two children of my own who are both at school. We recently got a puppy so all of this keeps me busy at home.
Izabella Gabriel
- Level 3 Early Years Educator
- First Aider
I am a Level 3 Educator, new to role, and my native language is Polish.
I am passionate about working with children, helping them learn and grow. Every child has a unique personality and I am here to help them thrive and enjoy their journey in our beautiful nursery.
I am married and have three children. I enjoy traveling with my family and creating lots of memories. I look forward to developing my career and am keen to start the Montessori Diploma.
Leigh Cohen
Forest School Lead
- Level 3 Early Years Educator
- First Aider
I started working in Early Years approximately 8 years ago, when my two girls were very young.
I thoroughly enjoy nurturing the children to develop, thrive and grow in confidence and new skills, especially in outdoor play where their curiosity and imaginations are endless.
My spare time is family time, spent dog walking, cooking and keeping up with my girls!
Cintia Connolly
- Level 3 Early Years Educator
- First Aider
I joined the Burgh wood nursery September 2022 and I am very happy to be part of their team.
Working as a family photographer in my spare time, I love watching how children develop and learn new things every day through play.
I have 3 children and we enjoy spending family time exploring new and local parks with friends and relatives on weekends and holidays.
Hannah Flint
- Level 3 Educator
- First Aider
I have always been passionate about working with children from working in nurseries to being a nanny. I went travelling for a year where I worked in a nursery on Bondi Beach! I enjoy letting the children's imaginations run wild and watching them express their own little personalities!