A Tralee educator has won a top award at the AIBF Business All-Star awards.
Susan Quirke-Crowley, CEO and Founder of Mounthawk Montessori School, was awarded Educator of the Year 2025 for her outstanding innovation in educational practice.
Mounthawk Montessori & Busy Bees Nursery, located in Tralee, provides students with a holistic and nature-based learning experience.
Reacting to the news of her company’s achievement, CEO & Founder, Susan Quirke
Crowley said:
“I am truly honoured to receive this recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This
accolade is a reflection of the hard work and passion of the entire Mounthawk Montessori team.
Together, we have built something truly special for our students—a place where they are free to
explore, learn, and grow in a natural environment. Our mission is to empower the next generation
with the curiosity, confidence, and creativity to achieve their potential, and I couldn’t be prouder
of what we’ve accomplished.”
Announcing the news of Susan Quirke Crowley’s achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s
Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said:
“ I am delighted to recognise Susan Quirke Crowley, Founder Of Mounthawk Montessori School,
for her outstanding achievement in receiving the Business All-Star Educator of the Year 2025
accreditation from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. Susan’s exceptional leadership, her
dedication to early childhood education, and her pioneering work in creating Ireland’s first Tusla-
accredited outdoor pre-school have set new standards for excellence in the education sector.
Susan’s commitment to fostering an environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and
independence has profoundly impacted the lives of her students. Her dedication to the montessori
philosophy, combined with innovative teaching methods, has allowed countless children to thrive,
both academically and personally. ”
Managing Director of the All-Ireland Business Foundation, Kapil Khanna, said:
“Susan Quirke Crowley exemplifies leadership and innovation in education. Her dedication to nurturing
children through the Montessori method and outdoor learning sets her apart as a visionary in early
childhood education. We are thrilled to present her with the Business All-Star Educator of the
Year 2025 award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the sector.”
He said: “We evaluate a company’s background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak
to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a
customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews
and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”}
