Colette Assaf

Colette Assaf is a nationally recognised executive and Co-Founder of Montessori Academy Group, Australia’s leading provider of Montessori early childhood education. With over 25 years of leadership experience, she has played a pivotal role in scaling the organisation to a network of more than 60 centres across Australia and China. Montessori Academy was established in 2000 by Colette and her husband, Charles Assaf, inspired by their search for a structured educational alternative to play-based childcare for their five children. Under Colette’s leadership, Montessori Academy has become a sector leader in curriculum quality, workforce culture, and operational excellence. To address the growing need for qualified Montessori educators, Colette co-founded the Australian Montessori College, a nationally accredited training provider offering flexible learning pathways for educators across the country. The College supports professional growth and workforce development through sector-aligned curriculum, mentoring, and accessible training models. Colette is also a dedicated philanthropist and community advocate. She is a Director of the Montessori Care Foundation, which supports initiatives in education, health, and international aid for vulnerable communities. Additionally, she is a founding Advisory Board Member of St Merkorious Charity, which provides thousands of meals each week to people experiencing food insecurity across Sydney. Colette’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to educational equity, social inclusion, and empowering others through access to care, education, and opportunity.