Management & Group Member
Meet Marlies, our Dutch founder with an international upbringing, having spent her childhood in the middle east. Since the creation of ECM in April 2012, Marlies brings a diverse set of skills to our team. With a background encompassing roles as a diving, aerobics, and skiing instructor, Marlies has been honing her teaching skills from a young age. However, what truly lights up her day is the joy she witnesses in children's eyes. The happy twinkle that accompanies their laughter and excitement is what motivates Marlies to create a nurturing and joyful environment for every child at ECM. Marlies' passion, experience, and dedication have been instrumental in shaping ECM into the thriving community it is today.
Management & Group member
Allow us to introduce Bonnie, a valuable Dutch member of our management team since 2015. As a loving mother of three, Bonnie brings a nurturing touch to her role at our center. Bonnie's dedication to creating a "home away from home" environment is a core aspect of our center's philosophy, one that has been supported by many families which have come and gone over the years. Bonnie's exceptional management skills, combined with her commitment to ensuring every child and parent feels comfortable and cared for, make her an invaluable asset to our team.
Management & Group Member
Max's journey with ECM has been a remarkable one, starting as a volunteer, then progressing through various roles, and now thriving as a daycare teacher and management assistant. Max is a well-rounded individual with interests in sports, music and travelling: highlighting his university exchange program in Asia while pursuing an International Business degree. In addition to his business and two different music degrees, Max has completed a pedagogy degree while embracing himself within the role of a management assistant. With his passion and organisational skills, Max has proven himself a valuable asset to our team!
Management Assistant
Meet Min from South Korea, our enthusiastic team member who joined us in January 2024. With a remarkable tolerance for intense spice, Min brings a vibrant and flavourful livelihood to our management team; offering fresh perspective. One notable thing about Min's experience at ECM is the sprightly interaction between team members, fostering a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere. We're thrilled to have Min contribute not only a taste for bold flavors but also a wealth of management expertise to our ECM family.
Baby group - Group Member
Introducing Manon, our Dutch team member with seven years of experience. Outside of work, Manon finds joy in taking walks and expressing her creativity. She appreciates the rejuvenating effect of nature and the inspiration it provides. At ECM, Manon has a special affinity for working with babies. Their unique needs and developmental milestones bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to Manon’s work.
Baby/Bambino Group - Group Member
Introducing Anabel, our Spanish team member who has been with us since October 2023. Beyond her passion of working with children, Anabel has a deep passion for animals, particularly dogs. In fact, she has recently embarked on the fascinating journey of teaching her dog to communicate with her through buttons. Another delightful hobby of hers is exploring various dog parks, adding to her love for our four-legged friends. Anabel is drawn to the atmosphere at our centre, appreciating the harmonious coordination among colleagues. Additionally, our teaching methodology aligns with what she envisions for her own child, making her feel right at home at ECM.
Baby/Bambino Group - Group Member
Bambino/Toddler Group - Group Member
Introducing Anna, our joyful team member from Italy who joined us in September of 2020. With a passion for writing children's books, Anna brings creativity and imagination to our center. She enjoys crafting captivating stories that inspire and entertain young minds. Additionally, Anna finds great joy in collaborating with her colleagues to invent songs that engage and uplift the children in our care. Her collaborative spirit make her an invaluable asset to our team, enriching the experiences of both staff and children.
Bambino/Toddler Group - Group Member
Meet Klári, our enthusiastic team member from Hungary who joined us just in June 2024. Klári enjoys the thrill of motorcycle riding in her free time. At ECM, her passion lies in taking care of the children and making them as happy as possible. We're excited to have Klári's vibrant energy and dedication as part of our team.
Bambino/Toddler Group - Group Member
Meet Rose Ann from the Philippines who joined ECM in August 2024. Always up for fun and new experiences, Rose Ann embraces life with enthusiasm, whether it's trying something new or traveling to new destinations. Though she loves humor and sarcasm, she admits she’s not the best at telling jokes—often laughing too hard before she can even finish! At ECM, Rose Ann thrives on the fun and positive energy of her colleagues, making every day feel more like play than work. She also finds teaching incredibly rewarding, thanks to the children who make her job a joy.
Bambino/Toddler Group - Group Member
Meet Rita, who joined ECM in September 2024 from Portugal. She has a passion for Italian cuisine, enjoys getting lost in a good book, and finds joy in taking morning walks. For Rita, working at ECM is more than just a job; it's about experiencing the warmth of a home-like environment and forming connections with the children. She loves the daily interactions, which bring a sense of fulfillment and happiness, making each day at ECM special.
Toddlers Group - Group Member
Meet Femke, our Dutch staff member who has been with us since 2016. Known for her infectious smile and positive demeanor, Femke brings a cheerful energy to our team. She appreciates the diversity of the children she works with and finds joy in creating innate trust independent of the verbal communication. Enthusiasm and dedication make her an invaluable asset in creating a nurturing environment for our young learners.
Preschool/Intermediate Group - Group Member
Shelby, has been a member of the ECM team since August 2014. Her enthusiasm shines through as she engages in activities and dances with the children, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere. With her unwavering dedication and genuine interest in their progress, Shelby provides a nurturing and supportive environment where children can thrive. Her nearly-decade-long commitment to ECM has made her an integral part of our family, bringing joy, laughter, and a profound passion for the well-being of every child in our care.
Preschool/Intermediate Group - Group Member
Meet Antonia Sabbatino, an Italian team member who has been with us since 2014. Antonia has a love for classical music, particularly opera. However, she finds it difficult to listen to classical music while driving as it makes her immediately fall asleep. Outside of her musical preference, Antonia is passionate about sharing her love for books with children and creating engaging and enjoyable lesson plans for them. Antonia's remarkable dedication to nurturing a love for literature and fostering a dynamic learning environment for children is truly commendable.
Intermediate Group - Group Member
Meet Mélissa, the Netherlands who joined ECM in October 2023. An avid reader and art enthusiast, she loves channeling her creativity into art projects, especially when doing activities with the children at ECM. What Mélissa enjoys most about working here is how ECM feels like a home—a place where everyone can be their authentic selves. The warm, welcoming, and understanding team adds to this sense of belonging. For Mélissa, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing the joy and smiles on the children's faces each day.
Preschool/Intermediate Group - Group Member
Meet Brianna, our Dutch team member who joined us in October 2021. Inspired by her best friend, Teacher Madison, Brianna made a career change, studied for 1.5 years, and achieved her dream job at ECM. What Brianna loves most about ECM is the sense of home it provides for everyone. It's a place where children, parents, colleagues, and Brianna herself can be their authentic selves, with an open-door policy that fosters inclusivity and support. Brianna's dedication and appreciation for the ECM community make her a valued member of our team.
Preschool/Intermediate Group - Group Member
Preschool/Intermediate Group - Group Member
Allow us to introduce Natasha, our Dutch team member who has been with us since 2017. Natasha's endearing quirk is her playful English, as she often combines both English and Dutch in her conversations. Despite the occasional linguistic mix-up, she embraces the challenge with a lighthearted spirit. What truly brings Natasha joy is the love she receives from the children. The genuine affection and connection she shares with them make her work immensely rewarding.
Preschool - Group Member
Meet Giulia, our Italian team member who joined us in June 2023. Giulia has a particular fondness for bitterballen, a delicious Dutch snack, and enjoys introducing them to every friend who visits Maastricht. At ECM, Giulia's favorite aspect of her work is the exposure to a diverse range of nationalities and cultures. She finds great joy in collaborating with passionate and dedicated colleagues who are fully prepared to support children in their everyday progress. Giulia thrives in our international and joyful environment accentuating her enthusiasm and dedication to the children at ECM.
Preschool Group - Group Member
Introducing Femke, our Spanish and Dutch team member, who’s been with us since October 2023. At the age of 18, she donated half a metre of her hair after participating in a 6-kilometre run for a breast cancer research organisation, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact. She looks forward to two key aspects at ECM: the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by her colleagues, making her feel right at home, and the rich diversity of children and staff members from various nationalities, which she values as an opportunity for mutual learning and the celebration of differences.
Afterschool Group - Group Member
Meet Tom, one of our Dutch team members who has been with us since the summer of 2019. Known for his witty humor, Tom has a special talent for making dad jokes, bringing laughter to those around him by adding this lighthearted touch to his daily interactions. One of Tom's favorite aspects of his work is the opportunity to engage with and learn from different cultures. Working in a diverse environment allows him to broaden his understanding and appreciation of various traditions and customs.
Afterschool Group - Group Member
Let us introduce Fredy, our Dutch and German team member who has been with us since June 2023. Fredy has a diverse international background, having lived in 12 different countries. Fredy regards ECM as a welcoming and international environment that fosters a sense of home, no matter where that may be. She is most fond of the kindness of her colleagues and the presence of children which make it a place of continuous learning, growth, and promise. Fredy appreciates the daily challenges and is grateful for the supportive work-environment that enables her to tackle them.
Afterschool Group - Group Member
Allow us to introduce Madison, a vibrant addition to our team. Being half Dutch and half English, Madison brings a unique cultural perspective to our organization since joining us in 2020. With a passion for music, she loves to sing and play the ukulele, infusing joy into our daily activities. Outside of her role here, Madison works as a floor manager at a music venue. This allows her to indulge her enthusiasm for music even further, as she has the opportunity to host and meet artists and other professionals in the music industry. Madison's beaming smile is contagious, spreading positivity to everyone around her. She strongly believes in creating an inclusive environment where individuals can express themselves freely, regardless of their backgrounds.
Afterschool/Preschool Group - Group Member
Meet Remy Koppen, one of our Dutch team member who joined us in January 2023. An interesting tidbit about Remy is his unique and unorthodox way of preparing cereal— pouring the milk into the bowl before adding the cereal! Alongside their unconventional breakfast habits, Remy thoroughly enjoys being a part of our team at ECM. The diversity and flexibility offered at ECM create an enriching work environment in which Remy's youthful presence and fresh perspective is brought to light.
Tennis teacher
John has been with us as an enthusiastic presence for a while now already. He has always been great with the kids and brings his cheeky smile and jokes to the ECM gym every Thursday to play tennis with the kids: working on excersicing their hand-eye coordination and reaction time in a playful manner.