Highly Qualified Staff
At Little School we are proud to have highly trained early childhood and primary school teachers. Our unusually high staff to child ratio allows teachers to spend quality time with your child.
It also enables small group teaching opportunities, which are vital for children's learning experiences.
Our highly qualified teachers will gain knowledge about your child by working in partnership with parents and caregivers.
We will help develop children's emotional well being, relationships with peers, and knowledge of limits and boundaries for acceptable behaviour. Teachers will support children in learning strategies for active exploration, thinking and reasoning.
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.
Administration
Rachel Hooper
Accountant
Hi, my name is Rachel. I was born and bred in Wellington. I attended Victoria University, graduating with a B.A (Hons) in International Politics. My husband Gary and I have three children – two boys currently attending Wellington College and a daughter attending Marsden.
In my spare time I enjoy walking and catching up with friends and family. With three children a lot of time is spent beside a sports ground of some sort!!
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 Pierson
Operations Manager
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 my family and friends.
Khandallah Little School
Stephanie Kiefer
Supervisor
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.
Kiri Woods
Assistant Supervisor
Kia ora
My name is Kiri Woods. I grew up in Wellington, mostly out in the northern suburbs with my family; I have one older sister, but many other relatives that are now spread out all over different countries.
After college I attended Victoria University of Wellington where I obtained a BA/BTeach, majoring in education and early childhood education, and also in early childhood teaching. This supported my interest in working with children and taught me many valuable practices to support and enhance learning experiences for children in the early years.
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and also being outdoors exercising or relaxing. I love travelling and have many places in mind to visit!
I am excited to be working with the team at Khandallah, and enjoy teaching and working with the children to help support their development as I find it both exciting and rewarding.
Paula Good
Teacher
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, whcih 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 T.V 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.
Churton Park Little School
Glenda Nunn
Supervisor
Hi, my name is Glenda and I have two children, Kelly and Tim. I have lived in Wellington for approximately ten years and for three years of this time studied at Victoria University and Wellington College of Education for a degree in Early Childhood.
When I am not working, I spend time with my family and friends, along with gardening and playing golf. My young golden retriever Millie ensures that a daily walk is my compulsory exercise.
I am looking forward to working as part of the team at Churton Park, along with the families attending the school.
Rachel Olson
Assistant Superviser
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.
Lisa Malanchak
Teacher
Kia ora,
My name is Lisa Malanchak and I grew up in the Northern suburbs with my parents and my younger brother. I have just recently completed my upgrade to the Bachelor of Education (EC) Teaching through Victoria University.
I am very privileged to have a supportive and loving fiancée, Peter. Peter and I share a love for original mini cars. We have two mini's (a fully restored mini pick-up ute and a modified mini clubman) which we enjoy driving in various events in the Wellington, Kapiti and Manawatu regions. I also enjoy watching movies, travelling to different places, walking and listening to a diverse range of music particularly rock music.
I look forward to working alongside the staff, children and their families at Churton Park 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.Kelburn Little School
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 Superviser
Hi, my name is Julia Moughan. I grew up in Hawke’s Bay, with my mum, dad, sister, two brothers, nana and cat. I came to Wellington six years ago to live and study.
I studied 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, and Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies and English.
I have worked briefly in a primary school as a Teacher’s Aide, as a holiday program supervisor, a teacher at an inner city Early Childhood Centre, and at Te Papa.
I am currently studying full time, distance through Christchurch College of Education, to gain the diploma of Early Childhood Education.
In my spare time I enjoy watching television, catching up for hot chocolate with my friends, walking, and volunteer work.
I enjoy working at Kelburn Little School and 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 Wellingotn. 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.
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.
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.
Permanent Relieving Staff
Jane Jennings
Teacher
Hello
I have been employed with Little School since August 2007, working 3 days as a release teacher at the three schools. I am enjoying working with a variety of good teachers as well as being back on the floor with the children.
I moved to Wellington after training as an Early Childhood teacher at Dunedin College of Education and then completing my Bachelor of Education during my first year of teaching. After 3 years of teaching here I travelled to London where I ended up staying for nearly 7 years teaching in South East London - teaching both nursery and reception classes. I returned to Wellington late in 2002 where I got a job at the new Khandallah Little School and started teaching just after it opened. I stayed there until I had my first child in late 2004.
My husband Andrew and I have Sarah and Harry, whom both are attending Khandallah and Kelburn Little Schools respectively, so I have an interest in the schools as a parent and as an educator.
My spare time is spent at activities for my children and spending time with family and friends and if I have got time I enjoy reading, cooking, exercising and travelling.
I look forward to getting to know you and working with your child/ren at any of the Little Schools.
