Meraki Montessori International
Meraki is a Montessori pre-school open to children from all cultures and backgrounds as well as those with special needs, below the age of six.
Vision
Enabling every child to reach their FULLEST potential.
Mission
We’re committed to providing a safe, open and dynamic environment that embraces each child’s uniqueness, encourages self-expression, fires up curiosity and fosters a love of learning to nurture children who’re happy, self-aware, confident, independent, socially conscious and primed to grow into responsible leaders of the future.
True to the meaning of our name, Meraki, we approach our vision and mission with great soul and creativity as we believe that the Montessori method is not merely a set of techniques but a holistic approach that requires genuine love for and dedication towards children's development. Therefore holistic, hands-on, child-led, peer-to-peer learning forms the cornerstone of our modus operandi.
We invite you to come co-create your children’s stories—where their laughter intertwines with a stimulated quest for knowledge, and the flame of their potential burns brighter each passing day. With our collective passion, let’s illuminate a path of boundless possibilities for the precious little souls.
As Dr. Maria Montessori says, "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world".
The co-founders of MMI are united by their deep-rooted belief in Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy, dedication to excellence, integrity in work, and the constant pursuit of personal and professional growth.
As seasoned Montessorians, they have a deep understanding of the unique needs and potentials of young minds. Moreover, having witnessed remarkable transformations when children are given the freedom to explore, discover, and grow in an environment rooted in Montessori principles, they have the willingness and ability to adapt to and bolster children’s individual aptitudes.
Passionate about fostering curiosity and a love for lifelong learning in every child, they inspire a vibrant community of educators, parents, and students who share their vision.
Avni Jalan
CO-FOUNDER
Avni’s foray into Montessori takes the phrase ‘walk-the-talk’ a notch further. She chose to talk, after loving the walk. Inspired by the transformative impact of Montessori education on her children in terms of creative thinking, problem-solving, independence, confidence and a sense of responsibility, Avni left her career in specialised accounting to pursue a Primary Diploma (focusing on 3-to-6-year-olds) from Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), Netherlands.
Ever since, as a Montessori educator, she has been empowering pre-primary children at schools like Besant and Harmony Montessori to reach their full potential. In these five years, she’s felt pride at witnessing the remarkable growth of her students on their journey to self-discovery. And being the enabler.
To dive deeper into the unique needs of children under the age of 3, she’s also done the AMI Montessori (0-3) Orientation, an assistant course.
Furthermore, she holds an advanced C2 GESE certification from Trinity College London and prepares students for Trinity’s GESE exams by nurturing their confidence and ability to express themselves.
Her holistic approach creates a joyful learning environment focused on individual growth and self-exploration.
Bhakti Maru
CO-FOUNDER
Specializing in children under age six, Bhakti Maru works her magic through a balance between showing children love and respect, and ensuring they’re not dependent on her. Instead, she believes in providing them security, which in turn makes them independent and confident.
An ardent believer of the Montessori way, she’s been using the philosophy and curriculum to foster holistic growth among children – both during her seven years of classroom management at Harmony Montessori as well as the Montessori-led guidance she provides in Mathematics and Language to children under the age of six studying at traditional schools.
Trained by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) headquartered in the Netherlands, she’s equipped to teach and establish Montessori schools worldwide.
Her past corporate experience, which was in the realm of investment research, personal finance and wealth management (for HNIs) at reputed organisations like Anand Rathi, Gaurav Marshruwala and Apna Paisa, has helped her bring professionalism to this profession as well.
Bhakti offers a well-rounded approach to teaching and child development.
Rachel Paulose
CO-FOUNDER
A remarkable educationist with a track record of profoundly impacting young minds – by nurturing curiosity, a love of learning and confidence – is Rachel Paulose for you. A team player at heart, she does it all by seeking and implementing insights from various stakeholders.
She holds a degree in Sociology from St. Xavier’s College and Montessori certification from the esteemed Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) in the Netherlands.
Boasting a decade-plus experience at prestigious schools like Da Vinci Montessori and Harmony Montessori in Mumbai, she specialises in pre-primary children.
Her expertise and passion for teaching and children don’t stop with Montessori. A delightful baker, she passes on her enthusiasm for culinary arts to children with “Jr Chefs” and “Jr Explorers” workshops.
Her deep understanding of child development, commitment to fostering independence and love of learning, drive her to nurture school children as well as her own seven-year-old the Montessori way.