Our staff
Luciana Talpo
Luciana is our Nursery Manager and has been in post since September 2011. Luciana is responsible for the overall operation and organisation of the nursery as well as working with the children to provide the best possible surroundings and stimulation for each child’s development. Luciana has a wealth of experience in early years education and Montessori teaching. As part of our parent led ethos, Luciana works closely with both parents and staff to ensure every family enjoys their experience with Grasshoppers. Her warm and friendly approach helps new parents and their children to settle in quickly and happily.
Qualifications: BA Honors Early Childhood Studies / MA in Sociology of Childhood and Children’s Rights
Thi Tran
Thi has been with Grasshoppers since summer 2006. Thi shares the responsibility of Deputy Manager and her passion as a child care practitioner is in helping the children to take an interest in literacy. Thi has a warm and friendly nature, she also has great patience especially with children who like to focus on individual tasks.
Qualifications: NVQ level 3 in child care and education
Arkem Walton
Arkem shares responsibility as Deputy Manager and has been with Grasshoppers as a child care practitioner since summer 2010. He is our artistic inspiration and with a career in theatre and performance outside of the nursery, he has endless ideas for creative play. The nursery benefits from colourful wall displays and inventive sculptures created by the children with Arkem’s support during his crafty art sessions. Arkem also leads a weekly drama session for the 3-5 year olds.
Qualifications: NVQ level 3 in child care and education
Joycelyn Ryner
Joycelyn has been with Grasshoppers as a child care practitioner since summer 2010. Her presence adds a musical atmosphere with her love of singing and dancing. Joycelyn has great fun with the children and loves making them laugh. She’s great at encouraging group play and learning through toys, role play and games.
Qualifications: NVQ level 3 in child care and education
Stefania Valente
Stefania is the Grasshoppers Kitchen Coordinator, which isn’t just a fancy word for a cook! She also has to plan the meals and arrange supplies of food, all of which is organic produce from local suppliers carefully selected for health and nutrition.