Dedicated to Your Child’s Growth
Caring Educators, Nurturing Futures
When you place your child in our care, you can be assured that those looking after them have been handpicked through a rigorous recruitment process. Chosen for their caring attitude, playful natures, qualifications, experience, and genuine love for children, our early years educators are our greatest asset. With their wealth of knowledge and expertise, they provide the best possible start for your child.
We value each and every member of our fantastic team and encourage career development by offering in-house training and promotional opportunities. Our carers play an invaluable role in shaping the daily experiences of the children entrusted to their care, and we are incredibly proud of their commitment to providing the highest quality learning environment.
Our vetting procedure is thorough, including Garda Vetting and references, ensuring only the most trustworthy individuals are part of the LilyPad team. The sounds of laughter and happy faces are of paramount importance in LilyPad, both for the children and our carers, because we believe that a nurturing environment is key to unlocking each child’s potential.
SHARON
Owner
Sharon founded Lily Pad Creche & Montessori in 2010 and oversees our nurturing professional environment based in the heart of Rathfarnham Village. With a genuine love for early childhood education, Sharon is committed to Lilypad’s “home-from-home” ethos and is passionate about creating a space where children feel safe, happy and supported. She is dedicated to building a community where families feel supported, children feel valued, and learning happens through joy, exploration, and connection.
Ali Quinn
General Manager
Having worked in Lilypad for many years, Ali brings positivity, compassion and a strong belief in child-led learning to her role. She supports children, families, and staff with patience and understanding, helping to create a loving environment. Ali enjoys watching children grow in confidence and independence as they explore, play, and build relationships throughout their Lily Pad journey.
MJ
Tadpole Room
MJ brings gentle, loving care to the Tadpole Room every day. She enjoys helping our youngest Lilypuddlions to explore their surroundings through warm interactions, exciting sensory experiences, and early routines that make them feel safe and secure. Her calm presence and huge smile helps little ones settle, grow, and take their first steps in learning with confidence.
Marta
Tadpole Room
Marta is warm, patient, and deeply caring towards our Tadpoles. Whether she’s singing songs, reading stories, helping tiny hands explore new toys, soothing someone who needs a snuggle, Marta makes every child feel safe and treasured while taking joy in even the simplest discoveries.
Emma
Froglet Room
Emma creates a fun, engaging atmosphere in the Froglet Room where the children feel encouraged to explore and express themselves. She enjoys supporting their growing independence, celebrating each new milestone, and helping their unique personalities shine. Emma’s days are filled with laughter, creativity and lots of active play!
Irene
Froglet Room
Irene brings a gentle, thoughtful approach to the Froglet Room. She supports children as they navigate new skills, routines, and friendships, offering calm reassurance every step of the way. Irene loves seeing the little ones in her class grow in confidence as they explore more of the world around them
Maria O
Ribbit Room
Maria nurtures the Ribbit Room children as if they were her own. She enjoys guiding toddlers through playful learning experiences that help them build early social skills, confidence, and independence. Maria loves being part of those joyful “aha!” moments when children discover something new and cherishes these moments with all her heart.
Jimena
Ribbit Room
Jimena brings bright energy and big smiles to the Lilypad team and to our Ribbit Room. She’s always ready with a fun activity, a silly song or a helping hand. Whether she’s sparking children’s creativity or joining in their imaginative games, Jimena makes every day feel lively, welcoming and full of laughter.
Maria C
Speckled Frogs
Maria creates a joyful, supportive space where our toddlers in the Speckled Frog Room can explore freely and learn at their own pace. She enjoys encouraging them to express themselves, build independence, and take part in imaginative play. Maria loves watching each child’s unique personality unfold and creating individual learning experiences based on each speckled frog’s interests..
Alba O
Speckled Frogs
Alba brings patience, creativity, and genuine care to the Speckled Frog Room. She loves helping her kiddies discover new experiences through play, movement, and exploration. Alba’s gentle approach encourages children to try new things with confidence and to develop holistically through play.
Maite
Croakers Room
Maite has a nurturing, comforting presence that helps children feel safe and confident in the classroom. She celebrates each child’s unique strengths and encourages them through hands-on learning, creativity, and playful discovery. Maite enjoys helping children become more independent each day and makes each day in the Croaker Room, one of curiosity, playfulness, big smiles and even bigger hugs!
Maria G
Croakers Room
Maria G brings imagination, warmth, and enthusiasm to the Croaker Room. She loves designing activities that inspire curiosity and creativity, supporting the children as they build social skills and explore new ideas. Her playful approach helps children feel engaged and excited to learn.
Esther
Leap Frogs
Esther supports our little Leap Frogs as they grow in confidence and independence, encouraging them to take on new challenges with joy and enthusiasm. She enjoys seeing their personalities blossom through meaningful play, early learning, and positive interactions with friends. Esther is dedicated to helping each child feel valued and capable.
Ohiane
Leap Frogs
Ohiane brings creativity, warmth, and a joyful spirit to the Leapfrog Class. She enjoys guiding her class as they explore new concepts, build friendships, and develop important skills through hands-on activities. Her love for teaching, coupled with her massive imagination allows the Leap Frogs to dive head first into huge interest based projects that can last for weeks!
Laura
Hoppers Room
Laura is energetic, caring, and passionate about supporting children’s natural curiosity. She creates a lively, welcoming classroom where children feel confident trying new things, expressing themselves, and learning through play. Laura loves helping children discover the joy in everyday moments.
Maria H
Hoppers Room
Maria H provides a warm, happy space where children feel comfortable and supported. She enjoys encouraging their social, emotional, and creative development through playful, engaging activities. Maria loves being part of the special moments when children connect, grow, and gain new skills.
Victoria
Waterlillies
Victoria is passionate about the Montessori philosophy and the independence it fosters. She gently guides children as they follow their natural curiosity, explore materials, and develop important life skills. Victoria enjoys seeing children gain confidence as they discover their abilities at their own pace.
Cristina
Waterlillies
Cristina brings calm, patience, and thoughtful guidance to the Montessori environment. She enjoys observing children as they engage deeply in their work, supporting them when needed and encouraging independence. Cristina is super artistic and loves helping children feel confident and capable through hands-on learning.
Marina
Lilypad Montessori Room
Marina creates a nurturing Montessori environment in the Lilypad Room where children feel safe to explore, concentrate, and grow at their own rhythm. She enjoys guiding them through hands-on learning that supports independence, confidence, and a genuine love of discovery.
Alba F
Lilypad Montessori Room
Alba is gentle, observant, and deeply supportive. She encourages children to explore and problem-solve independently, stepping in with warmth and guidance when needed. Alba loves seeing each child in the Lilypad room grow more confident in their abilities each day.
Maria Diana
Lilypad Montessori Room
Maria Diana brings dedication, care, and a thoughtful approach to the Lilypad Montessori classroom. She enjoys helping children reach their full potential through meaningful activities, patient guidance, and encouragement. Her bubbly presence helps children feel valued and understood.
Delia
Cover Staff
Delia brings flexibility, kindness, and positivity to every room she enters. She enjoys supporting children of all ages, helping them feel comfortable and cared for throughout the day. Delia’s warm nature makes her a wonderful presence wherever she’s needed.
Lucia
Cover Staff
Lucia steps into each classroom with a calm, friendly smile. She enjoys adapting to the needs of different age groups and helping children feel secure and supported. Lucia loves being part of each child’s day, whether through play, routines, or comforting moments.
Monica
Cover Staff
Monica is caring, patient, and always ready to help wherever she’s needed. She enjoys supporting children and staff with steady, gentle guidance. Monica’s warm presence and massive heart brings a sense of comfort and consistency to every room
Pamela
Cover Staff
Pamela brings organisation, joy and a supportive hand to all of the Lilypad Team. She loves engaging children in playful activities and helping them feel happy and confident. Pamela’s bright, friendly approach makes her a favourite in every room she visits, spreading her positivity wherever she goes.
Ayanda
Cover Staff
Ayanda is our ray of sunshine, bringing laughter, positivity and huge smiles into every class she enters! Ayanda does her utmost to ensure that she makes a positive impact on every child’s day and she does this by bringing her enthusiasm, playfulness and kind heart to every room.
Caring Educators, Nurturing Futures
At LilyPad, our team is made up of highly qualified, experienced professionals who are the backbone of our commitment to excellence in early years education. We pride ourselves on the dedication and passion of our educators, who provide a nurturing and engaging environment for every child.
Expert Leadership
Our Management Team consists of a Centre Manager, Assistant Manager, and Supervisor, each of whom demonstrates the core skills and qualities necessary to maintain the highest standards in daily operations. Their leadership ensures the seamless running of our centres and guarantees that your child’s experience is of the utmost quality.
Qualified and Continuously Learning
Our team members maintain at least a Level 6 qualification in early years education and hold up-to-date First Aid training. We are committed to ongoing professional development, offering support and encouragement for further training to ensure we stay aligned with the latest research and best practices in early childhood education.
Commitment to Your Child’s Well-being
Our team is dedicated to fostering the well-being, growth, and development of every child in our care. At LilyPad, we have a passionate workforce who love what they do and are deeply committed to providing the best possible learning experience for your child. We encourage career growth, allowing our educators to continuously develop their skills, which in turn benefits the children they care for.