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 music degrees. Max nears the completion of his Pedagogy degree this summer, embracing the role of a teacher and management assistant. Despite occasional DJ gigs to keep his musical passion alive, Max has found a profound sense of fulfillment by merging their passion towards children and their organizational skills.
Management Assistant
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.
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.
Intermediates - Group Member
Allow us to introduce Lucia, our Spanish team member who has been with us since November 2019. Lucia has a vibrant range of hobbies, including rollerskating, playing the drums, and painting. These creative outlets bring her joy and inspire her work with the children. Lucia's favorite aspect of her role is exploring various art forms with the children, encouraging self-expression, and fostering cultural awareness. Through art, she believes in discovering and appreciating diverse cultures from all around the world.
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/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/Intermediates Group - Group Member
Meet Danica, our South African team member who has been with us since May 2023. In her spare time, Danica enjoys baking and indulging her sweet tooth with delicious pastries. What she truly cherishes about working at ECM is the inclusive and accepting environment, where everyone embraces their differences. Danica finds immense joy in working with children from all over the globe, appreciating the rich cultural diversity that surrounds her.
Preschool/Intermediate Group - Group Member
Meet Gorana, our Bosnian/Croatian team member, who has been with us since September 2022. Gorana takes pride in her culinary skills, and subsequently cooks delicious meals. She finds immense joy in working with children and individuals from diverse backgrounds. This multicultural environment allows her to learn something new about the world every day, as she is immersed in various cultures.
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.
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.
Bambino 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.
Toddlers Group - Group Member
Meet Naomi, our Dutch team member who has been with us since 2020. Outside of work, Naomi has a great love for attending festivals. Alongside her festival adventures, Naomi's true calling lies in working with kids. She finds deep fulfillment and purpose in her role, where she can make a positive impact on the lives of the children. With her compassionate and nurturing nature, Naomi creates a safe and engaging environment for children to learn, grow, and express themselves.
Toddlers & Bambinos Group - Group Member
Introducing Mehreen Yousaf, a Pakistani staff member who has been with us for a year and a half. Mehreen finds great joy in working with children, and her passion shines through in her interactions with them. At ECM, Mehreen appreciates the convenience of healthy working hours, allowing her to maintain a steady work-life balance. Her dedication and enthusiasm contribute to creating a nurturing and engaging environment for the children under her care.
Toddlers & Bambinos Group - Group Member
Meet Nazia Yousaf, a Pakistani team member who has been with us for a year and a half. Nazia's love for traveling fuels her adventurous spirit. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new destinations and immersing herself in different cultures. One of the aspects Nazia appreciates about working at ECM is the flexibility within the workspace, which allows her to balance her passion for travel with her dedication to providing exceptional care for the children.
Baby & Toddlers Group - Group Member
Toddlers/Bambinos Group - 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.
Toddlers Group - Group Member
Introducing Chloe, our British team member who has been with ECM since October 2022. Chloe is fond of dolphins and even holds a year-long subscription to the Dolfinarium in Harderwijk. However, her ultimate delight in working at ECM stems from the strong bonds she forms with both the children and her colleagues. Chloe cherishes the connections she establishes, creating a nurturing and supportive environment for all.
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.
Toddlers Group - Group Member
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 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.
Toddlers 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.
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.
Preschool Group - Group Member
Meet Borbála, known as Bori, our Hungarian team member who has been with us since October 2023. Bori brings a delightful culinary twist to our team with her fondness for "darás tészta," a Hungarian dish that combines pasta with jam. Bori is particularly drawn to the diversity that our centre offers. She appreciates the fact that each child comes from a different country, bringing their own distinct culture into the mix. For Bori, this diversity is a source of joy and inspiration. She considers herself lucky to have the opportunity to care for these children daily, embracing their uniqueness and celebrating their cultural backgrounds.
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.
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.