Jessica and Caren co-own the school and have been in education with over 26 years of combined experience. Both are happily married and have two children each. (Caren two boys and Jessica two girls).
Both Caren and Jessica have a passion for working with children and had always dreamed of opening their own school. After meeting in 2010 they realized they had a shared dream of educating children in pure Montessori methodology and knew that in order to do that they would need to open an authentic Montessori Children’s House together. They taught in the environment up until 2015 when it became clear that they needed to focus more on the business side of Baobab. Both the toddler and preschool classes are now run by hard-working, passionate and dedicated directresses.
Caren studied Montessori teaching through the Montessori Academy while Jessica studied through the College of Modern Montessori. Through their shared dedication and hard work they have managed to make their dreams become a reality in opening Baobab Montessori.
With their outgoing, enthusiastic and loving nature they are building Baobab Montessori into the school that encompasses all their shared values and beliefs.
Melissa is the head directress in the pre-school environment. She loves to bake and often treats us to her delicious creations. Melissa completed her Montessori Practical Training with us in 2015 and never left after qualifying. Her other qualifications include a BA Honours degree in psychology from WITS. Melissa has a passion for children and enjoys working with them; this she discovered when she started working with disadvantaged children years ago and has since never looked back. Melissa is a caring, nurturing teacher that shines through in her approach with the children who are entrusted in her care.
Tash is one of our newest additions to the pre-school class and Baobab team. She loves cooking, English literature, travelling and music. She worked for City Year South Africa for a year working in disadvantaged schools and communities around the city. This experience reinforced her interest in early childhood development and education. She studied Psychology, English Literature and community development practices at Wits before starting her Montessori journey. Tash has lived and travelled extensively in and around Europe for 5 years. Her travels took her on a different path but teaching remained a constant passion. Through her travels she discovered the wonderful workings of the Montessori method and started her studies at The College of Modern Montessori on her return to South Africa.
26 West Hertford Road
Bryanston
011 463 7894