The secret to success in any great organisation is the people!
Our staff team have been carefully selected to provide exceptional care and education for the children at the nursery. Everyone brings a particular skill or energy to the team and everyone who joins us embarks on a voyage of discovery with the children, but also in their own personal and professional development. Our team ethic is very much that we can never stop learning from each other in order to achieve our shared vision, which is of course all about the children. We provide regular support, training and development opportunities for all team members to learn and grow to be the best that they can be.
The Monkey Puzzle Angel Islington franchise is owned and operated by a family business. Geoff & Wendy Kent, and their two sons Richard and Anthony.
Geoff Kent
Nursery Owner
My name is Geoff and I am the Managing Director of Kent Family Nurseries Ltd. I am the proud father of three sons and very much enjoy supporting their success and development in our family business.
I have a particular interest and experience working with personal and professional development, something which underpins the quality of care we aspire to deliver as an inspirational and innovative team of childcare professionals.
In my previous role I was responsible for promoting diversity in the workplace and supporting working Mums with “back to work” advice on home/work balance and general wellbeing during parenting.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Vice President Sales, Coca Cola Enterprises (retired 2013)
- Member of Diversity Council at Coca Cola Enterprises
- Pension Trustee
- Proud and active Grandad
Languages:
- English (fluent)
Wendy Kent
Nursery Director
Nursery Nurse
My name is Wendy. I am a dedicated mother of three sons and a qualified Nursery Nurse. I have worked in the NHS for over 20 years and have extensive experience working in a special care baby unit at the maternity ward in Hemel Hempstead Hospital.
During my time as a new Mother I worked in a local Primary School as a Teaching Assistant, where I helped with creative tasks and early literacy skills with children of all ages.
I very much enjoy working with children and particularly appreciate the importance of a stable and nurturing environment for the positive development of babies to young children.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- NNEB Qualified Nursery Nurse
- Special Care Baby Unit, Hemel Hempstead Hospital
- Teaching Assistant, Leverstock Green Primary School
- Best Nanny in the world”, as awarded by my 3 gorgeous grandchildren
Languages:
- English (fluent)
- Makaton (basic)
Anthony Kent
Operations Manager
Qualified Early Years Teacher
My name is Anthony and I am from Hertfordshire. I enjoy working in multicultural London as it is a very vibrant city.
I am a qualified Early Years Teacher and love working with children, watching them learn and grow in the Nursery.
I particularly enjoy inspiring young children to take part in music, both as a key area of study and as a transitional tool to engage them in other areas of learning. I like to inspire creativity throughout education, encouraging self-expression and confidence in young children as an important part of their early development.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Early Years Teacher Status Middlesex University
- MSc Advanced Music Production Glamorgan University, Cardiff
- BA Hons Commercial Music Bath Spa University, Bath
- Grade 8 Saxophone and Drum Kit, Grade 5 Music Theory
- Children’s Piano Teacher
- Proud Dad to my beautiful daughter, Lola
Languages:
- English (fluent)
- Makaton
Richard Kent
Finance & ICT Manager
My name is Rik, I am the eldest Kent brother, and very much enjoy working as part of the family nursery team
I studied Accounting & Finance at Bristol University, where I met my lovely wife whilst singing in the choir. Since then I have worked as an Account Executive at Coca Cola where I was responsible for developing customer relationships and managing accounts.
In my spare time I enjoy dinner parties with friends, and spending quality time with my two sons Edward and James, as well as their bunnies Barney and Bluebell. Like my little brother Anthony, I also have a keen interest in music and enjoy playing the saxophone.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- 7 Years experience as an Account Executive, Coca Cola Enterprises
- Grade 8 Saxophone & Grade 5 Music Theory
- Proud Dad to Edward and James
Languages:
- English (fluent)
- Bunny (Intermediate)
Mike Kent
Occupancy Manager
Hi, my name is Mike and I’m the youngest of the 3 brothers Kent! My main role is to help parents register their children at the nursery, as well as managing all existing bookings. I also do the odd bit of IT, fixing and furniture assembly, whatever is called for really.
I joined the nursery a few years ago after leaving university and it has been a really interesting and rewarding journey to go on. Not only is it nice to work with my family, but working with a team that is so dedicated to giving children the best start in life is really inspirational.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, board games and cooking, with my favourite dish being porchetta! I also enjoy spending time with all of the family together, especially with my nephews and niece!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- BA hons Philosophy
- Safeguarding and Food Hygiene Trained
- Paediatric First Aid Qualified
- AAT level 2
Languages:
- English (fluent)
Katie Holmes
Nursery Manager
Hi I’m Katie, I have been part of the Monkey Puzzle Highbury family for the last 3 years and I’m so excited to join Monkey Puzzle Angel. Prior to joining MPH I worked for 2 years in New Jersey, USA as an au pair looking after children aged 3-7. Last year I was awarded a Distinction in my Masters Degree in Early Years Education at University College London (UCL), The Institute of Education. I have also had experience in a preschool in Sweden with children aged 2-5, as part of my undergraduate degree at TheUniversity of Warwick. Whilst in Sweden I had
the opportunity to experience the importance of outdoor learning and forest schools. I’ve also had lots of experience in the U.K. particularly in reception class in a private school nursery.
I love spending time with a wide circle of friends including those that I have made internationally. With them I enjoy trying different styles of restaurants and going to the cinema. I
enjoy walking and playing with my two Golden Retrievers at home in the North of England and also exercising at the gym.
Helping young people to develop has to be the most rewarding thing in life. Children under the age of 6 have such open minds and a willingness to learn which makes them fun to be with. There is nothing more exciting than seeing a child understand a new concept or idea.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
-
- – MA (Distinction) in Early Years Education, University College London (UCL) The Institute of Education
-
- – BA (Hons) Childhood, Education and Society, The University of Warwick
-
- – Au Pair, Preschool and Baby experience
-
- – Experience in Montessori and forest Schools
-
- – Designated Safeguarding Officer
- – Paediatric First Aid Trained
Languages:
- English (fluent)
Martina Lennon
Deputy Manager
My name is Martina and I am proud to say I have worked at Monkey Puzzle for over 5 years! I have completed my Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education here in London, and I have enjoyed putting my knowledge into practice when working with children.
I have 7 years’ experience as a Nursery Practitioner then 3 years as a Room Leader for Toddlers and Babies. During this time, I discovered a love for getting to know the children’s individual personalities and to know that I am part of their progress and development, is so rewarding for me.
I enjoy preparing activities for the children to enjoy and role model this daily to ensure we are meeting each and every child’s potential. This is key to incorporating all areas of development across the curriculum. My heart lies with children and I love watching them grow! I love my journey here at MPA and I want to empower and support my whole team to be the best versions of themselves.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Cache Level 3 – Childcare and Education
- Paediatric First Aid for Childcare
- 10 Years Childcare Experience
- Designated Safeguarding Lead Officer
- – In the Moment lead training
- Schema training
Languages:
- English (fluent)
Rachel Cannon
Operations Manager
My name is Rachel and my experience with working with Monkey Puzzle started when I joined Monkey Puzzle Highbury as Joy’s deputy. I then moved to Monkey Puzzle Angel where I opened the new site and got outstanding on first Ofsted Inspection.
I originally moved to London, from Galway, in the West of Ireland to further my career in Childcare. I have now spent 9 very successful years working with children and being a part of t heir learning and development makes me proud every day! As a nursery manager I work very closely with the individual team members, as their personal and professional development is very important to me.
In my spare time I enjoy meeting up with friends and socialising. My main hobby is Irish Dancing and I’m part of the Maguire O’Shea School of Irish Dancing. Over the past couple of years we have travelled to many competitions in Brighton, Ireland and Milan. I also play ‘Camogie’ which is a physical sport which originated from Ireland.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- 9 Years experience in Childcare including 7 years management experience
- Advanced Safeguarding Certificate, Designaated Safeguarding Officer
- Studying BA degree in Early Years leadership and management
- QQI Level 6 Qualification in Assisting Special Needs and Autism Awareness
- Level 2 in Understanding Autism
- Level 3 Certificate for Children and Young Peoples Workforce
Languages:
- English (Native)
Hi I’m Kathrin from Germany! I moved to England 3 years ago to broaden my horizons. I used to work in nurseries and primary schools in Germany and I also ran a club themed around life in the middle ages in Bavaria!
I have lots of hobbies like painting, travelling, languages and reading. I also enjoy exploring nature and history as well as finding ways to help children explore these areas and develop skills themselves.
When making activities for children, I believe that patience and role modelling with friendship and enthusiasm is important. It’s truly wonderful to see how well children can engage and learn. I look forward to sharing my passion with them and teaching what I can, in as many fun ways as I can think of!
Qualifications, Skills Experience:
- NVQ level 4 (NARIQ equivalent)
- HE Certificate in Linguistics, University of Konstanz
- Over 6 years’ experience in Childcare
- Experience as Au Pair/Nanny.
Languages:
- German (Native)
- English (Fluent)
- Spanish (Intermediate)
- French (Intermediate)
- Farsi (Basic)
Reanna Martin
Deputy Room Leader
Hi I’m Reanna and I am so excited to be joining the MPA team. My family are originally from Jamaica but born and bred South East London and am very proud of where I grew up. I love being apart of a community and being able to contribute positively towards it.
In my spare time I love running, climbing, hiking, swimming football, dance and camping. Anything physically challenging and outdoors I am there!!!
I like working with children because I am able to help shape the develop the future young minds. I like to teach children lots of new songs from my childhood and help them to navigate their day. I want to ensure they have the best time and achieve as much as they can!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- 4 Years in Childcare- Live in nanny
- BTEC level 2 in Health and
Social Care - Military preparation training
- Basic Child Protection
- Covid Secure & Hand
Washing
Languages:
- English (native)
Tatiana Filipe
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Tatiana, I am a native Portuguese speaker but I was born in the UK. I have been studied art, interactive media and then childcare.
I like to draw a lot, so I will be doing a lot of illustration in my spare time and wouldn’t mind even doing a small children’s book one day. I also enjoy watching animated films.
I consider myself a child sometimes as I enjoy their company so much. Children are fun to interact with seen as they can sometimes surprise you the most. I want to help children grow and be the best that they can be!
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
- 1 year experience in child care.
- CACHE Level 2: An introduction to Early Years Education and Care.
Languages:
- English (Fluent)
- Portuguese (Native)
Abbie Carter
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Abbie. I have 2 years’ experience working in childcare. I have recently moved from South London to North London.
I enjoy arts and crafts and being creative and I LOVE a DIY project!! I have just begun learning tennis in my spare time.
I love working with children as it’s a chance for us as practitioners to watch them grow and develop from what they have experienced whilst at nursery.
I am looking forward to watching all the children flourish at MPA!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- 2 years’ experience early years
- Level 3 in Early Learning and Childcare
- Food Hygiene
- Basic safeguarding
- First Aid
Languages:
- English (Native)
Toni Krahn
Nursery Practitioner
My name is Toni and I am from London! I have always been passionate about working with children. I think that every child is an amazing individual who can bring joy to anyone’s day with their excitement and smiley faces. I feel it is important to allow children to express themselves and their interests!
I have been working in childcare for many years now and I wouldn’t change it! It’s such an amazing profession to be involved in. No day is ever the same! I love not only watching the children grow and develop but being a part of their learning and development. I particularly enjoy messy play and baking! One of the best things about this job is being a child again with the children. There is nothing more amazing than seeing a child’s happy smiling face and watching them achieve something! This job is full of adventures and new experiences each day.
In my spare time I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends and recently found a passion for making cheesecakes!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Level 3 Childcare
- 7 years experience in childcare
- Room Leader experience
- Basic child protection
- Food Hygiene
Languages:
- English (native)
Teresa Agostinho
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Teresa. I lived and worked in Portugal until 1995 when I moved to England to work as a live in Nanny. I enjoy jogging, reading, quizzes and listening to music. In my spare time I enjoy doing chores and taking care of my house. I love resting and talking to friends and family. I first took an interest in childcare after I started looking after my neighbour’s children. I look forward to getting involved in the activities with the children and making them smile!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- 26 years’ experience early years
- Level 3 in Early Learning and Childcare
- Level 2 in Early Learning and Childcare
- Food Hygiene
- Basic safeguarding
Languages:
- English
- Portuguese (native)
- Spanish (basic)
Marta Perez Barros
Nursery Practitioner
Hi my name is Marta! I grew up in Gran Canaria but have also spent time living in Dublin and Switzerland. I have spent most of my career working in jobs relating to tourism before changing for a career in childcare. I started my career in childcare as a babysitter and have really enjoyed learning with the children every day.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, yoga and travel.
I always wanted to work with children so I’m very excited to be working at Monkey Puzzle Angel. I look forward to learning it all.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Basic safeguarding
- Food hygiene
- First aid
- Experience babysitting
- Introduction to Early Years Foundation Stage
Languages:
- Spanish – Native
- English – Intermediate
Lola Evans
Nursery Assistant
I have always lived in London and I feel working with children is fantastic because of the progression that you can enable. Helping children to learn while playing is an incredibly positive and uplifting experience. As a hobby I enjoy cooking, swimming, and walking, I also like gardening and fashion. I like working with children because they brighten your day up and make me smile. I find it fascinating how they all have different character traits. I like helping children to learn. I believe playing, exploring and being creative is the best way to teach young children.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
- Basic safeguarding training
- Customer service experience
- Looking to develop her knowledge and experience in childcare
- Food hygiene
Languages:
- English (Native)
Sabrina Shpata
Nursery Assistant
Hi I’m Sabrina, I was born and grew up in Rome, Italy. I always wanted to come and live here in the UK, to learn English and have new experiences.
I like to travel explore new places, to be in the nature. I like to spend time with people that I love.
I love working with children, you can learn a lot from them. I like to build good and strong relationships with children so they are happy to spend time with me and they feel free to express themselves.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Food Hygeiene
- Basic Child Protection
- Pediatric First Aid
Languages:
- English (fluent)
- Albanian (native)
- Italian (native)
Luna Serratore
Deputy Room Leader
Hi, I’m Luna, I was born in Italy and moved to England in 2014. I have always wanted to live in London since I was a child so one day, I decided to make the move to the big city.
My passion started when my little brother was born, I was 12 and I helped my mum look after him.
I love working with children because I feel I can positively contribute towards the children’s learning by combining my passion with the skills I developed during my studies. I am very excited to see what positive outcomes I can help the children achieve.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
-BA Honors in Education Studies
-1 year Experience working in a nursery.
-Professional Diploma in Dental care
-Basic Child Protection
-Covid Secure & Hand Washing
Languages:
-Italian (native)
-English (fluent)
Rebecca Dominguez
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Rebecca and I was born in Venezuela but have lots of family who live still in Spain.
Before moving to London 9 months ago I was living and working in Madrid. I love the culture the food and of course the weather! Despite loving my country I decided I wanted to progress my career and work with other cultures and learn about different education systems. I hope to one day use what I learn in the UK to develop the Spanish educational system.
In my spare time I love to play sport especially dance and ice skating. I also really enjoy spending time with the people I love as I am a very social person. When I do have time to relax I love to read and disconnect with the world. I love to work with children because I really like to see how children absorb everything around them. I look forward to contributing towards the children’s learning at MPA.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- Early Years Education Degree
- Basic safeguarding
- Food hygiene
- 4 years’ experience in childcare
Languages:
- Spanish – Native
- English – Intermediate
Luci Astall-Fuller
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Luci I have lived in the UK my whole life.
I enjoy going to concerts and festivals as I love music! Things I also like to do in my spare time are going to see movies and reading books.
I love working with children because you have the opportunity to give help them learn something new.
I look forward to joining MPA and watching the children grow and develop.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
- Level 3 in Early Years
- First Aid trained
- Level 3 in Makaton Workshop
- Safeguarding training
- 5 years’ experience in childcare
Languages:
- English (Native)
Harry Bell
Nursery Assistant
Hi my name is Harry! I have lived in Australia for all my life before moving to London a year ago, I have had experience working in different sectors. In all of my experience I have enjoyed being creative and the element of team work. I made the decision to gain more life experiences.
In my spare time I enjoy singing, jazz piano and song writing. I also have a passion for readying, playing chess and keeping fit by running.
I love being creative and having fun mixed with learning. I love the fact that I can make an impact on children’s development. I look forward to seeing the children grow and develop.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
– Diploma of Jazz Performance
– Basic Safeguarding training.
– Certificate of Education
– Food Hygiene
– Basic Child protection
Languages:
– English
Elena Sheppard
Nursery Assistant
Hello! My name is Elena, but most people call me Layna! I was born in London but raised in Northern Ireland. I loved the culture and how close everyone was in the community; it still feels like home to this day. I wanted to live and work in London because I love this city, it was where I was born. And secondly, as well as my passion and love for childcare, my other passion is for the performing arts.
In my spare time, I love going on long walks, so a usual adventure up to Hampstead Heath is very common! When I’m back home in Northern Ireland, my favourite sport is surfing and swimming in the open water.
I absolutely love working with children! Children are so passionate and excitable about any activity they do or accomplish, and I love being involved and helping build in their imagination. Be it through sensory motor skills by cutting through glitter pasta or making slime and watching how they manoeuvre a task in a puzzle or talk to their friends; the children bring me into their world and I absolutely love it.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- 5 years’ experience in childcare
- Diploma in Musical Theatre
- Food and Hygiene
- Basic Child protection
Languages:
- English
Aga Wendykowska
Room Leader
Hi I’m Aga, from Poland! I came to London to challenge myself to develop further as a childcare professional. After completing university, I worked with children in Greece and Croatia before settling in London.
Working with children is fantastic because of the progression that you can enable. Helping children to learn while playing is an incredibly positive and uplifting experience; I always enjoy watching their knowledge and creativity develop.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, cinema and choir singing. I also greatly enjoying travelling and exploring new cities and cultures!
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
- QTS (BA in Pedagogy)
- Masters in Pedagogy
- Experience in a variety of childcare roles (including Room Leader Role)
- Paediatric First Aid Trained
Languages:
- Polish (Native)
- English (Fluent)
Jemima Panda
Deputy Room Leader
Hi I’m Jemima and I’m really happy to be working at Monkey Puzzle Angel. I recently completed my bachelor’s in childhood studies and now I’m excited to be really involved with the learning and development of the children.
I’m passionate about progress, in my personal life, I love going to the gym, either by myself or with my sister, because I get a real sense of progression out of it. I also enjoy watching how children progress in the right environments.
I myself have 2 nieces and a nephew who I love dearly; I especially like watching them play and explore the world.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- BA (Hons) Childhood Studies
- BTEC Health and Social Care (Level 2&3)
- Paediatric First Aid Trained
- Level 2 in Food Hygiene
Languages:
- English (native)
- French (intermediate)
- Lingali (intermediate)
Ana Diaz
Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Ana and I am originally from Spain. I grew up in Toledo which was a fantastic green environment full of nature. My favorite thing to do is play different sports. The one I love most is handball as I was playing for 8 years. After playing I then went onto coach which was a great experience too.
Whilst at university I become confident with my English and it was during this time that I decided to move to London.
The thing I love about working with children is that they are always looking for your help and love and enjoying being able to give them this through learning. They make life better so my goal in educating them is to give back to them my best self so they can learn and grow in my care.
Qualifications, Skills &Experience:
-2 Years in Childcare
– Primary Education Degree
– Basic Safeguarding &Child Protection
– Food Hygiene
Languages:
– English- Advance
– Spanish- Native
Evelyn Obeng
Nursery Chef
My name is Evelyn and I’m so happy to be working here at Monkey Puzzle Angel. I spent roughly 14 years as a chef in a gentleman’s club and another 15 working in nurseries.
Working with food and children is a great combination for me! I get to do what I love without spending all day in a hot kitchen, and I get to see the smiles on the children’s faces at meal times, when you might see me bringing out my food trolley to serve our esteemed guests.
My third passion is music, whether I’m listening to it at work, relaxing at home or going dancing! But my favourite thing is seeing how the children learn and grow throughout their time at the nursery. I like to feel like a part of that journey by cooking healthy food that makes them smile and helps them grow every day!
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- 29 years total of professional cooking
- Level 2 Emergency First Aid (QCF)
- Level 2 Food Safety in Catering
- ‘Healthy Menus, Healthy Children’ training
Languages:
- English (fluent)
Lynda David
Assistant Chef
I have always lived in London but I also enjoy travelling to different countries around the world as well as the West indies where I am from.
In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit at the gym, but as any gym my favourite part in the sauna.
I have worked with children ages 0-18 for over 20 years. I have enjoyed helping them learn about healthy eating and doing cooking activities with the children.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
-Level 3 in Food Hygiene.
– 22 years total of professional cooking.
-Safeguarding training.
-First aid training.
Languages:
-English (Fluent)