Who We Are
Naz Afzal
“Children’s rights are often overlooked in conventional education systems, particularly when it comes to supporting neurodivergent children. This lack of inclusion is deeply concerning and challenges the principle of equitable access to education for every child in the UK“.
Naz Afzal brings a wealth of knowledge and diverse experience to Limes Montessori. Her journey into education began with an LLB in Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in 2006, followed by a Master’s degree in South Asian Area Studies at the same institution, where she focused on South Asian legal systems and the Urdu Ghazal tradition.
Inspired by a passion for teaching, Naz pursued a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for ages 11-19 at Goldsmiths, University of London. She taught Urdu and Law for two years, sharing her expertise and love for these subjects.
In 2014, Naz embraced her calling for Montessori education and embarked on a transformative career change. She retrained with Montessori Centre International, earning a Level 4 Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy for Early Years (0-7 years). Committed to expanding her expertise, Naz completed her Primary Montessori teaching qualification for ages 5-11 in 2016 with Hands-On Learning – Coggeshall Montessori.
Today, Naz combines her deep academic foundation and Montessori training to provide a nurturing, inspiring, and child-centered learning environment at Limes Montessori. Her dedication to fostering curiosity and independence in young learners is the cornerstone of her teaching philosophy.
Sue Knight
“There is nothing the children cannot do, it is just about giving them a safe space, time and allowing self belief to grow”
Sue Knight – Inspiring Holistic Growth at Limes Montessori
Sue Knight, a former police officer turned Reiki Master, brings a rich and diverse skill set to her role at Limes Montessori. With a passion for nurturing young minds and a profound respect for the Montessori philosophy, Sue integrates her expertise as a Holistic Therapist into the classroom, creating a mindful, supportive, and inspiring learning environment.
As a Reiki Master Practitioner and Aromatherapist, Sue’s approach emphasizes balance and well-being. She incorporates the Reiki principles into her daily interactions, fostering an atmosphere of calm and focus. Guided by the mantra:
• Just for today, I am free from anger, I am free from worry, I am humble, I am honest in my work, I am compassionate towards myself and others,
Sue helps children embrace mindfulness and emotional resilience, empowering them to process, reflect, and grow at their own pace. This aligns seamlessly with the Montessori ethos, which celebrates the unique development of each child.
Beyond her therapeutic skills, Sue’s creative energy and love for the outdoors enrich the Montessori experience. She leads engaging gardening activities, hands-on science experiments, and arts and crafts projects that encourage exploration and discovery. Her holistic approach inspires children to connect with the natural world, sparking curiosity and joy in learning.
Sue’s journey from law enforcement to holistic education reflects her dedication to fostering a nurturing environment where children can thrive. At Limes Montessori, Sue is more than a teacher—she is a guide, mentor, and advocate for the well-being of every child in her care.
Aliyah Khalid
“Every child learns in their own unique way, and with patience, encouragement, and understanding, we can guide them to discover their confidence, independence, and love for learning.” – Aliyah Khalid
About Aliyah Khalid
Aliyah Khalid is a dedicated educator with a strong foundation in child development and a passion for guiding young learners to academic success. Holding a degree in Psychology and nearly a decade of experience, she has devoted her career to empowering children aged 4 to 10 on their educational journey. Her professional background includes working at a Kumon Centre and offering personalized one-on-one tutoring for children aged 7 to 10. These roles have equipped her with a deep understanding of how children learn best—through patience, encouragement, and tailored attention to their individual needs.
Aliyah believes in creating meaningful connections with each child, enabling her to adapt teaching strategies to match their unique learning styles. Her approach ensures that children not only achieve their academic goals but also develop confidence and a sense of curiosity that extends beyond the classroom.
Committed to continuous growth, Aliyah plans to pursue a Master’s in Psychological Therapies next year to further enhance her ability to support children’s emotional and academic development. This step reflects her dedication to fostering an environment where children feel valued, understood, and equipped to thrive.
By integrating Montessori principles with evidence-based psychological practices, Aliyah is committed to cultivating a nurturing, dynamic learning space where every child can flourish, gaining independence, confidence, and a lifelong love for learning.
Zsuzsanna Burian
“The task shapes the child, and the child shapes the task.”– Zsuzsanna
Zsuzsanna is a skilled professional specializing in INPP (Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology), Basic Movement Therapy, and the Conductive Education/Pető Method developed by András Pető. Her expertise lies in supporting children’s physical, neurological, and cognitive development, helping them build the foundations needed for effective learning and personal growth. By addressing developmental delays, enhancing motor skills, and fostering independence, Zsuzsanna’s work aligns closely with the Montessori philosophy of nurturing each child’s unique potential.
In the Montessori environment, Zsuzsanna’s holistic approach provides invaluable support to children. Her knowledge of neuro-motor integration, sensory coordination, and task-oriented learning complements the Montessori method, ensuring that every child is empowered to thrive. Her dedication to individualised care and her ability to foster resilience and independence make her a vital part of our school community.