Owner/ Principal
Meet Keisha
Keisha is not only the owner but also the head teacher at Armadillo Play Group and has been teaching for over 15 years. Her focus has been on early childhood development in the 12 months to 6-year-old age range. She trained through the College of Modern Montessori in 2011 and qualified top in her class being awarded with a "Highly Commended" certificate.
Always having a dream of opening a playgroup and nurturing the crucial stages of early childhood development she has turned that dream into reality with the Armadillo Play Group. Keisha has a love for children, the bush, music and a passion for teaching which shows each day in the environment as the children explore and learn. She grew up in Johannesburg and loves to escape to the bush on her time off, she is the oldest sibling of 5 and plays underwater hockey for Gauteng. Keisha does not see her chosen career path as work but rather a blessing to be doing something meaningful for the children of the future.
Meet Tyla
Tyla is a caring and enthusiastic educator with a strong passion for early learning and child development. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Intermediate Phase Education and brings several years of experience working with children in supportive and engaging learning environments. Tyla spent three years as a facilitator at Heron Bridge College, where she developed a deep understanding of how children learn through play, routine, and positive relationships.
Although trained in the Intermediate Phase, Tyla has a particular love for the foundational years, recognizing the importance of nurturing confidence, curiosity, and emotional security during early childhood. She believes that preschool is where a child’s love for learning begins and strives to create a warm, safe, and stimulating environment where children feel happy, valued, and encouraged to explore.
Tyla has a gentle, patient teaching style and a natural ability to connect with young children. She is passionate about learning through play, language development, and helping children build independence and social skills at their own pace.
Tyla does not see teaching as work, but feels grateful to be part of such an important stage in shaping the children of the future.
Teacher's assistant
Meet Emily
Emily has been my assistant since beginning of 2023 and is easy to work with. She has her level one first aid training and has over 9 years' experience working with children.
Emily loves music and is often seen singing and dancing with the children. Emily has two of her own children aged 25 and 17.
Emily's vibrant personality is loved by all, especially the children in the class. She is a hard-working person who enjoys the company of others and the children have always loved her bubbly personality.
