Our founder’s journey into early childhood education began over a twenty years ago, teaching English to preschool and primary-aged children in Moscow. After graduating from UCL, she spent ten years working with young learners and later coordinated a TEFL programme for refugee and migrant children, matching volunteers with those in need of one-to-one language support. It was through her own experience of becoming a parent that she discovered the Montessori approach—an encounter that reinforced how she understood children and sparked an immense interest in their development.
She went on to train as a Montessori Early Years Educator (0–6) through MCI International in London, whilst working at The Children’s House International Kindergarten (an AMI-aligned Montessori kindergarten in Vienna). Later she founded dugu, a parent–toddler Montessori setting in Vienna, when on maternity leave with her second child whilst the arrival of her third and fourth children led her to embark upon the AMI Assistants to Infancy training (0–3) through the Montessori Institute Prague. She brings both practical experience and deep theoretical understanding to the work of early years education.
As a mother of bilingual children—one of whom speaks three languages—and a speaker of four languages herself, she brings a deep awareness of the needs of multilingual families. She understands how to support children who are still acquiring English and is passionate about creating an environment where all languages and backgrounds are respected, celebrated, and gently supported. Her inclusive approach reflects the Montessori principle of meeting each child where they are, allowing them to grow with confidence, no matter their starting point. Monti&Me celebrates the richness that multilingualism brings to life, and supports every child in developing their voice with confidence.
Monti&Me was born out of a desire to offer local families the kind of calm, respectful, and joyful learning environment she saw transform both her own children and the many others she had the joy to work with. The school strives to offer an authentic Montessori alternative in the area that supports emotional well-being, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Her education began at a Steiner school, followed by studies at a School of Art and Design. She then took a gap year in England, where she decided to stay and continue her studies at Oxford Brookes University, earning a degree in Communications, Media & Culture and Performing Arts.
Her career has always centred around community and inclusion. She ran a nightclub and self advocacy groups for people with learning disabilities, creating a space built confidence and belonging. This experience led her into mental health, where she spent ten years running groups and facilitating courses that supported personal growth and resilience.
The birth of her second child marked a turning point, inspiring reflection and a new professional chapter aligned with her values.
Kasia Karska is an experienced early years educator with a strong academic foundation and over fourteen years of practice in Montessori and multilingual environments. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and a Bachelor’s degree in German Philology from the Pedagogical University in Poland. She further expanded her professional expertise by completing Montessori Level 4 training with MCI and achieving Early Years Teacher Status (Level 6) through Best Practice Network.
Throughout her career, Kasia has worked across diverse Montessori and multilingual settings, in Bristol and Oxford. Her professional interests include holistic education, nature‑based learning, sensory exploration, and promoting children’s emotional well‑being.
A mother of two boys, Kasia brings a grounded, empathetic perspective to her work with families. She has a particular passion for cooking, travelling, creating her own educational resources, and exploring the therapeutic benefits of nature.