“The greatest sign of success for a teacher… is to be able to say, ‘the children are now working as if I did not exist.'”
Dr. Maria Montessori
Niranja Vinodani Fernando
My Name is Niranja Vinodani Fernando, owner of the Shining Stars Montessori School. Once out of school, I had to decide on a career that satisfied and inspired me. I found that being a Montessori Teacher well suited me because of my compassion, patience and dedication to improving the lives of children.
I obtained my Association Montessori International (AMI) Diploma in 1989. I trained at the Mari Montessori Center in Sri Lanka. I owned and operated my first Montessori School in Sri Lanka from 1990 to 2001. My Montessori school was one of the highest respected and regarded Montessori schools in the area with over 100 children.
My husband and I moved to Austin, Texas in 2001. I started my career as a Lead Teacher at the International Montessori House of Children in 2001, a well-established Montessori school that has been in operation since 1965. I am currently the Director of International Montessori House of Children at their Far West location.
I have taught for over 26 years while managing a Montessori school. I love and enjoy what I do. Now that my own daughter is in college, my husband and I decided it was time to open our own Montessori school.
We found this great location in our neighborhood and we are excited to serve the community. I am committed to continue to maintain the highest standards, and to prepare the children to become excellent citizens and embrace the changing world as it unfolds.