Kona Campus Faculty

Angeline Geldhof

Executive Director
Montessori allows children develop at their own pace. It acknowledges that we, as human beings, have an internal guide that keeps us on our own unique developmental course.

I hold a BA in History, a Montessori Primary Teacher’s Credential from American Montessori Society, and a Montessori Elementary Teacher’s Credential from Association Montessori Internationale.

I started teaching in London, Ontario in 1991 in the upper elementary grades. I came to Hawai'i in 1993 to teach at Hawai'i Montessori Schools and have taught in all of the different programs at the school since then.

Every day is an adventure. Moments of glory and occur every time one of our students shows me how proud they are of their work, every time a student spontaneously gives hugs, and every time they happily take my hand. As I watch them grow, I am thankful to have had a chance to walk a small way with each of them in their journey through life.

I enjoy reading, going to the beach, and being with my daughter Emmeline.

Noelle Geldhof

Lead Teacher, Honu Primary Class
Montessori is a philosophy that fundamentally fosters independence and self-motivation while matching the children’s learning and development with teaching materials designed to help children understand concepts through multiple learning modes: doing, seeing, touching, and hearing What could be a better approach to honor the children and best prepare them for a lifetime of learning and initiative?

I have attained a BA in Art with a minor in Biology, BA in Education, Elementary Montessori Certification, and Primary Montessori Certification. I am currently working on my Masters in Education with Chaminade University.

I have taught at Hawai'i Montessori Schools since 1993. In 1993 I came to Hawai'i from Canada to teach at the Kamuela Campus, and in 2002 I began teaching in Honu class at the Kona Campus.

I appreciate the innocence and joy of the children—everything is new and exciting for them every day. I think these formative years are extremely important in brain and personality development.

I enjoy music and am beginning to learn to play the guitar. I also enjoy gardening, which I often do with the children at the school.

Mary Beth Wells

Assistant Teacher, Honu Primary Class
I have been at Hawai'i Montessori since 2007. Hawai'i Montessori Schools allows me to have a job doing what I love to do: being around children, teaching, washing dishes, and organizing!

I am currently working on a CDA through Pace at Community College at Hilo. I have volunteered at Kamehameha School, Konawaena Elementary, and home schooled my daughter for 2 years.

I love the look on a child’s face when they understand a concept. I love to be greeted each day with “Miss Beth!” and a hug from a child.

I enjoy swimming, walking, running, reading, writing, and art.

Shea Quitevis

Lead Teacher, Nai'a Toddler Class

Vicky Ponce-Basmayor

Assistant Teacher, Nai'a Toddler Class
I have been at Hawai'i Montessori since 1992. The Montessori philosophy of education has given me great insight into the development of children and how they see the world around them. Their hunger for knowledge is amazing.

I have been working with children for the past 30 years at various schools. I believe our children are our future leaders. We are only their mentors.

I enjoy gardening and sewing.

Joy Painter

Extended Day Teacher
When I was looking for a preschool for my son to attend, I was referred to this school by a friend. The Hawai'i Montessori Schools came highly recommended and I was not dissapointed. My son really enjoyed the school, and he was well prepared after graduating to another school.

I grew up on the beautiful islands of Hawai'i and attended high school here. I am now currently pursuing my BA.

I have taught at the Hawai'i Montessori Schools in Kona since 2005: in both the Extended Day program and as the Assistant Teacher in the Mo'o Primary Class. I truly love the kids. It is so rewarding to watch them and help them to discover.

I enjoy spending time with my son, reading, and Tahitian dancing.

Kona Campus Office staff

Maya Wheaton

Admissions Director & Office Manager
When I met Angeline in 2003 while interviewing for a substitute position, her passion about the philosophy and the approach of teaching drew me to Montessori. I knew a little about Montessori and Piaget, and I really wanted to be part of it. It was an exciting and promising concept to me.

I attained my B.A. in Business Administration in Paris, and I worked there in Paris for 10 years as the supervisor of the Internal Communication Department of Frequence Plus AIR FRANCE.

After enrolling in training programs in Early Childhood Education, I was fortunate to be mentored by the current Montessori Teachers on campus. I have been an assistant teacher in the Nai’a Class, in the Extended Day program, and in the Honu Class.

Working with children is a fascinating and unique experience. They are the most authentic people I have ever met. They are strongly asserted in their individuality and they are as eager to learn as they are to have fun — there is not a dull moment and I’m loving every bit of it.

My interests include surfing, camping, hiking, and fishing.