MEET THE TEAM
Sarah Drummond
Head and Founder
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"After giving birth to my eldest daughter, Poppy, I decided to leave my career in the music business and prepare for parenthood by becoming a Montessori Teacher. Over 20 years ago and two more daughters later, Jemima and Sophie, I have never looked back! The sheer joy of being able to nurture a child's natural inquisitiveness and expand his/her horizons is so rewarding. In my spare time I enjoy relaxing with my family, going to the theatre, music, walking the family dog and looking after our two horses.
I set up Jelly Beans in 2004 and today I am delighted that we have grown the Jelly Beans family into a busy and popular Nursery."
Mia Powell
Deputy Manager/Room Leader​
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“Hi I’m Mia, I have joined Sarah’s Montessori as the Jemima Puddle Duck Room leader. I have recently been promoted to Deputy Manager and I am overjoyed! I have been working with children since I was 17 and have gained my Level 3 Diploma in childcare. I really do count myself lucky to be part of an amazing team and having the oppertunity to obtain Montessori training enhancing my professional development. I am so excited to see what the future holds for me here at Sarah’s Montessori.”
Lisa Oxenham
People Operation's Manager
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"I have lived in Hockley for the past 15 years but recently moved out to the countryside of Stambridge. I have three children ranging from the age of 8 up to 24 years old. I achieved a Degree in European Business after leaving school and I have been working in education for the past 17 years in various roles including teaching, learning support, pastoral administration and more recently a PA within an Academy Trust. Outside of the office I am very involved with my local church as well as enjoying time with my family, friends and my 3 rather large dogs."
Louise Bashford
Manager
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“I discovered Montessori as a teenager working in London as a Nanny. Everything about her philosophy and teaching methods made sense and I knew that this was the path that I wanted to follow. Having been lucky enough to study at Montessori St Nicholas, I went on to complete my Montessori NFTD, Montessori International, Montessori Primary advanced and lectured up and coming Montessori students at RMTC. I started at Alleyn Court School, nurturing and guiding children as a Montessori teacher and SENCo, and remained there for 28 years, until joining Sarah’s in January 2025. I have a passion for inspiring young minds and seeing their personal development over the years. As a mother to Henry and Amelia (both adults now) I fully understand that every child is an individual and no child’s journey is the same. Sarah’s Montessori defines this perfectly and I am extremely happy to be managing the Nursery, embracing all that it has to offer the children."
Poppy Drummond
Area Manager
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"I have been working at Jelly Beans for nearly ten years as it has been a part of my life since I was a child. My Mum, Sarah, started a small preschool in her living room, taught my sisters and me using the Montessori method, and began what was to be an amazing journey for Jelly Beans Montessori. Montessori is my passion. It has instilled in me a lifelong love of learning and the early years. I have always worked with children, either helping out at Jelly beans while I was at school, or working as a nanny while I was at Uni, and finally joining Jelly Beans permanently after I left. I completed my Early Years teacher training and Montessori qualifications shortly afterwards and have loved every minute of it. Supporting children with special educational needs is another passion of mine, and I have just finished a Masters in psychology. I’m looking to complete another masters in Montessori Education next year."
Halimah Dojumo
Early Years Educator​​
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"Hi, my name is Halimah, and I’m a passionate and energetic early years educator. Although I originally planned a career in science and even completed a BSc in Chemistry, however, my love for nurturing young minds led me to pursue a master’s in Early Childhood Education from Anglia Ruskin University. I bring seven years of hands-on experience, having worked as a daycare assistant, teaching assistant, and eventually a nursery teacher in Nigeria. At Sarahs Montessori, I’m thrilled to continue creating joyful, curiosity-filled spaces, and I can’t wait to see where our learning journey together will lead!"
Chloe Maskell
Early Years SEN Assistant
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“Hi I'm Chloe , I'm a 1:1 Early Years SEN Assistant in Squirrel Nutkin room. & also offer support as a Bank Staff Member. Outside of work I love spending time with my 2 children and my partner. Previously I’ve participated within voluntary work at a nursery which I really enjoyed. I also have gained experience as a 1:1 respite carer looking after a little girl with special educational needs. This has reinforced my passion for looking after young children. I can't wait to learn more at Sarah's Montessori."
Amitha Babu
Baby Room Educator​
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“My name is Amitha and I have been working as an Early Years Educator for three years. I completed my post-graduate diploma in early childhood studies at Roehampton University. Teaching is my passion! Back home, I was a secondary school teacher. I love my profession because I love children. I also love making crafts and painting with the children, and they like to join in with me!”
Muska Asilzadah
Early Years Educator
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“Hello, my name is Muska, and I have been working with early years children for almost five years. I have studied child psychology, which helps me understand each child’s individual needs. I hold a Level 2 Diploma in Early Years, and I have completed ASD Awareness and ADHD courses. Additionally, I have read extensively about supporting children with additional needs. Currently, I am pursuing my Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Montessori Pedagogy (birth to seven) to provide the best outcomes for the children at Sarah’s Montessori."