Suantraí Montessori School Tinryland

My name is Frances Byrne. I am the mother of two grown up children. Watching my children grow from babies to toddlers, and observing how they learned, inspired me to study Early Childhood Education. In 1999, I gained a Diploma in Modern Montessori Methods from Portobello School in Dublin and opened Suantraí Montessori School in 2001. In 2010 I completed the FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Supervision in Childcare, at The Carlow Institute of Further Education, Kilkenny Rd, Carlow, and in 2018, I completed a BA (FETAC Level 7) in Early Childhood Education and Care at Carlow IT. I am the owner/manager of Suantraí Montessori, where I work as a teacher.

I am originally from Tinryland, and went to Tinryland NS and later St Leo’s, College in Carlow. After leaving St Leo's, I studied beauty therapy in Loriam Beauty Therapy College, Dublin. On completing the course, I moved to Kent in the UK. I lived there for 8 years, where I worked first as a Bank Official for Lloyds Bank, and later in stockbroking for Natwest Stockbrokers in the City of London. My last job in London, was working for Global Financial Management in the West End of London. I got married to Pat in 1990, and moved back to Ireland in 1995 after getting a job with Bank of Ireland Asset Managers in Dublin. I worked there until I moved back to Carlow in 1999.

My first child, Chloe was born in 1996 and Joseph was born in 1999. When I moved back to Carlow I studied for a Diploma in Montessori teaching at Portobello College, Dublin. After I finished my training in 2000, I decided to open a Montessori school in my house, mostly because of my interest in early year’s education, but also because I wanted to have a greater influence on my son's preschool education.

I opened the school on September 12th 2001, in a converted sitting-room in my house, with space for 8 children. I received invaluable assistance and advice from both the Carlow County Enterprise Board and the Health Board, and within 2 years I was running two sessions a day. The demand was so high that I decided to apply for a grant and built a purpose built school. The new school opened in September 2003, with a capacity for 18 children.

In September 2010, with the introduction of the ECCE (Free school Year) the numbers of children attending the school rose, and we opened our second classroom. Our third classroom opened in 2018.

I really enjoy my work as the owner, manager of and teacher in a Montessori School. It is very hard work, but very rewarding and satisfying.

My name is Orla Fitzpatrick and I am from Carlow. I attended Bennekerry National School and St. Leo’s Secondary school. When I left school, I completed a PLC Childcare Course and went on to study Montessori Teaching. In 2012 I completed a BA (Hons) level 8 in Early Childhood Education & Care. I have also completed my First Aid and Child Protection training. In addition, work as a tutor in Child Care courses part time.

I have worked in the Childcare sector since I finished school, and have 17 years experience. Firstly I worked in full day care with children aged 3 months to 6 years, and as a classroom assistant in a primary school where I worked with Junior Infants. I then began working in sessional settings with children aged 2-6 years. I have a wide experience and thoroughly enjoy my job, as every day is varied. The biggest reward of the job is seeing children develop at their own pace in different ways, and to be part of that journey is a privilege. I also enjoy planning new activities and experiences, which helps the development of the child’s individual interests.

Outside of work I am a mother of two children a boy 6 and a girl 3 who keep me very busy with a variety of activities. I enjoy reading, swimming and walking to relax.

My name is Phyllis Black Dooley. I grew up in Fenagh, but I am now living in Tinryland, Carlow. I have two daughters, Candice and Skye. I have been working in Suantrai Montessori Tinryland as an AIM assistant since 2017.

In 2007, I completed an ECDL course, which was very valuable, as it helped me to improve my computer skills. I started my studies in Carlow Institute of Further Education in 2012 and completed my FETAC Level 5 in Early Childhood Care/Special Needs that year. During this time I was also doing a 12 week beginners course in photography. I subsequently completed my Level 6 in Early Childhood Care and Education, and qualified in 2014. I did my work experience in Cherish Childcare in Carlow, and was chosen to work with a child that had WAGR Syndrome, which is a very rare condition.

This September I will begin a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care at Carlow IT, which I am very excited about.

I love working with children, and feel it is imperative to engage in continuous professional development, to maintain a high standard of work.

Hi my name is Heather Mc Guinness. I am the mother of two adult daughters. I grew up in Dublin, but moved with my family to county Carlow in 2001.

After years as a stay at home mum and once my girls had flown the nest, | decided to pursue an exciting life change. Nine years ago, as a mature student, I began my studies as a childcare professional, gaining valuable knowledge and experience while working with children at pre-school and primary school levels both in regular and special needs schools. In 2012, I received a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Early in Early Childhood Education and Care. Since graduating, I have worked in Holy Angels Day Care Centre and also Ballon/Rathoe Community Childcare.

I have continued to expand my knowledge in the field of childcare and I have also completed a course in Montessori Education which included such subjects as Early Childhood Literacy and numeracy, Early Childhood Environment, and Early Childhood arts and crafts. This course was invaluable in providing a deeper understanding of the Montessori ethos and the teaching and presentation of the Montessori educational tools to provide a rich and rewarding environment and learning experience for the children. Scallywags Crèche and Montessori in Fenagh provided me with the right environment for my work experience in relation to the course.

I enjoy my job thoroughly, and love working with children of all ages.


Suantri Montessori Numeracy & Literacy
Suantri Montessori Science
Suantri Montessori Spoken Irish
Suantri Montessori History
Suantri Montessori Geography
Suantri Montessori Music & Cooking
Suantri Montessori Life Skills
Suantri Montessori Dancing
Suantri Montessori Aerobics & Yoga

Opening Times:
Monday - Friday:
9.30am - 12.30pm
Meet The Team

Fetac Acreditated Portobello Acreditated Carlow Institue of Technology