Our Team

Meet the IMS Team

The role of the Montessori guide is to be the link between the child and the prepared environment. They also provide individual guidance at the child’s level and present clear, interesting and relevant lessons to the child.

Athina Meek

Preschool Manager & Early Childhood Educator

With over 20 years in early childhood education, I believe in meeting each child with love and openness. I enjoy being with the children, supporting them as they explore and discover the world around them, and seeing them develop into the best version of themselves. I work with children in small groups to develop language, concepts, and emotional regulation. IMS is special because all the teachers truly care about the children, their families, and their well-being. Often, IMS provides a community and friendships for families that last long after the child leaves us. A child of an international environment, I was born in Athens, grew up in Scotland, and then moved to Norway. My favorite pastimes include hiking, music, dancing, and spending time with family and friends. I speak English and Norwegian, with a smattering of German and French and have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business (Psychology and German as side subjects)

Tanesha Sollien

Head Teacher & Pedagogic Leader (3-6 group)

Born in Virginia, USA, I am fluent in both English and Norwegian. I am deeply passionate about my work and adore the Montessori environment, which provides me with continuous opportunities for development. I strongly believe in fostering an environment where children can dream the unimaginable and explore their full potential. I have a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Montessori Pedagogy in Norway, and Leader Education at Oslo University. I am best known as the funny one. Besides my sense of humor, I enjoy walks in the forest, reading books, and dancing. Although I am told that I don’t have a great singing voice, I never shy away from it!

Tiffany Murison

Pedagogic Leader (0-3 group)

My approach to teaching is centered around being a safe and secure base for the children in my care while enabling them to develop foundational skills that contribute to what I hope will be a lifelong love of learning. I connect most to Montessori's view that an adult's role in a child's life is to guide them along their own path rather than dictate where that path should lead. I began working in early childhood education in 2003 and joined IMS in 2020. I also have experience developing and leading community outreach programs related to preschools and families with young children from my time working in the UK. Additionally, I have worked on social awareness programs in the US. My education & qualifications are Early Years: Leadership and Management Foundation Degree, BA Honours Degree in Early Years: Education and Leadership in Practice (Kingston University London), Montessori Guide 0-3 Qualification. In my free time, I enjoy knitting, watercolor painting, and hiking/tent camping. I speak English (and some Norwegian, B1 level).

Angeliki Makraki

Early Childhood Educator (3-6 group)

I have been working in early childhood education for four years, starting my practice near the end of my degree. I love working with children and seeing the world through their eyes. What I appreciate most about the Montessori method is that we follow the child and their needs, allowing them to make their own choices in learning. By providing them with the right tools in a comfortable environment, we help them succeed. I studied for three years at IEK SBIE in Athens, earning a college degree in Early Childhood Education. I have also completed a course in Speech Therapy in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy swimming and being by the ocean. I also love food and discovering different cuisines. In my free time, I like watching movies and spending time with friends and loved ones. I speak English and Greek.

Jaya Jaiswal

Early Childhood Educator (3-6 group)

I have been working in kindergarten education for the past nine years, having transitioned from the corporate world. My journey also led me to open my own preschool in India. Currently, I work as an Early Childhood Educator in the 3-6 Classroom at IMS. IMS holds a special place in my life, as both my children were part of this wonderful institution. Witnessing their growth and development here had a profound impact on me and inspired my career shift. I love engaging in DIY activities with children, fostering their creativity and independence. I am grateful for the journey that brought me to early childhood education and cherish the opportunity to support young learners in their development. I have a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance and Human Resources. I speak English, Norwegian, Punjabi and Hindi.

Justyna Chmiel

Early Childhood Educator (0-3 group)

I have been working in early childhood education since 2021. One of the greatest benefits of the Montessori method is the development of a child's independence and autonomy. Children learn to make decisions, solve problems, and be responsible for their own actions. Each child is treated as a unique individual with their own needs, interests, and pace of development. I was trained as a Montessori Teacher at the Center of Montessori Education in Poland. I love traveling and enjoy nature, sightseeing, and photography. However, nothing makes me happier than spending time with my family, friends, and animals. I speak English, Polish and basic Norwegian.

Jessica Castillo

Early childhood educator (0-3 group)

I’m originally from Illinois in the United States. I moved to Norway in 2025 and joined the IMS community that September. Before making the move, I spent three years as a lead preschool teacher, and working with young children quickly became something I couldn’t imagine giving up. I love watching children discover something new, celebrate their accomplishments, and grow into confident little people at their own pace. Before becoming a teacher, I worked in public health and community outreach, and I was part of a youth development program on an organic farm where I learned beekeeping alongside high school students. Those experiences helped shape my love for hands-on learning and spending time outdoors, and they’re still a big part of who I am today. Outside of school, you’ll usually find me with a crochet project in my hands or learning a new knitting technique. I also enjoy camping, gardening (especially when it’s time to harvest fresh vegetables or fruit) and winding down with a warm mug of hot cocoa. I’m fluent in English and Spanish, and I’m currently learning Norwegian as I build my life here. I’m excited for all of the memories still to come at IMS. My hope is that every child I work with feels safe, supported, and knows they have someone cheering them on every step of the way.