The People Behind Poppins
Behind every happy child at Poppins is a team of people who genuinely love what they do. We are a small, close-knit group of qualified Montessori educators who have chosen early childhood as a vocation, not just a job. We know every child by name, by personality, and by the things that make them light up in the morning. When you leave your child at Poppins, you are leaving them with people who will mind them as if they were their own.
Principal
Caroline Hosey
Caroline founded Poppins Montessori in 2002 with a simple belief that every child deserves a place where they feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. More than two decades later, that belief still drives everything we do.
Caroline holds a BA in Early Childhood Studies from London Metropolitan University and has spent her entire career creating the kind of early years environment she always wanted for children. Warm, stimulating, and rooted in genuine care. She knows that when a child feels secure, everything else follows. The curiosity, the confidence, the love of learning. It all starts with feeling at home.
Away from the classroom, Caroline has a lifelong passion for singing and drama. If you ever wonder why the Poppins children put on such a show at the Christmas concert and end of year musical, now you know.
Montessori Teacher
Pauline Farrell
Pauline joined the Poppins family in 2014 and has been brightening the classroom ever since. Before training as a Montessori teacher, Pauline spent many years as a florist, and that creative eye and artistic flair comes through in everything she brings to the children each day.
Pauline graduated from the College of Progressive Education with a First Class Honours in Early Childhood Care and Education with Montessori. She is warm, fun, and exactly the kind of person you want caring for your child in the morning.
Montessori Teacher
Deirdre Whelan
Deirdre has been part of the Poppins family since 2008, bringing with her a calm, gentle presence that children respond to instantly. Before joining Poppins she had a career in banking, but it is clear that early childhood education is where she was always meant to be.
Deirdre holds a Diploma in Montessori Teaching with First Class Distinction from Portobello College, as well as a BA Honours in Business Studies and a Postgraduate Degree in Finance. That combination of warmth, patience and sharp thinking makes her an invaluable part of the team and a familiar, reassuring face for every child in her care.
Afterschool Assistant
Thekra Kashoosh
Thekra joined the Poppins Afterschool team in 2024, bringing with her a background as a medical secretary and accountant — proof that the best childcare people often come from the most unexpected places. What she brings to the role is exactly what children need at the end of a school day: patience, energy, warmth, and a genuine enthusiasm for being there.
Thekra holds a Level 5 SNA from Progressive College, a QQI Level 6 in Advanced Business from DCFE, and a Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. A remarkable range of qualifications, all of which point to one thing — someone who shows up fully for whatever she takes on.
Afterschool Assistant
Marianne Courtney
Marianne joined the Poppins family in September 2025, bringing with her a background in care and a genuine passion for creative learning. Her love of arts and crafts means the afternoon activity table is always something children look forward to — full of projects that let them make, explore, and express themselves freely.
Marianne holds a BA in English and Irish History and has completed HSeLanD training including Children First and Safeguarding. She brings both the warmth and the professional grounding that every family wants in the person looking after their child at the end of the school day.
Small Team, Big Hearts
Our Team
Between them, the Poppins team brings decades of experience, a string of qualifications, and something no qualification can teach — a genuine love of children. From Caroline, who has led the school since 2002, to Deirdre's calm presence since 2008, to Pauline's creative flair in the classroom, and the Afterschool Team of Thekra and Marianne, who take over when the school bell rings — everyone at Poppins chose this work because they care deeply about it.
We are a small team and we like it that way. Every child is known, every parent is recognised at the gate and all are very welcome to our service.