Montessori Academy Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Montessori Academy has 4 executives leading key functions including strategic vision, brand growth, operational excellence, and human capital management.

Dedicated to fostering early childhood development, Montessori Academy delivers world-class educational experiences across Australia by prioritizing curiosity, discovery, and the cultivation of natural student talents.

Leadership Roles at Montessori Academy

  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Colette Assaf
  • Chief Operating Officer - Rami Nassif
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Michaela Rath-May
  • Chief People Officer - Shelly Li
  • Colette Assaf - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Colette Assaf, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Montessori Academy, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. By championing the Montessori philosophy, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures that every facility maintains high standards of early childhood education. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends within the Australian childcare sector to maintain competitive advantages. Colette Assaf drives the expansion of the group, overseeing the integration of new centers while preserving the personalized, family-oriented service model. Through collaboration with the Board, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer secures long-term sustainability and growth. By focusing on the development journey from birth to age six, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer guarantees that the company remains a leader in providing exceptional learning environments. Ultimately, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer shapes the future of early childhood education through innovation and commitment to excellence.

    Rami Nassif - Chief Operating Officer

    Rami Nassif, the Chief Operating Officer at Montessori Academy, manages the daily operational efficiency of all childcare facilities across the national network. Overseeing facility maintenance, safety protocols, and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every location provides a premium learning environment. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative processes to support educators and staff in delivering high-quality care. Rami Nassif coordinates with regional managers to maintain operational consistency and compliance with educational standards. By implementing scalable systems, the Chief Operating Officer drives productivity and enhances the overall service delivery model. The Chief Operating Officer monitors key performance indicators to identify areas for improvement in facility management and service quality. Through rigorous oversight of operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer supports the company's mission of providing excellence in early childhood education while maintaining the personalized feel of a family-oriented daycare.
    Rami Nassif

    Michaela Rath-May - Chief Marketing Officer

    Michaela Rath-May, the Chief Marketing Officer at Montessori Academy, architects the brand identity and communication strategies across the Australian market. Overseeing all digital and physical outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the value proposition of world-class Montessori education reaches families effectively. This leadership role involves managing brand reputation and driving enrollment growth through targeted campaigns. Michaela Rath-May collaborates with the executive team to align marketing initiatives with the company's mission of fostering curiosity and discovery in young students. By analyzing consumer data and market feedback, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes the customer journey from initial inquiry to enrollment. The Chief Marketing Officer maintains consistent messaging that highlights the unique blend of large-group resources and personalized daycare services. Through strategic brand positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer secures a dominant market presence and supports the overall growth objectives of the organization.

    Shelly Li - Chief People Officer

    Shelly Li, the Chief People Officer at Montessori Academy, directs the human capital strategy, focusing on talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture. Overseeing the recruitment of qualified educators, the Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the company's commitment to world-class education. This leadership role involves designing training programs that empower staff to foster curiosity and discovery in students. Shelly Li collaborates with the executive team to cultivate a supportive work environment that reflects the company's family-feel values. By managing performance management systems and employee engagement initiatives, the Chief People Officer drives retention and professional growth across the organization. The Chief People Officer monitors workforce trends to ensure that the company attracts top-tier talent in the competitive Australian childcare sector. Through strategic human resource management, the Chief People Officer supports the long-term success and operational stability of the entire group.
    Shelly Li

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Montessori Academy Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Montessori Academy?
    Montessori Academy is led by Colette Assaf (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Rami Nassif (Chief Operating Officer) and Michaela Rath-May (Chief Marketing Officer).
    Who is part of Montessori Academy’s executive team?
    The executive team of Montessori Academy includes leaders such as Colette Assaf (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Rami Nassif (Chief Operating Officer), Michaela Rath-May (Chief Marketing Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Montessori Academy have?
    Montessori Academy has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Montessori Academy’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Montessori Academy includes roles such as Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief People Officer.