Our Team

Else, founder of Les Colibris, is a specialized educator by training. French-Senegalese, she has always been guided by a passion for education and a deep trust in the potential of every child.

Her path took her from child protection in France to educational projects in Africa - Senegal and Madagascar - where she explored the impact of art, nature and community ties on learning.

It was becoming a mother that led her to turn to Montessori pedagogy, finding in this approach what she had always carried: a respectful gaze on the child, trust in their natural impulses, and the importance of a living, prepared environment.

After a first Montessori venture in Dakar, in 2023 she founded Les Colibris school in Nguérigne - a place rooted in nature and in African values, designed to let each child grow free, confident, and connected to their culture as much as to the world.

Jimmy, originally from Kenya, teaches English and is deeply passionate and engaged in his work with children. For him, this is not simply a job - it is a true calling.

Contributing to their development, watching over their well-being and helping shape the next generation are missions especially close to his heart. He is proud to belong to a team that makes a significant impact - one child at a time.

Michelle, a certified early childhood educator, has been working with young children for over 20 years. Her natural empathy for the very young has always led her to observe them closely, to listen to what they express without words, and to train in different alternative approaches.

It is in Montessori pedagogy that she found a deep resonance. This approach helps her instinctively understand each child's needs at their developmental stage.

Being a steady, joyful, optimistic presence, accompanying children in awakening their many abilities, while walking alongside their families - this, for her, is one of the most beautiful missions of life.

Nando is a certified Montessori 3-6 assistant. He has been working with children for more than seven years. For five years, he supported toddlers at Les Playlabs, using the Reggio Emilia approach - a rich experience marked by creativity, listening and observation.

Two years ago, he joined Les Colibris. There he discovered Montessori pedagogy. This encounter transformed his way of teaching, and his way of looking at the child.

Since then, he has never stopped learning, training, and wondering. What drives him every day: accompanying children in their growth, watching them flourish and gain confidence, at their own pace.

Passionate about early childhood, Bernadette has always loved supporting toddlers in their first steps toward autonomy. She started as an intern in a Montessori 0-3 environment, where she discovered this pedagogy day after day, between concrete gestures and a fine understanding of child development. It was a revelation.

Since then, she has trained, deepened, and today she is proud to be a certified Montessori assistant. What she loves most: offering children a soft, respectful and adapted framework where they can grow at their own pace, with joy and confidence.

A former preschool teacher, Mame Diarra has accompanied many children with gentleness and passion. She joined our team to put her experience and sense of organization at the service of the school.

Organized, rigorous and always attentive, she ensures every day the smooth running of everything that makes Les Colibris come alive. A precious presence, in line with our Montessori values.