Our Trustees

Simren Priestly
Simren PriestlyChair of the Board of Trustees
Simren is a Director in the Financial Institutions team at Brunswick Group, a leading, global critical issues and strategic communications firm. She has worked extensively across the UK and European, US and Asian markets in both in-house and agency communications roles. Simren is experienced in developing and implementing tailored communications strategies and has advised on a range of complex transactions.

Previously, she has held the roles of Head of Communications at BC Partners, an alternative investment manager focused on private equity, credit, and real estate, and Director, Investment Communications – Europe & APAC for OMERS, the Canadian pension plan. Simren also spent five years living and working in Singapore, where she opened the first Asia Pacific office for a boutique financial communications consultancy.

Simren holds a degree in English Literature from the University of Leeds. She is also a Trustee for the English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. and is a Co-Opted Governor and Safeguarding lead for Earlsfield Primary School, in Southwest London.

Amira El-Aghel
Amira El-AghelTrustee
Amira is a passionate and dedicated Montessori teacher with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. Her approach is rooted in the Montessori philosophy, emphasising child-centered learning, independence, and respect for each child’s unique development. Amira has had the privilege to work in various settings, in the private and public sector in countries including Libya, Uk and now Saudi Arabia and has developed a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing educational organisations today. Amira’s expertise in leadership,strategic planning, and personal and professional development has equipped her to contribute effectively to the communities she works with. “My vision is that one day Montessori philosophy and education will be accessible to all.”
Georgie Howlett
Georgie HowlettTrustee
Georgie is an award-winning behaviour change communications director. She has 18 years of strategic social change experience spanning charities, membership organisations, B Corporations and government.
She’s particularly passionate about young people and education, working with the likes of Magic Breakfast, Big Change, Anna Freud Centre, Speakers for Schools, as well as household charities like the National Trust.
Joshua Beagelman
Joshua BeagelmanTrustee
Joshua is the Managing Director of MB Private Clients, a trusted travel management company for C-suite executives and high profile individuals.
Having personally experienced the challenges of early education, Joshua is committed to supporting Montessori Global Education’s mission to make Montessori accessible wherever it is needed, anywhere in the world. He looks forward to contributing his expertise in managing complex logistics, international operations, and strategic development to empower children, educators, and communities with the skills they need to thrive.
Manisha Patel
Manisha PatelTrustee
Manisha is a seasoned, versatile & visionary NED with 20+ years of expertise spanning business ownership (and a successful exit), management consulting, advising large corporate companies, as well as nurturing start-ups and charities. Skilled in strategy, planning, directing organisations, and catapulting company performance. Trusted partner, strategic advisor, and “critical friend” to Board/Executive leadership teams, leveraging expertise in navigating business transformations, and hands-on experience consulting organisations on their target operating model. Adept in serving as a valued and diverse sounding board for key business decisions. Commercially astute entrepreneur & company director; viscerally passionate about cultivating strong relationships and creating a tangible, positive impact. Unwaveringly committed to enhancing team dynamics, transparency & professional development to enable high performance and lasting growth.
Saachi Jotwani
Saachi JotwaniTrustee
Saachi is a passionate and dedicated early years and primary Montessori educator who started her journey from Montessori Centre International. She is committed to promoting Montessori principles to shape the future of education. In addition she also guides the junior student council who serve as a voice for their peers by empowering young minds to take an active role in their school community, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership. Saachi is also dedicated to philanthropy and has been working on fundraising and charity projects with her students over the past few years inspiring positive transformations in the lives of others and guiding young children to become empathetic and caring change-makers. Her passion for the Montessori approach to education radiates through her every endeavour.
Sasha Dickson
Sasha DicksonTrustee
Sasha Dickson is a performance coach for fund managers and traders and the founder of Park Street, an advisory firm that specializes in optimizing performance for investors in both public and private markets. She has over 25 years experience in global financial markets, business development and strategic consultancy.  Sasha is currently based between London and Singapore, having worked and lived in the US, Asia and the UK and Europe.  She holds a degree in Social & Political Science from Cambridge University.  
Stacey Foster
Stacey FosterTrustee
Stacey Foster is a Chartered Accountant, having qualified in 2012 at a top London firm. In 2016 I founded Fosters Accountants and Consultants Ltd, a practice that supports female-led businesses. With over 20 years’ experience in both practice and industry, including serving as a Finance Director for an SME in Kent for four years, Stacey brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Here as a Finance Director provided me with valuable experience of sitting on a Board of Directors and working closely with Shareholders.  “Shaping the future of the educational system and providing every child the best possible start in life are causes that ignite a true passion within me. I firmly believe that the Montessori mission aligns perfectly with these goals.”

Our Advisors

Catherine McTamaney

Professor Catherine McTamaney

Academic Advisor

Catherine McTamaney is an international writer, lecturer and advocate for children and their families. Montessori-educated as a child, Dr. McTamaney has been a Montessori teacher, teacher-educator, school director and parent for over twenty-five years. She serves as the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, Nashville, TN, where she teaches coursework on the political and social influences on education, children’s development in the arts and early childhood development.