My message to families
“Dear families,
I have dedicated more than half of my entire life serving the needs of children and their families. Over the years, I have come to realise that our efforts as educators will be futile if parents and the community is not empowered and skilled to take on the task of guiding children outside the school environment.
This centre is created for you to find your village, to come together to laugh, to cry, to share your vulnerabilities and to find support. We offer a safe space to ask questions and offer support to other families. Our ongoing parent education and workshops will provide valuable and practical knowledge in your day-to-day life with your child. We understand how parents today face many different challenges and we aim to equip you with the tools to facilitate your parenting journey.
Programmes run at the centre will be delivered to the highest standard and give parents and caregivers the opportunity to observe and experience firsthand ‘Montessori in action’.
I truly believe when a child is transformed, his family is transformed and the world is transformed. I am so grateful to God and the support from my family, my educators, the community and all the colleagues I have worked with in the last 25 years. My steadfastness over the years is now bearing the greatest fruit in the form of this centre. It has not been easy but I do it for the child and his family as I know that peace comes from education and there is truly a dire need for peace in these times.
I have taught over 300 children over 3 continents and knowing that I make a difference every day, I am fully satisfied with the life work that I chose to do. With all the resources I have gathered over the years and all the professional development and inner work I have done, I am so ecstatic that we can provide a place where families can come together, to connect, to share and to empower one another.
Our intermediate goal is to open a Montessori School that will serve children from infancy until 6 years old. Additionally, a strong Montessori Elementary programme is also what we aim to build one day. This will be my lifelong project and my contribution to the world.
At Montessori Family Centre, we believe that together, we can enrich children and their families. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our centre soon.
Warm regards,
Michelle Mateus
Educational Background
MONASH UNIVERSITY (graduated 2013)
Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies
COLLEGE OF TEACHERS, U.K. (graduated 2010)
Diploma in Educational Studies (Specialising in Speech and Drama, Music and Movement and Creative Writing)
MONTESSORI INSTITUTE OF SAN DIEGO
(graduated 2001)
AMI Montessori Primary Diploma (2.5 - 6 years)
MONTESSORI INSTITUTE PRAGUE
AMI Montessori 0-3 Orientation certificate
SCHOLISTICO
Art Therapy (Practitioner in Training)
Your Trusted
Montessori Educator
since 2001
What Parents are saying…
“Our daughter spent three years as Michelle’s student in a Casa environment at the Lisbon Montessori School and we came away impressed with Michelle’s skill and care as a teacher.
Before joining Michelle’s class, our daughter had begun showing signs of selective mutism, which prevented her from speaking with adults outside our home. From their first interactions, Michelle showed patience and understanding, allowing her to grow without pressure. When we later sought guidance from a psychologist specializing in selective mutism, Michelle was eager to learn more and develop thoughtful, creative approaches to support her.
Michelle regularly arrived early at school to spend one-on-one time with her, using play to help her gradually build confidence, and also visited our house during weekends and holidays to further build rapport. By the time our daughter graduated from Michelle’s environment, she had made clear gains emotionally, socially, and academically.
We are very grateful for Michelle’s guidance and confidently recommend her as a dedicated and capable educator.
Hanna, mother of H.
Michelle was my daughter Julie’s teacher in the Camomila class (ages 3–6) at Lisbon Montessori School, and we feel incredibly lucky to have had her during those important early years.
She is a gentle, patient, and supportive teacher who truly understands how to work with young children. Through Montessori games and hands-on learning, Michelle helped Julie develop skills in writing and mathematics in a way that felt natural and fun. Julie always felt safe, comfortable, and encouraged in her classroom.
Michelle created a calm and connected classroom environment where children felt free to explore, make choices, and learn at their own pace. She introduced a clear and thoughtful routine, while also giving the children the space to choose the activities they enjoyed most. She was always there to gently guide them and help each child reach their goals.
What I appreciated most about Michelle was her ability to see each child as an individual and support them with kindness and respect. Julie still remembers her as a kind and helpful teacher, and I’m truly grateful for the positive impact Michelle had on her learning and confidence.
I highly recommend Michelle to any school or family looking for a warm, skilled, and dedicated Montessori educator.
Kim Do, mother of Julie
A ‘testimonial’ from Julie
Professional Development
2025 was a year of great professional development for me. I attended Lead Montessori in Prague, held by Montessori Institute Prague and the conference instilled in me the confidence and knowledge on how to lead a Montessori school and serves as a reminder of why I became a Montessori guide. I met many esteemed leaders in Montessori and took away many valuable lessons and messages that will last me a lifetime. I will be sharing many insights in upcoming Parent Education workshops held at the centre. I have also completed my AMI 0-3 Orientation course with Montessori Institute Prague.
Lead Montessori (Prague)
With the wonderful Mirka, founder and leader of Montessori Institute Prague
With the spirited Heidi Philippart, AMI trainer, consultant and Pedagogical Director. She is also my trainer for the 0-3 course.
With the wise Peter Davidson, international Montessori expert, consultant and speaker.
An evening with Dr Shefali
On 14th November 2025, I attended Dr. Shefali’s Conscious Parenting & Your Inner Awakening in Lisbon.
Dr Shefali is a NYT Bestselling Author, World Renowned Therapist, Wisdom Teacher, International Speaker and Founder of Conscious Parenting
It was an evening of deep awakening for me as she shared how it is so important for parents and educators to raise children with awareness and how we can nurture deeper connection, emotional intelligence and mutual respect in family life. Her wisdom is much sought-after.
More testimonials
"It was vital to our son’s transition (pre-school - lower elementary) to have sessions with Michelle, he improved a lot in his confidence using the Phonics programme. Michelle is a passionate teacher who led our son to learn in a fun, warm and productive atmosphere. His skills in reading and writing as well as his motivation expanded in a few sessions. We are very glad with all the work and commitment , thank you Michelle! "
Antonio and Elaine, parents of Max
“We are incredibly grateful to Michelle for the beautiful learning journey she created for our 5-year-old daughter. Through her Montessori approach, Michelle taught her to read in a way that felt natural, joyful, and completely pressure-free.
Our daughter absolutely loves her sessions — she has so much fun learning with Michelle that reading never feels like ‘work’, but rather an exciting discovery. Michelle is patient, kind, and deeply attentive to each child’s rhythm, which makes a huge difference in our daughter’s confidence and love for learning.
We couldn’t recommend Michelle more highly to any family looking for a dedicated, caring, and inspiring Montessori tutor.”
Tânia and Herbert, parents of N.
“Big gratitude for being L´s teacher for almost 3 years, we highly appreciate everything you have taught him and all the seeds you have planted.”
Christina, mother of L.
“Thank you so much for being such a wonderful person and teacher. E. matured even more under your care and guidance and both Patricia and I hope you will continue to shine your lights on those around you.”
Eric, father of E.
“I am sincerely glad that you were her teacher, because A. always spoke of you with great warmth and love.”
Olha, mother of A.