About Us
Coração Bem-Aventurado Montessori was founded by two sisters who'd talked about opening a daycare together for years before finally making it happen. Originally from Peru, they spent a significant part of their lives in Australia before relocating permanently to Portugal, a move that's brought them a genuine appreciation for the way of life here.
With their shared background and belief in the Montessori approach to early childhood education, they're looking forward to becoming even more a part of the Santarém community and offering local families a thoughtful, hands-on learning environment for their children.
Meet Our Founding Team
Jocelyn Galvez Diez
Founder & General Manager
Jocelyn holds a double degree in Economics and Environmental Management from the University of Adelaide, along with Honours in Economics focused on Community Development. For over a decade, she worked with the Australian Red Cross, first in Community Engagement, then in Emergency Services at regional and national levels - eventually stepping into a national management role leading recovery programs with teams of up to 70 staff. Throughout that time, she worked closely with children and young people, helping them build resilience and cope with the emotional impact of disasters, including running the Pillowcase Program for children aged 3-6.
It was after the birth of her daughter that Jocelyn discovered the Montessori method, she's been putting it into practice and advocating for it ever since. Now, alongside her sister, she's building a place where young children can grow real skills, capability, and independence.
Margiolyn Galvez Diez
Founder & Pedagogic Manager
Margiolyn studied Social Sciences with Honours at the University of Queensland before spending years working directly with people who needed extra support - first with abused adolescents, then with people with physical and mental disabilities, where she fell in love with the pedagogy of inclusion and independence. That passion led her to Montessori: she's currently completing a Masters in Montessori Childhood Pedagogy (0-6) through the International Montessori Institute and University of Barcelona, alongside AMI diplomas for ages 0–3 and, from 2027, 3-6.
For Margiolyn, Montessori sees the child as a whole being who needs guidance to grow into confidence, independence, and self-esteem - much like the pedagogy of inclusion she practised while supporting people with disabilities, it works through the least intervention to achieve the greatest results. She believes giving children the tools to do things themselves, with respect and love for themselves and others, is the greatest gift for their future, and it's why she and her sister are bringing this AMI-true approach to families in Santarém.
Our Philosophy
Independence from the start
We believe children are capable of far more than we often give them credit for. From the earliest age, we create opportunities for them to dress themselves, choose their own activities, and solve small problems on their own, building confidence one small success at a time.
Learning through hands-on discovery
Rather than sitting and listening, children learn best by doing. Our classrooms are filled with carefully chosen materials that invite exploration, so children can follow their own curiosity and understand concepts through direct experience.
A calm, prepared environment
Every shelf, tool, and corner of our space is thoughtfully arranged to be accessible and orderly, helping children feel secure and focused. We believe a peaceful environment naturally encourages peaceful, engaged learners.
A true partnership with families
We see parents as partners, not bystanders. With open communication and shared decision-making, we work together to support each child's growth, both in the classroom and at home.