BEd
Natalie is passionate about Early Childhood education and has spent most of her 19 years teaching in Kindergarten. Natalie trained in the UK where she specialised in English, however, she quickly realised that Early Years was her niche. Since 2011, she has worked in schools in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, an Emirate just outside Dubai, and has held the positions of Assistant Principal and Deputy Head with responsibility for Early Years and Key Stage 1.
Natalie enjoys the outdoors, reading stories, singing and helping pupils to make progress through playful experiences.
B.T. (Primary Education), B.E. (Special Education)
Emma-Jane draws upon 20 years of mainstream and SEN teaching experience in Early Years and Lower Primary in the UK, China, Australia and India. Prior to joining Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong, she worked as Nursery and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Leader, Head of Year, Class Teacher and Special Education Teacher. Emma-Jane holds bachelor’s degrees in Primary Teaching and in Special Education and is particularly interested in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, play-based learning and child-centricity in the pre-school environment.
Originally from Australia, Emma-Jane loves the great outdoors and has been on trekking adventures across the world. She also enjoys cooking, swimming, playing netball and watching Bollywood movies.
BEd (ECE)
Virginia Liao was born in China and moved to Hong Kong with her family when she was a young child. Virginia has been an Early Years Teacher in both International and Chinese Traditional Schools for more than 20 years. Her extensive experience has led Virginia to take on more challenging roles such as Lead Teacher and Mandarin Curriculum Coordinator. Virginia believes that every child is unique and learns in different ways, and that a teacher’s role is to nurture a child’s love for learning and support the ability of self-learning through various channels. Her hobbies include photography, reading and watching movies. Virginia enjoys travelling to different countries.
BA (Hispanic Studies)
Laura Marriot, a UK native, draws upon her rich experience in teaching both K1 and K2 as well as English as a Foreign Language (EFL) for different age groups. Having trained and worked in the UK for six years, she joined an international school in Borneo to teach FS2 for two years. Originally qualified as an EFL teacher, Laura spent six years working in different language schools in Spain, Vietnam and Australia. Feeling deeply committed to the Early Years education, she returned to the UK to retrain before starting her new role at Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong.
Laura loves to travel, experience new cultures and meet new friends.
BA in Foreign Modern Language, English, PGCE
Ms. Frederique (Ms. Freddie) is delighted to be part of the Malvern family and is very much looking forward to meeting you and your children, at the beginning of this academic year. Originally from France, she completed her teacher training and qualification in the UK. With over twenty years of experience in the classroom, Ms. Frederique started her career as a Modern Foreign Languages’ teacher in England and then taught Early Years at British international schools in Gabon, Egypt and Turkey.
During her career, Ms. Frederique has also coordinated a Modern Foreign Languages department, a tri-lingual nursery, the International Early Years Curriculum, where they used the EYFS curriculum, and the International Primary Curriculum.
By offering a nurturing, fun and stimulating learning environment where children’s talents and uniqueness are celebrated, Ms. Frederique’s goal is to work with you to provide all children with the best possible start in life.
MEd (ECE), BA (Translation), C (CEC)
Viola Choi has been working in Kindergartens in Hong Kong and China for 17 years. She has taken on different roles, including Mandarin Class Teacher, Mandarin Curriculum Coordinator, Chinese Head Teacher, Vice Principal and Principal. Viola has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from The Education University of Hong Kong and teaching experience gained at a bilingual international kindergarten in Hong Kong for 11 years. Viola likes to design engaging and inquiry-based literacy activities for pupils. She regards the relationship between parents, teachers and school as paramount to provide the best education and guidance for children.
BA (Hons) (Primary Education)
Ms. Emily-Jayne Gordon graduated from St Mary’s University, Twickenham, with First Class Honours in Primary Education. She commenced her teaching career in London before relocating to Dubai and, subsequently, Hong Kong.
With experience in both the primary curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage, Ms. Gordon’s true passion lies in Early Years education and play-based learning. She values fostering child-initiated learning experiences filled with laughter, compassion, curiosity, and exploration. Her enthusiasm for creating a stimulating environment ensures that each day offers new opportunities for personal growth and discovery.
In her spare time, Ms. Gordon enjoys hiking and recently completed the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. She also has a fondness for animals, having grown up with sixteen pets, with guinea pigs being a particular favourite.
Ms. Gordon has a keen interest in jazz music and enjoys playing the clarinet.
PGDE (ECE)
Christine Chen is from Mainland China and moved to Hong Kong after graduation. Since then, she has dedicated herself to Early Childhood education, discovering a deep passion for it. Witnessing children’s progress in various areas brings her great joy. She has been teaching in both traditional kindergartens and international pre-schools for nine years.
Christine believes that children learn best through play. She consistently creates imaginative and engaging environments, incorporating diverse materials and toys into her teaching. Her methods include songs, puppets, stories, exciting games, and art activities, all designed to stimulate pupils’ interest and facilitate their learning.
In her spare time, Christine enjoys painting, making handcrafts, and spending time with her husband and young child. During holidays, she engages in art activities to spark her creativity.
