Please roll over the staff photos to see our staff as toddlers!
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)
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)
Megan Homfray
Nursery Manager
SENCO
Designated Safeguarding Officer
Children’s Mental Health, Level 2
Adult Mental Health Awareness
Since the early age of 14 I have had a vast amount of experience involving working with children. I have been a tutor of both Maths and English for 7 years. I have also been a children’s entertainer and a babysitter for various families.
At Monkey Puzzle I have been lucky enough to work with all age groups from 3 months to 5 years and my personal development has evolved allowing me to progress both professionally and personally.
Growing up in a large family helped my determination to work with children grow and develop.
I am proud to have completed my childcare qualification, level 3 whilst I’ve been working at Monkey Puzzle as well as gaining my Level 5.
During my gap year I volunteered in Cameroon working in both the hospitals and schools carrying out a variety of tasks, this was an amazing experience that I will never forget.
Gabriella Forsyth 
Nursery Deputy Manager
Designated Safeguarding Officer
Level 3
After spending 6 years at Ridgmont Road, where I worked my way up to Third in Charge, I am excited to be part of the team at Orient Close!
In my spare time I enjoy mixing with friends and going out with my family. I am also currently attempting to learn the guitar and I try to cook as much as I can.
I enjoy walking my dog.
Bela Ribeiro 
Third in Charge
CURRENTLY ON MATERNITY LEAVE
I have always had been surrounded by children as I come from a large family, so working within a childcare and education sector to me was an easy career path.
What I love mostly about working with children is the sense of achievement you get as you watch them learn something new every day and grow into little explorers in everything they do and the curiosity that comes with it. You develop lovely bonds with the children along with all the laughter and the huge imagination that is explored when having conversations with the children. My enjoyment in nurseries vary from getting involved with messy play to having a quite sit down and reading a lovely story or singing nursery rhymes.
In my spare time I really enjoy to go out and meet up with my family and friends, we do large lunches or dinners. Go on long walks, watching movies or listening to music followed by singing very loudly to myself and dancing around. I also have a very sweet tooth so baking or eating is something I do quite often.
Alice Dale
Third In Charge
Senior Nursery Nurse & Bumblebees Floor Manager – Level 6
From a young age I always knew I wanted to work with children and have built up my experiences from babysitting for various families to becoming a private nanny.
Having just completed my BA in Early Childhood Education I am eager to expel my knowledge to others to encourage the deeper understandings of child development and provide opportunities for the children to promote independence and develop holistically as an individual.
In my spare time I enjoy seeing my family and friends and watching rugby games!
Mykaylah Turrell
Ladybirds Room Leader
I am qualified level 2 practitioner. I find it lots of fun when planning activities using the outside area and messy play.
In my own time I spend lots of time with my brother and sister and enjoy holidays to Cyprus.
I enjoy going out and experiencing new things.
I am currently studying towards my Level 3 Childcare qualification.
Mumtahina Rahman
Butterflies Room Leader
Senior Nursery Nurse
Level 6
Since completing my work placement in a nursery during my 2nd year of University as a Student Researcher, it became very evident to me that I want to provide children with the best quality care and experience.
Having completed my BA in Early Childhood Education, I truly believe that there is more to a child than what meets the eye. This has therefore influenced me to peruse the role as an early years practitioner in order to support children in their holistic development and also allow them to have the independence to become their own person.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends and am a passionate baker.
April Harpin
Senior Nursery Nurse
I am a qualified Level 3 practitioner and have been working in childcare since I was 16. I enjoy arts & crafts and getting messy with the children.
I hope to start my Level 4 and then go on to compltet my BA honours degree in Early Childcare as I believe that this will be a great way to extend my knowledge.
In my spare time I enjoy seeing my friends & family, travelling and exploring various places. I love film & music and can quiet often be found having a good dance!
I am enjoying being part of the Red Monkeys Team.
Georgina Witherall
Level 3 practitioner
I have worked with children for over seven years, growing up mu mum was a childminder so I have always been around children and always enjoyed helping and supporting them.
When I’m not working I am a busy mum and we enjoy nothing more than doing different activities and laughing together.
I’m my spare time I enjoy seeing friends and family, going on long walks to lots of different places.
Catherine Green
Senior Nursery Nurse
From a young age I have always wanted to work with children. I have studied and successfully passed the courses for Level 2, 3 and extended CACHE level 3 diploma in Children & Young Peoples Workforce.
I joined Monkey Puzzle, Ridgmont Rd as part of my placement and was then lucky enough to be offered a permanent role where I have been working for almost 5 years. I have enjoyed my time at Ridgmont road so much but I am very excited to be moving over to Orient Close
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music and cooking. I play the trumpet. I also enjoy watching football and for 3years I played for St Albans Rangers.
Aisha Irving
Nursery Nurse Level 2
I am a Level 2 qualified Nursery Nurse and I have been caring for children since my early teens. I gained my qualification while working full time in a nursery setting and I am hoping to be able to complete my Level 3 qualification whilst working at Monkey Puzzle.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy taking my dogs for walks, going to the cinema, eating out and going on holidays!
I love being part of the Monkey Puzzle team!
Gemma Else
Nursery Nurse
I have been a hairdresser for many years but decided to take a step back when I had my daughter, who is now at school!
After watching her grow I knew I wanted to work with children as a career change. Watching them grow and develop is such a reward and I am happy
to be able to contribute to that.
I am so pleased to be part of the Monkey Puzzle Team.
In my spare time I enjoy socialising with friends and family and spending quality time with my daughter, we love having fun days out together.
I am proud to say that I have gained my Level 3 childcare qualification.
Sally Brown
Nursery Nurse
Level 2
I became interested in working with children when I was 9 years old when my niece was born, and I spent a lot of my teenage years looking after her. I then became a mother myself and spent the next 18 years raising my 4 lovely children.
Now that my children are growing up, I am ready to begin my dream career and work with children of nursery age. I have recently been working as a breakfast club and after school club supervisor with children aged 4-11 years, but am really looking forward to beginning my journey in a nursery. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and watching movies.
Lauren Porter
Nursery Nurse
Level 2 Nursery Nurse with experience of working in a variety of different nurseries.
I am very interested in studying towards my Level 3 in the near future which I hope to achieve whilst working at Monkey Puzzle.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and family and looking after my three beautiful horses.
Annabelle Lisowski
Senior Nursery Nurse
Since taking part in my college work placement, I knew that childcare was the role for me. I enjoy watching the children grow and develop, taking part in their activities and having fun! I have achieved my Level 3 in childcare and hope to move on to completing a higher childcare qualification whilst working at Monkey Puzzle.
In my spare time I enjoy travelling to different countries, especially America. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family.
I look forward to joining the Monkey Puzzle team and expanding my knowledge further.
Maria
My name is Maria, I am from Spain, but I moved to UK over 6 years ago.
I started studying for childcare about 3 years ago and I am currently studying towards my level 3 in Early Years Educator.
I have always loved children, that is why I decided to join this beautiful career. There is a quote that I really like that it says: “find a job you love, and you will never work again”. It really defines me.
In my spare time I enjoy doing my scrapbook and eating out!
Syeda
I have always had a passion for working with children. After volunteering in a local school, I was offered my first job within a childcare setting, from there I have completed my Level 2 in childcare. Over the years I have built on my experiences through nursery setting, caring for my own children and as a childminder. I look forward to joining the Monkey Puzzle team!
My hobbies include backing, cooking and spending time with my family. I am also a qualified Henna artist.
Mandy
Hi, I’m Mandy.
After spending many years working in all aspects of the care industry I have decided that I would like to settle into a childcare profession working alongside pre-school aged children.
I have two grown up children of my own that I thoroughly enjoyed watching and supporting growing into the wonderful adults that they are today!
Outside of my work life, I have my own horse whom I spend all of my free time with. My other hobbies also include being creative with crafts and DIY.
Sabina Stoyanova
Hi, I am Sabina and I’m from Bulgaria.
Since I was a child, I always wanted to be a teacher and work with children. I have over 20 years of childcare experience which I gained working both here and back in Bulgaria. What I love most about this job is the fact that everyday is a new adventure, a shared experience with little people with many different personalities. I enjoy creating new experiences for them as well as interacting and helping them to reach their own personal milestones.
In my spare time I enjoy walking, listening to music, reading, and working with arts and crafts.
Kathryn Lyes-Robinson
Caitlyn Harvey
My name is Caitlyn and I am a Nursery Assistant.
I started Monkey Puzzle Orient Close in April 2022, before this I worked as Deputy Manager at a bakery in St Albans, through this I was serving customers, getting to know the people from the local community.
In my spare time I am a staff member at St Albans sea cadets in which I take part and teach boating and skills to 10-18 year olds. My favourite boating to take part in is Kayaking.
Bethan Homfray – BANK STAFF
Nursery Assistant
Throughout my life I have always looked after and care for children, from babysitting to nannying. I also spent time tutoring children aged 4-15 in Maths and English and enjoyed watching them grow and develop.
I have many hobbies that include spending time with friends, walking my dog and baking! My happy place is Turkey where I have spent many wonderful summers.
I hope to study to become a paramedic in the future. I feel privileged to be part of the Monkey Puzzle team.
Matthew Hall
Nursery Chef
Hi, I’m Matt, a father of two girls with one grandson. I love everything food and family.
I have been a chef for over 20 years, from working in pubs and restaurants to owning my own restaurant. I also worked for a couple of years in elderly care homes but have now switched to cooking healthy and nutritious food for the children at Monkey Puzzle.
I have my own allotment and spend every spare minute I can there, providing food for my friends and family from field to plate. I also enjoy reading and love learning about new cultures and cuisines.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
- NVQ Level 3 Kitchen Management
- NVQ Level 1 and 2 Food Preparation and Cooking
- Intermediate Food Safety and Hygiene Level 2
Languages:
- English
Sally Smith
Kitchen Pot Washer
I am enjoying being part of the Monkey Puzzle Team and supporting the Nursery Chef in his daily role.
I have been working in school settings in various different roles, including in the kitchen. I am a Mum to my lovely daughter who is now at secondary school and we enjoy spending lots of time together doing things such as shopping, bowling and eating out in pudding restaurants!
Career opportunities
Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries are committed to providing great career opportunities for its entire staffing team. We are dedicated to staff development and actively encourage staff to train at all levels. Our policy is to recruit and/or promote internally allowing staff progression which we recognise as a priority.
This is a rapidly expanding business and we are always looking for quality staff for our existing Nurseries. Please contact us for details of our current vacancies.
Policies
Other information will go on and off the area as necessary.
