Maria Johnson

Managing Director/Owner/Licensee

Hi my name is Maria Johnson. I have lived in Wellington after getting married in 1992 (two of these years were spent in Sydney!!). I spent my childhood growing up on a farm with my parents, two brothers and three sisters.

I moved to Wellington after training as a Primary School teacher at Hamilton Teachers College and completing my Bachelor of Education at Waikato University. B.Ed, Dip. Tching Primary. In 2006 I studied full time and gained my Early Childhood qualifications from the New Zealand College of Early Childhood Education.

I am married to a wonderful husband Craig and have four beautiful boys - Mathew, Joshua, Benjamin and Jacob (twins). I love being with my children and watching them grow and develop as individuals! Being a Mum is the greatest job in the world (even though sometimes it tests our patience).

I really enjoy spending time with family and friends, relaxing in my garden and being creative. When there is any spare time I also like to exercise.

After living in Sydney and experiencing the wonderful Pre-School Education system there, both Craig and I felt there was a huge need for quality education in Wellington. We are both excited about Little School's programme and what it has to offer.

Owning four preschools is exciting and challenging. I enjoy my journey as a leader and am passionate about teaching and keeping up with the latest research and ideas in education and bringing this into the Little Schools.

Rachel Hooper

Accounts/Accountant

Hi, my name is Rachel and I started working for the Little Schools when they first began in 2003.  I was born and raised in Wellington and attended Victoria University, graduating with a BA (Hons) in International Politics.  My husband Gary and I have three teenage children - two sons and a daughter.

After using my degree working for Department of Trade and Industry facilitating NZ's trade and economic relations with Pacific Island countries, I then decided to move into the area of Accounting.  I worked in London for Reuters and then returned to Wellington where I worked for Unisys as one of their financial Accountants.

Although my work experience has been varied, my main priority has always been my children and this is where the flexibility of working for the Little School has fitted in perfectly with my life.  I enjoy being a member of the Management Team at Little School and look forward to meeting with all our new children and their families.

Kathy Campbell

Curriculum Co-ordinator

Hi, I'm Kathy
I have been employed since May 2007 as part of the management team at Little School, where my role is extremely varied, no two days are the same! I thoroughly enjoy working with the staff at Little School.

My background is in Primary School teaching. I completed my degree and teaching diploma in the early 90s, and taught in several primary schools within the Wellington area, working with children in years 0-6. I completed my Early Childhood Teaching Diploma in 2009.

I myself have a daughter, Maddi, who attended Little School, so I have an interest and perspective as a parent as well as a staff member and educator.

When I'm not working I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching movies, reading, exercising, cooking, eating and travelling.

Megan Watson

Operations Manager/Enrolments

Hi My name is Megan.
I began working as a Teacher at Little School when it first began in 2003.

I have a Diploma in Teaching Early Childhood which I completed at Whitirea Polytech. I then nannyed for two very special families which have remained a special part of my life and I still enjoy watching the children grow.

I took a break from Little School in 2007 when I had my son Oscar, who is a delight. I returned to Little School in 2009 taking on a part time admin role which I really enjoy. My son attends Kelburn Little School and has been enriched by this experience.

In my sparetime I enjoy cooking, skiing and spending my time with family and friends.

Jane Jennings

Curriculum Co-ordinator

Hi, my name is Jane.  I began working as a teacher at Little School just after it first began in 2003.

I have a Diploma of Teaching in ECE and a Bachelor of Education which I completed at Dunedin College of Education and Otago University in the early 90's.

From mid 2004-2008 I took a break from Little School and Andrew and I had our two children Sarah and Harry - they are busy little people who bring lots of joy, love and laughter to our house.  Sarah attended Khandallah Little School and Harry went to Kelburn before transferring to Khandallah - so I have and interest and perspective in the schools as a parent and as an educator.

I returned to Little School in 2008 as a release teacher and in 2010 I became part of the management team and took on the role of teacher support and curriculum support.

In my spare time I enjoy running, walking, cooking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Stephanie Kiefer

Supervisor

Hello my name is Stephanie Kiefer.

I grew up in the South West of Germany with my lovely mum, dad and older brother.

After I finished school I went to the 'Vocational College of Social Pedagogy' for four years of studying to become an Educator. After completing my study I worked for seven years with disabled children, developing their speech and learning.

After my travelling through New Zealand and Australia I went back to Germany for 2 years and decided to move to New Zealand to live with my partner and experience working in a different country.

I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing volleyball and experimenting with cooking new food in the kitchen.

I find working with children a very exciting job that never ceases to be interesting.

Paula Good

Assistant Supervisor

Kia ora,

My name is Paula Good. I spent my life growing up in Dunedin with my Mum and Dad and attended Columba College from preschool until year 13 when I went on to complete my Bachelor of Education (Tchng 0-8), which is a degree involving both Early Childhood and Primary Education. I worked part time during my teacher training, at New Zealand Couriers, Pathways Montessori Preschool with infants, toddlers and young children and also being a nanny for a family with two young children, which I loved.

I began doing ballroom dancing at the age of five, which went on to be my passion for many years, competing all over New Zealand and Australia. I even managed to win three National Titles in Wellington and have my 15 minutes of fame on an Australian TV show called 'Strictly Dancing.' This has remained a hobby of mine as well as watching my Dad car racing, reading, travelling, cooking and spending time with my family and friends.

Working with children has alwyas been a passion, which I chose to follow and focus on as a career. I am extremely excited to work at Khandallah Little School and hope to enrich the children with learning and experiences to last a lifetime! I know I will be rewarded with what all the children have to offer.

Reidun Leete

Teacher

Kia ora,

My name is Reidun Leete. I am Hawke's Bay born and bred and still call it home, however as the slogan says, 'Ya can't beat Wellington on a good day!' and have thoroughly enjoyed being back in the capital after 7 years away.

I originally trained as a primary teacher graduating in 2000, here in Wellington. I have worked for many years in the hospitality industry and have been a nanny for several wonderful families over the years and have also spent some time working on a dairy farm. I was inspired to train as an early childhood teacher through an interest that I developed in children's art while completing my BVAD (in paint). I recognised back then and have experienced over the past two years that a career in early childhood education is incredibly rewarding and enjoyable.

In my free time I enjoy flying para foil kites, gardening, cooking, heading out to art galleries and shows, playing bowls, painting and being creative, as well as spending time with friends and family. I have a large Rhodesian Ridgeback called Crugah and a cat called Tuttie and spend as much time with them as I can.

I am excited to be a part of the supportive and caring team of teachers at Khandallah Little School, and look forward to getting to know the wonderful children and their families.

Jemma Larson

Teacher

Hello my name is Jemma Larson. I am originally from Lincoln, England where there is a beautiful cathedral that is set high on the hill.

My dad's family is from Central Otago and he and my mum moved myself, my brother David and my sister Rachel to Christchurch in July 2003. In Christchurch I went to St Andrews College, before heading to Dunedin to start my Bachleor of Teaching and Learning! After a year I'd had enough of the party life and moved back to Christchurch to finish my degree. This is where I met my partner Michael.

I graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2007 and went straight into teaching and I love it! I'm very passionate about working with children and supporting them to reach their full potential.

Michael and I moved to Wellington in July 2009. We live in Khandallah with our kitten Biscuit.

In my spare time I love to sew and make bags and exciting things to use and bring to work at Little Schools. I also love reading, watching cricket, formula one and rugby. Mike and I and our friends also have a fortnightly quiz team, we do well sometimes even make the top 5! We love relaxing with them and having a great time.

I very much look forward to meeting you all and working with and alongside everyone at Little Schools.

Nicole Straube

Assistant Supervisor

Hi, my name is Nicole Straube. I am originally from Chicago, USA.  I have a Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education and have taught for five years as an early hcildhood teacher in Chicago.  Throughout those five years I have grown and developed along with the children and am very excited to continue my growth as an educator at Little School.

In my spare time I am fond of reading, traveling and hiking. I also like to exercise and take my dog, Cleo, for walks.  I can not wait to explore New Zealand and make a new life with my partner and dog.

I am a firm believer that parents are a child's first teacher and a positive partnership between parents and teachers is necessary to help each child grow and develop into well rounded, confident and happy learners.  I am thrilled to be part of the Little School team and look forward to meeting the families and children of Little School.

Rachel Olson

Supervisor

Kia Ora,

My name is Rachel Olson. I have a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) and I have been employed as a teacher in Little School since 2008. I studied at Victoria University of Wellington and I currently live in Khandallah. Prior to being employed at Little School, I spent a year travelling and visiting my family in the United Kingdom, Mexico and Canada.

In my spare time I enjoy being outside and particularly enjoy hiking, surfing and snowboarding. I am looking forward to meeting the families and children attending Little School.

Nia Apineru

Teacher

Talofa lava, my name is Niagai (Nia) Apineru. I was born and raised in Samoa. I came from a family of nine children six boys and two sisters. I came to New Zealand in 1979 and worked at the Justice Department Land and Title Section.

I was teaching in Samoa before I came to New Zealand. In 1995 I started my training as an early childhood teacher at Wellington College of Education, and graduated in 1998 with a Diploma of Teaching Early childhood.

I have two children of my own that are grown up now and very independent. I have completed my B.E.D in July (2006).

I enjoy working with infants and toddlers and their families.

Maru Bautista

Teacher

Mabuhay!

I am Maria Ruteza A. Bautista. Call me 'MaRu' for short. I am from the Philippines where I have taught preschool for 5 years. I am a single mother and very proud of my son - Nathaniel John. 'Nathan' is truly a gift from God and I am looking forward to getting him to live with me here in New Zealand.

I love to try out and learn new things. I love spending time with my family and friends when I have spare time (something I will miss for the time being, but I am sure I will build new friendships here in Wellington). I also enjoy reading, listening to music, and sometimes go on trips to while away my time. I also have interests in salsa dancing. I love singing and also I can play a thing or two with the guitar. Back in the Philippines, I worked as a party/ events organizer on the side.

I could say that being a parent does bring out the best in a person. We strive to do our best and everything for our children to make sure that they will have a great future.

I finished Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in Guidance and Counseling with Special Training in Early Childhood Education and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in De La Salle University - Manila.

I am very passionate about being able to teach minds, touch hearts, and transform lives by being a teacher. It is indeed a great opportunity for me to be able to start a new chapter in my teaching career here in Wellington. I am very much excited and enthusiastic to be able to work with the teachers, the children and their families here at Little School.

Keri-ann Dobbs

Teacher

Hi, my name is Keri-ann Dobbs.

I started working for Little School in April 2010, after I completed my BEd (Tch) ECE at Victoria University.

This is my first full time teaching role.  Previously I worked as an after school teacher and a relief teacher.

Wellington is my home town and I love it here.  Activities that I love to do are reading, singing and camping.  I am a member of Newlands Baptist Church where I am part of the music group and often sing on a Sunday morning.  My family, my partner Michael and I are always going on camps.

I look forward to getting to know you.

Kristiana Denford-Deck

Teacher

Kia ora

My name is Kristiana Denford-Deck.

I'm married with three adorable teenagers and one lovely "tweenie".

I have been teaching since 1990 and during this time have taught in both full and part-time capacity within the Wellington area.

I have a particular passion for literacy and art and have attended and facilitated many Professional Development courses in these curriculum areas.

Most recently, I have been combining relief teaching with our children's sporting and social engagements!  It's definitely my turn for some action!

I am looking forward to a more permanent teaching position and joining the Kelburn Little School team this year.

Ka Kite Ano

Jacquie Costello

Supervisor

Kia Ora my name is Jacquie Costello.

I have lived in Dunedin all my life on the Otago Peninsular. I moved up to Wellington with my partner in November 2006, to further my career as an Early Childhood educator.

Following completing High School I took a year out of study and worked in the hospitality industry, training as a chef the following two years.

I then followed my passion in working with children to extend their knowledge and development, and started training at Dunedin College of Education.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exercising, healthy eating and living, listening to music, exploring the North Island, and exploring personal culture.

I am thoroughly looking forward to getting to know and working with the children and families/whanau of Kelburn Little School.

Louise Cutts

Supervisor

Hi, my name is Louise Cutts and I am originally from London. I studied and trained in London and qualified as a Primary School teacher. I spent 4 very happy years teaching in a school in Twickenham before moving to New Zealand in 2006.

During my teaching experience in the UK, I have taught both infant and junior age children. I have also worked with children with special needs. I particularly enjoyed the challenge of working with infant aged children, as no two days were ever the same!Since moving to New Zealand I have spent most of my time teaching - from Early Years relief work right through to Adult Education.

In my spare time I enjoy watching sports, especially rugby and cricket. Living in Wellington has allowed me to do lots of this. I also like to spend my time with my friends.

I look forward to getting to know and working alongside both you and your children.

Julia Moughan

Assistant Supervisor

I grew up in Hawkes Bay.  I moved to Wellington in 2001 to work and study.

I studied for a four year conjoint degree at Victoria University and Wellington College of Education.  In 2005, I completed my Bachelor of Teaching in Primary and Secondary Eduction, and Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies and English.

In 2008, I completed the Diploma of Early Childhood Education through Christchurch College of Education.  In 2009, I completed the Mauri Ora Certificate.

In my spare time I enjoy watching movies, doing pilates, walking and catching up with family and friends.

I look forward to getting to know you and your child.

Lyn McGill

Teacher

Kia Ora,

I have just completed a four year BA/B Teach ECE and look forward to graduating in May 2010.

I am very excited by the opportunity provided by Kelburn Little School to get to know you and your child/ren in my first job as an early childhood professional.

I grew up in Masterton but have not lived there for more than a decade, preferring Wellington about anywhere else.

I have four brothers; two older and two younger, on younger sister and a sister-n-law. I am the proud aunty of two amazing nephews with another on the way.

I have travelled and hope to do more. I spent two years in England on my OE, exploring Europe when I could before returning to start my studies. My favourite adventure has been a safari trip from from Victoria Falls, to Cape Town.

I currently flat in with my sister, my fur-nephew, Oscar and one of her childhood friends.

Tina Pearson

Teacher

Kia Ora!!

I am originally from Palmeston North, where I grew up in a large family (6 brothers and sisters!), so caring for others and watching them learn has always been a large part of my life, and has now become my passion!! After High School I went to Massey University and studied for my Bachelor of Education - Early Years, for three years, then worked for three and a half in the Manawatu with young children of various ages.

Halfway through 2008, I went on my big OE to Australia, the UK and Europe, for three and a half months, then came back to New Zealand and made the change to move to Wellington. I now live in Petone with my wonderful partner, Gareth. In my spare time I love to go skiing, bike riding, gardening, read, paint and watch movies. I'm really excited to join the team at Little School, and can't wait to get to know the staff, children and families, as well as be a part of your child's learning journey.

Tatjana Hoehn

Teacher

Hello, my name is Tatjana Hoehn and I'm originally from Germany. I studied primary school education at Koblenz University Germany and moved to New Zealand after passing my state exams in October 2008.

During my one year working holiday in New Zealand (2005-2006) I worked as a live-in nanny and found myself thoroughly enjoying the work with pre-school aged children. Therefore, I was more than happy when I got the opportunity to join the Little School team in February 2009.

In my spare time I enjoy reading a good book or two. I'm looking forward to blowing the dust off my ballroom shoes and getting back into action.

I am looking forward to getting to know the children at Little School and teaching them important values and skills.