Staff - St Albans

Meet the Staff

The Kent Family

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)

Meet the management

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)

Hannah Oxley
Nursery Manager
SENCO

Mental Health Aware

Designated Safeguarding Officer
Level 5

I gained my Level 2 and level 3 in childcare when I first started my career working with children and I am proud to say that I have also achieved my Level 5 qualification in Leadership & Management in Early Years whilst working at Monkey Puzzle.

I have also achieved First Aid, Food Hygiene, and range of Safeguarding qualifications as well as staying up to date with regular SENCo courses and clusters.

I like to spend time visiting family and I first became interested in pursuing a career in childcare after I looked after my younger cousins during the long school holidays.

In my spare time I volunteer with St Albans Sea Cadets & Royal Marine Cadets, a hobby I have pursued since I joined as a cadet myself at 14 years old. Whilst there I help young people gain valuable skills and qualifications to broaden their experiences and opportunities.

I also enjoy running when I can & being active outside.

Louise Hardiman
Nursery Deputy Manager

SENCo

Mental Health Aware

Designated Safeguarding Officer
Level 3

I enjoy looking after children and helping them learn different things. I have been working with children for over nine years and enjoy supporting them and seeing them develop. I have been part of the Monkey Puzzle Ridgmont Road Team since 2015 and I am proud of my progression and development since I started.

I have a wealth of experience with the Early Years Foundation Stage & I enjoy being creative with planning ideas, sharing these ideas with my team & helping others to develop too.

I have both my level 2 and 3 childcare qualification which I achieved alongside working in a childcare setting. I would like to study further and increase my knowledge of child development and supporting children with special educational needs in the future.

Zainab Danba

Third In Charge

Level 6

I have a keen interest in childcare & enjoy looking after children of all ages as I find it extremely rewarding to support them in their learning and development.

During my free time I enjoy shopping, reading & I also love travelling to various places, experiencing new things & discovering more about the lifestyle of others.

I am currently completing my masters degree in Childhood and Education in Diverse Societies at university.

Tammy Pledger

Third in Charge

Level 3

Working and caring for children is something I have always done as my career.

I achieved my Level 3 whilst working in a private nursery which I felt was a great experience and I learnt my craft.

In my spare I love to spend time with friends and enjoy dinner parties and going to the cinema.

Kitchen Staff

Dean Edwards
Kitchen Manager/Chef

Level 2 Nutrition & Health Qualified

I have been a chef for the past nine years. I started my career as an apprentice and worked my way up to Head Chef in a four star hotel.

I have cooked in a variety of places such as restaurants, pubs, university and my passion for cooking is still as strong as its ever been.

Its a gratifying experience cooking for youngsters as they rely on me for nutritious healthy food. I weaned my own daughter and cooked everything fresh for her.

If I do manage to find any spare time I like to be with family and friends, I also enjoy constructing Lego!

Kate Wong
Kitchen Assistant

I am so excited to be part of the team at Monkey Puzzle Ridgmont Road. I worked as waitress in a Japanese restaurant when I was young, I have since moved to the UK and had my son and now being a mum is my greatest joy. In my spare time I enjoy cooking different foods for my son and spending time with family and friends. I also love reading and watching movies.

Bluebells

Nicole Crowder
Bluebells Floor Manager
Level 6

I achieved my level 3 in 2009 which led to me working in a primary school for almost 9 years, during this time I achieved my Foundation Degree and then my B.A Degree.

I have also worked in private nurseries.

In my spare time I enjoy taking my puppy for a walk, looking after my young nephew and spending time with my family at our caravan. I also stay fit at Zumba!

Ellie McClenaghan
Nursery Nurse
Level 2
Bluebells Deputy Floor Manager

I was very excited to have been given this fantastic opportunity to start my career in childcare with Monkey Puzzle Ridgmont Road, I have now worked at the nursery for quite some time and I’m proud that I completed my Level 2 and have also started my Level 3 qualification.

I really enjoy being part of the team, all the staff are so friendly and helpful. The children are amazing and I continue to develop my passion for working in Early Years.

I pride myself on my kind & caring nature, I am fun loving & sociable & love spending time with my friends & family , watching films & eating Italian food!

Shirrelle Sinclair
Senior Nursery Nurse
Level 5
Bluebells Deputy Floor Manager

I have been part of the Monkey Puzzle team at Orient Close for over a year and I am looking forward to expanding my own experiences as well as sharing my knowledge with the team at Ridgmont Road. I have completed a Foundation Degree in Child & Family Studies as well as a degree in Child & Adolescent Studies and it is very rewarding to put this knowledge and learning into practice. In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym and being artistic!

Sheetal Mistry
Nursery Assistant

Being a mother gives me so much pleasure, so having this opportunity is really fulfilling my dream. I am grateful to be part of the team at Monkey Puzzle Ridgmont Road.

In my spare time I like to do baking as well as spending time with friends and my daughter.

Louise Niemczyk
Nursery Assistant
I grew up as part of a large family which sparked my interest and have worked as a babysitter, during this time have gained knowledge about the needs of children in my care and I am passionate about making a positive impact for them. I am looking forward to getting to know the children and the team at Monkey Puzzle and developing my knowledge and experiences further, including by completing my Level 3 in Early Years. In my spare time I enjoy being creative through painting or sculpting as well as exercising outdoors such as hiking and running.

Kerry McCreight

Senior Nursery Nurse

I started my journey into childcare at college and went on to work in an Early Years setting whilst completing my Level 3 and gained lots of experience working with different age groups and in two different settings as I relocated to Hertfordshire. I’ve been looking for a new challenge to continue with my own professional development and I feel I can make a positive impact on the Nursery, the Team and the Children at Monkey Puzzle. In my spare time, I enjoy going on day trips and sight seeing with my family and friends as well as trying new things such as canoeing or climbing!

Rosa Russo
Senior Nursery Nurse

Seeing children grow from a baby and develop into young children is my passion. I have been working with children since I was 16 through babysitting and helping out at summer play groups. I continued this interest by choosing to attend university in Naples where I achieved my bachelor’s degree in Education. This is my passion and the work I’ve always wanted to do in life.

I love to spend time with my family and during my free time I love photography and painting.

Francillia Adedeji

Nursery Nurse

I have enjoyed working with children in a Primary School as well as working in a Mother & Baby unit in a hospital. I also come from a large family myself and have enjoyed babysitting for various family members.

I have achieved my Level 2 in Childcare whilst I was in Sixth Form as it was an interest of mine and I look forward to starting my Level 3 studies whilst working at Monkey Puzzle. I am excited to join their Bluebells Team and care for the youngest children in the setting.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

Julia Bunton
Senior Nursery Nurse/Lunch Cover

Level 3

I so enjoy working at Monkey Puzzle and being part of an amazing team.

I have worked in schools and nurseries most my adult life and enjoy working with the children and building up strong bonds with the team around me.

Lynne Charman
Nursery Assistant

I have always wanted to work with children however it never felt like the right time, I focused on raising my two sons who are now all grown up! When they were younger I enjoyed volunteering in their schools to assist with reading, school trips and creative activities which was very fulfilling. I’m looking forward to learning about how to support children’s development and develop my own skills and knowledge whilst working at Monkey Puzzle. In my spare time I enjoy reading, music, films and socialising with my friends and family. I also enjoy walking and exploring new places.

Blossoms

Chloe Murphy

Blossoms Floor Manager
Nursery Nurse

From a young age I have always enjoyed being with children and when I qualified at college I knew it was the career I wanted.

In my spare time I enjoy being with my friends and family.

I’m currently studying towards my Level 3 qualification.

Ifza Ali

Blossoms Deputy Floor Manager

Senior Nursery Nurse

Level 3

I have been working with children from under five for the past five years. From an early age I always knew the career path I wanted to choose was working with children and I am grateful that I have ended up working at Monkey Puzzle. Having a job that you love is an amazing feeling.

In my spare time I enjoy experiencing lots of different foods.

I love being a part of the Monkey Puzzle team & helping to create a safe & supportive environment for the children to develop & learn.

Julie Kirkpatrick
Senior Nursery Nurse

Level 3

I am a happily married mum of two grown up, independent children. I have always enjoyed caring and looking after others so when an opportunity arose to work in Early Years I instantly accepted it, that was 16 years ago!

I am NVQ Level 2 and 3 qualified, First Aid trained and have other skills including Safeguarding and SENCo.

I enjoy reading as well as cooking and entertaining for family and friends.

Patrice Thomas
Senior Nursery Nurse

From an early age and for as long as I can remember I have always liked being around younger children, they can be so interesting! I have always enjoyed helping and teaching them, including simple tasks in their everyday life. I studied and achieved both my level 2 and level 3 qualifications in childcare at college which extended my knowledge and understanding of child development and working with children. I’m looking forward to putting what I have learned into further practice. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, as well as going for walks and spending time outside.

Lucy Whiley

Nursery Nurse

Level 2

I’ve worked in Childcare since leaving school and I am proud to have completed my Level 2 Childcare qualification. I am excited to be part of the Outstanding Monkey Puzzle Team and have just started my Level 3 learning.

In my spare time I enjoy creative activities and being with my friends and family and going to knew places.

Bushra Zakriya
Senior Nursery Nurse

Level 3

Whilst raising my own children, I developed an interest in the development and education of young children, prompting me to complete my Level 3 course and look into working in childcare.

Now that my children are all grown up, I am excited to start my career in Early Years at Monkey Puzzle Ridgmont Road.

Kelsey Stanislaus

Nursery Assistant

Antonia-Louise James

Senior Nursery Nurse
Level 3

I have completed my Level 2 in childcare whilst at college and then went on to complete my Level 3 alongside working in a nursery. I have experience working with the different age groups for children under 5 and I enjoy working with all ages. I like being able to help them learn and develop their skills in different ways. I’m looking forward to joining the Monkey Puzzle Team and expanding my experiences. In my spare time I like to spend it with my family, watching films and going to the park.

Sunflowers

Saima Jalil
Sunflowers Floor Manager
Level 2

I am multi-lingual, well-travelled and passionate about different cultures and recognising children as unique individuals.

I connect with children and feel a great sense of accomplishment in helping children achieve during their time at the nursery. Working with children gives me joy and happiness.

Away from nursery, I am a housewife. I enjoy going out with my husband. I enjoy socialising, walking, cooking dinner parties with my friends, shopping, travelling and listening to music.

Kemone White

Sunflowers Deputy Floor Manager
Senior Nursery Nurse

Level 3

From the age of 15 I knew I wanted to work with children of all ages & I am very passionate about this. Caring for my younger siblings gave me the hands on experience which helped me to develop a caring & nurturing personality.

I studied at The University of the West Indies & achieved my Diploma in Teaching (Primary Education) & for several years have worked as a teaching assistant & a teacher.

I love nothing more than being a mum and spending time with my family.

Bethany Digweed
Nursery Assistant

From an early age I knew that I wanted to work in childcare, this is a dream that I never gave up on and as I result I have been working with children in Early years since 2009. I am very passionate about caring for children and providing them with the best opportunities to learn. I truly believe that Every Child Matters and is unique, they should be given equal opportunities to learn and develop their skills for the future. I currently hold a Level 2 and Level 3 qualification in Early Childhood Development and I am looking forward to studying further and continuing my development whilst working at Monkey Puzzle. I strongly believe in family bonding, therefore I enjoy spending my spare time with my family.

Melanie Belson

Senior Nursery Nurse/Lunch Cover

Level 3

I’m pleased to say that I have been enjoying working in childcare for over 12 years! I have 3 wonderful children of my own, one of whom is at University, one studying for their A Levels and my youngest who is doing their GCSE’s this year. I enjoy working with children, nurturing their development and watching their confidence grow as they learn new things and build friendships.

In my spare time I try to keep myself fit by jogging, both for fun and by taking part in charity runs!

Shanjeedah Begum

Senior Nursery Nurse

I am currently studying Education & Early Years at University alongside developing my career in childcare.

I have a passion for working with children and helping them to grow and develop, I really enjoy seeing them learn a new skill or knowledge.

Nazifa Chowdhury
Nursery Nurse

I have a very big extended family and have grown up caring for the little children around me. From a young age I always knew that I wanted to work with children and help them find their little feet in the big world. I strongly believe that children are our future and that we should allow them to explore and develop freely!

I am currently studying Early Years at University and I am hoping to put my learning into practice through this opportunity I have been given by Monkey Puzzle!

In my spare time I enjoy baking tasty treats for my family.

Phoenix O’Neill
Senior Nursery Nurse

I grew up within a large family of teachers, my grandmother owned multiple Montessori nurseries around the country and my great grandmother was trained by Maria Montessori herself, which inspired me to start my career within childcare. I gained my level 3 qualification straight from school in 2013 and worked within my previous nursery for the last 12 years. I am a naturally caring and empathic person and feel this is also what sparked my interest in providing the best care/learning for children and being a positive role model for them.

In my spare time I like to socialise with friends and family, write songs, produce music, draw/paint, attend live music and I also have a strong passion for animals.

I am looking forward to being part of the team at Monkey Puzzle and getting to know the children and the rest of the team!

Farzana Malique
Senior Nursery Nurse

Whilst growing up I helped to care for my siblings and in recent years I have helped various family members by babysitting for them. I achieved my Level 2 and 3 in Childcare at college and whilst working in a previous setting, I look forward to continuing to develop my career in childcare and expand my experience whilst working at Monkey Puzzle Ridgmont Road. I am currently studying towards a degree in Psychology at the University of Bedfordshire and hope to combine this with my childcare knowledge and experience in the future.

Marta Artuso
Nursery Assistant

Growing up as part of a large family, I have always found myself involved with children of all ages. Since becoming a mum, I have realised how important and rewarding it is to be involved in a child’s early years development. I have volunteered at local play groups and at my children’s schools and I also regularly baby-sit for friends and family.

During my time at Monkey Puzzle, I have worked in all rooms and have enjoyed running Italian sessions in Red Monkeys.

Dana Mariuta
Nursery Assistant

I became interested in working with children after spending lots of time caring for my little sister, taking her for walks and helping to look after her.

I moved to the UK from Romania in 2016 and after a few years made the decision to move into childcare and develop my interest in supporting children with their development by working in a Day Nursery.

I am looking forward to working with the team at Monkey Puzzle and starting my Level 3 qualification.

In my spare time I enjoy socialising, travelling, reading and practicing applying make up.

Floating Staff

Louise Rice
Nursery Assistant/Bank Staff

I qualified as a paediatric nurse in 2015 & from working in a variety of settings, I soon realised that how children learn & develop fascinated me. Between 0-5 year’s children learn at such a fast rate & they have a thirst for knowledge. It fills me with excitement & enthusiasm to be a part of helping them grow!

I am currently studying towards my Level 3 qualification.

In my spare time I love to dance Latin & Ballroom, I am a keen tennis player & also enjoy walking in the countryside with my friends & family.

Roxana Iscrulescu

Nursery Assistant

I started my journey at Monkey Puzzle as a volunteer whilst studying towards my Level 2 qualification and I am pleased that I am now working daily as Nursery Assistant.

I love spending time with my family.

Hayley Wilson
Nursery Nurse
Level 2

Since leaving school in 2006 I have worked in retail, experiencing a variety of roles including being a Supervisor & Assistant Manager.

However, since my niece & nephew were born & also having a little boy of my own, it has sparked a strong interest for me to develop a career in childcare & I look forward to work at Monkey Puzzle every day.

I love spending my spare time with friends & family & having day trips out with my son.

Melesia Anderson – Currently on Maternity Leave
Senior Nursery Nurse

Chelsea Darvell – Currently on Maternity Leave
Nursery Assistant

I have always had an interest in working with children and I am excited about this opportunity to expand my experience. I grew up as part of a large family and enjoyed looking after my little brother as well as babysitting for friend’s children. I want to be able to give support and advantages to children as much as I can by supporting their developing and caring for them.

In my spare time I enjoy both playing and watching football as well as spending time with friends and my partner.

Ana Maria Dominguez Prats
Senior Nursery Nurse

BANK STAFF

Level 6

I am originally from Spain and I am passionate about education. I love working with children as it so rewarding.

I finished my degree in Spain and now want to improve and grow my knowledge. Monkey Puzzle is an amazing opportunity and I am happy to be part of this incredible team.

During my spare time I love to climb, hike and travel and appreciate nature.