Behind every prepared environment is a team of people quietly doing important work. Much of what makes MIC feel calm, purposeful and supportive happens in small moments that families don’t always see day to day.
Welcome to our Transformative Team series. A gentle way to introduce the people behind the learning, and to reflect the depth of Montessori understanding, care and professionalism across MIC. These profiles are about making visible the dedication and expertise that support children to grow in confidence, curiosity and independence.
Lauren Paterson
Wandi Guide – Junior Primary
What drew you to Montessori, or to working with children and young people?
Being a teacher or working with children was something I was drawn to since I was very young. My mom taught the second grade for 30 years, and I always loved going into her classroom in the summer to help set-up or assist with marking papers at home. In highschool, I did work experience in a primary school, and then before starting University, I worked as a nanny and Kids Club coordinator at a ski resort in France.
To be honest, I was completely unfamiliar with Montessori education until my pre-service placement at MIC in 2011. I initially worked with Adolescents and just loved the freedom and responsibility they were given to follow their interests and creative passions while at school. I only taught in a mainstream school for a very short time, but immediately knew that the Montessori method was the path for me!
In one sentence, what do you most hope children gain from your learning community this year?
I hope the children gain independence and a great joy for learning!
What is one Montessori practice you lean on most in your work, and why does it matter?
Trust the Child
As great observers of the child, it is important not to make assumptions about their work choices and behaviour. We have to trust that the child who has chosen the same activity over and over again is satisfying some sort of need and will move on to different work when they are ready.
We have to trust that the child who works with unfamiliar material is making some sort of personal learning discovery. We have to trust that the child pushing boundaries is developing a moral code that will soon guide them to make the right choice. We have to trust that each choice the child makes is part of their self-construction.
What specific Montessori qualifications do you have?
- Bachelor of Arts
- Post Graduate Diploma in Education
- AMI Elementary Diploma (from Montessori Northwest)
Share a small “Montessori in action” moment you’ve noticed recently (a routine, a breakthrough, a quiet win).
One of the characteristics of a child in the second plane of development (6-12) is the gregarious or herd instinct. There is now a great desire to join group work, collaborate together and divide up the labour so the work is effective and efficient.
During the first few weeks of the school year and after sharing the 2nd Great Story: Coming of Life, a group of new children (who had recently transitioned from Cycle 1) showed interest in working together to create a puppet show for follow-up work. I offered some guidance (but mostly observed) as the children shared the tasks of making puppets, creating a set design, practising a script and performing the play. For me, it was a clear indication that these transitioning students were ready for Cycle 2 and the meaningful work also brought liveliness and great joy throughout the environment!
Which MIC value are you living most right now (Courage, Respect, Generosity, Integrity) and what does that look like in your day-to-day?
I think the value of respect plays a large role in my day-to-day life at MIC. I believe in the importance of mutual respect that is offered between Guide and child within our classroom, on the playground and at the travel link after school. I also respect the interests of each child in my environment and the pace of their development.
Five Fun Facts About Me:
1. I am Canadian (yes, I love the snow, poutine and hockey) and moved to Australia in 2011.
2. I have a fluffy, white dog named Jaxx who is 12 years old.
3. I read 40+ books a year (my favourite genre is historical fiction)
4. I regularly practise yoga (an hour of silence after a day in the classroom is pure bliss)
5. I am getting married in May!
Kylie Vos
Executive Assistant to the Principal
What brought you to MIC and what keeps you here?
I was drawn to MIC because it reflects the values that have guided my work in schools for the past 15 years. I have worked in State schools and Independent schools and have become increasingly passionate about alternative approaches to learning for children. These principles align with my beliefs and sense of purpose.
What keeps me here is the culture. The support from colleagues and the opportunity to take on new challenges. I value being in a place where ideas are welcomed, teamwork is encouraged, and there’s a shared commitment to excellence.
MIC continues to provide me with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute in meaningful ways.
In one sentence, how does your role help children, families, or staff have a better experience at MIC?
In my role as Executive Assistant to the Principal, I support clear communication, organisation, and thoughtful coordination so that families and staff feel informed and supported, so children can learn in a calm, prepared environment.
What’s one part of your work you’re proud of that families might not see?
One part of my work I’m proud of that families might not always see is the careful coordination and behind-the-scenes problem solving that helps the school run smoothly each day, ensuring that communication is clear and details are handled thoughtfully.
Share a small moment that reminded you why your role matters (a family interaction, a solved problem, a behind-the-scenes win).
One small moment that reminded me why my role matters was watching a group of children walk through the front office one morning, smiling and confidently heading to their classrooms. It was a busy day behind the scenes, phones ringing, schedules shifting, details needing attention, but in that moment, everything felt calm and steady for them.
Their smiles were a quiet reminder that when the office runs smoothly and families feel welcomed and supported, children are able to begin their day feeling secure and joyful.
Knowing that my work helps create that sense of ease and stability is incredibly meaningful to me.
Which MIC value are you living most right now (Courage, Respect, Generosity, Integrity) and what does that look like in your day-to-day?
The MIC value I’m living most right now is Integrity. In my day-to-day role, integrity means being consistent, dependable, and thoughtful in every detail I manage. It looks like handling communication with honesty and clarity, protecting confidentiality, and ensuring that processes are followed with care and fairness.
As Executive Assistant to the Principal, I often work behind the scenes, and integrity guides me to do what is right even when no one sees it. By staying organised, accountable, and transparent, I help build trust with families, staff, and leadership that supports the school environment.
Would you like to share anything else about yourself?
Outside of my work at MIC, I truly cherish time with my family. They are my greatest joy and grounding force. We especially love camping together, being outdoors and unplugging from busy schedules, and enjoying simple moments around a campfire or at the beach.
Spending time in nature helps me recharge and reminds me of the importance of slowing down and being present, something that beautifully aligns with the Montessori philosophy of appreciating the world around us.
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