Highly Qualified Teachers to support your children to succeed

Head Office

Click the + beside any name to read a little more about our team

  • Position:

    Managing Director/Owner

    Hi, my name is Maria. 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 and Diploma of Primary Teaching. In 2006 I then gained my Early Childhood qualifications from the New Zealand College of Early Childhood Education.

    In 2002 I established Little School and since then we have continually grown to meet the needs of our families. I am passionate and ambitious about young children discovering their own abilities and providing them with the knowledge, skills and values to make them lifelong learners. My continuing aspiration is to be a leader in education, and I am thoroughly enjoying this journey. I am extremely fortunate to work alongside a brilliant team of dedicated teachers and staff at Little School and Nursery School.

    Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my four sons, family, and friends. I also like to exercise and be creative, usually with my dog, Coco.

    Awards:

    2012; Wellington Supreme Business Woman of the year, Wellington Best Small to Medium Business, Finalist EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Next Education Finalist.

    2017; Finalist Wellington Business Gold Awards, Finalist New Zealand Women of Influence Awards.

  • Position: Centre Manager

    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 Early Childhood Education 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 (my husband) and I had our two children Sarah and Harry. My tamariki bring lots of joy, love and laughter to our house. My children both attended Little School when they were young.

    In 2008 I returned to Little School before joining the management team in 2010.

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

  • Position:

    Personal Assistant to Maria/Office Administrator

    Hi, my name is Tamara and I have joined the team at Little School and Nursery School in 2024. I have experience as a retail and business manager alongside working in the Education industry as a professional nanny and Nursery Practitioner within the UK.


    I have spent the past two years travelling Asia and Europe where I was volunteering, teaching English and dance. In my spare time, I enjoy being active. Especially in nature where I spend a lot of time surfing and hiking. I also love to take time to read and do yoga and spend time with my family here in Wellington.

  • Position: Enrolments

    Kia Ora whānau,

    My name is Tarryn. I am a born and bred Wellingtonian and live in Khandallah with my husband Tom and our three sons. We have been part of the Little School family for seven years where I have seen my three boys Riley, Finn and Beau, flourish in the empowering environment of Little School.

    I believe children in child care should always feel they are being supported by staff who become an extension of their family, and that parents feel heard and respected by those looking after their child. We stand behind our core values of empathy, trust, honestly, loyalty, respect and empowerment and pride ourselves on upholding these values.

    Finding the right child care isn't just about finding a facility, but about finding a community you love to be a part of. I have made some of my best friends through Little School and revel in the opportunity to get to know more Little School families and to continue building relationships as you embark on a Little School journey with us.

    In my spare time I enjoy travelling, cooking and entertaining, reading and yoga.

  • Position: Accountant

    Bachelor of Business Studies,

    PGDip Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies

    Hi, my name is Julie. I joined the Little School team in 2023 working remotely from Katikati in the Western Bay of Plenty. I have experience as Chartered Accountant working in a variety of roles in both private and government funded organisations, in New Zealand, the UK and the Middle East.

    While in the Middle East and taking a break from paid employment, I discovered a passion for family history and genealogy. This led me to complete a post graduate diploma through Strathclyde University in Glasgow, following which I have undertaken some client research and been engaged on the course as a tutor.

    After 17 years in the Middle East, my husband, son and I returned to New Zealand where we have settled on a small Avocado Orchard and have been on a steep learning curve ever since!

    Outside of work I enjoy my own family history research, playing board games, reading, gardening, harvesting and cooking from the garden, travelling and of course spending time with family and friends.

Churton Park Little School

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  • Position: Churton Park Little School - Team Leader

    My name is Ellie B! I graduated back in 2016 where I completed my three year degree in Early Childhood Education. This affirmed to me that working with children is what I want to do and making a difference in their lives is something I would love to strive towards every day. I have a condition called achondroplasia which makes me a little person, dwarf. My height proves to be no barrier for me in life and working with children. An advantage of this when working with children is that I am at their level which seems to give them a sense of trust and friendship. Although they tend to stare at me at first and ask questions they quickly come to see me just like the other teachers, only shorter. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask me. I love working with the teachers and children at Little School. It is great watching the children grow and explore and observe them step outside their comfort zone. I look forward to getting to know everyone!

  • Position: Churton Park Little School - Teacher

    Kia ora, my name is Aggie. I am originally from China and have been living in New Zealand since 2002. I have two children, Jason and Jacqueline. I am a trained and fully registered Early Childhood teacher having graduated with a Diploma of Teaching (ECE) in 2010 at Victoria University of Wellington. I also completed a Postgraduate Diploma of Business and Administration (Management) at Massey University and a bachelor’s degree of BCA at Vic. I started working in ECE in 2010. I really enjoy working with young children as it has always been my passion. I believe each child is different and they will become the brightest star in the sky. I started relieving at Churton Park Little School in June 2018 and became a permanent teacher from January 2019. I enjoy building strong reciprocal and respectful relationships with the tamariki and whānau at Churton Park Little School and helping bring out the best in every child's learning journey. In my spare time I enjoy doing exercise, running, cooking, and travelling. I live in Johnsonville and often go to the community play groups with my children in this area.

  • Position: Khandallah Little School - Teacher

    Hello, my name is Tiffany, and I am from the Philippines! I have a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree with a major in Special Education. My love for teaching started at a young age. I remember role-playing as a teacher to my little brother back then. Little did I know that I would become one in the future! I have been working with diverse learners for nine years and am striving to make a difference for them. I value creating a safe space and nurturing environment that allows the learners to thrive every day. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, sketching, watching movies, and engaging in outdoor activities with my friends and family. Some of my interests are music, painting, and baking.

  • Position:

    Churton Park Little School - Teacher

    My name is Ying and I’m originally from China. In 1993 my husband came to New Zealand to study at Victoria University of Wellington for his PhD degree and one year later my daughter and I arrived at Wellington to join my husband.

    We have lived in Wellington for a long time now and are locally based in Churton Park. From 1995 to 2001, I gained Dip. TESL, Dip. Teaching of both Primary School and Early Childhood at Victoria University of Wellington.

    Before I joined the Little School team, I worked at Queen Margaret College Preschool for 12 years. I am very happy working at Churton Park Little School, working with young children brings me so much joy.

    In my spare time I enjoy walking and reading the Bible. I also have two granddaughters who visit me during the weekend.

  • Position: Churton Park Little School- Teacher

    Magandang araw!

    My name is Paulina, from the Philippines. I graduated with a degree in Family Life and Child Development and have a bit of exposure to Occupational Therapy. I am a licensed teacher back home and am currently working on getting the full certification here in New Zealand.

    A few years ago, I stumbled upon one of my old projects from high school where we were asked about what we had wanted to be. There, I had apparently written down “teacher”. Being with children is something I’ve always found both joy and meaning in. My mission is to provide children with a safe and fun environment that promotes a love for learning and values having meaningful relationships.

    In my spare time, I love either staying at home and taking it slow or going out and moving around while enjoying the outdoors. I have also left a few pets at home, particularly, dogs, rabbits, and birds. I also believe in the saying, “food is life!”"

  • Position: Churton Park Little School - Teacher

    Kamusta, my name is Shermain. I moved from the Philippines 2012 years ago. I started as a reliever for after school care at Churton Park before becoming a part of the team.

    I have really gotten to know the children well after all of these and love watching them learn and grow.

    In my spare time, I love to cook, read, and listen to music.

Little School - Station Road

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  • Position:

    Little School Station Road- Team Leader

    Kia Ora Whānau,

    My name is Camilla, and I am originally from India. I first began working as a teacher in 2015. I then spent three years teaching at a primary school in India. I moved to New Zealand in 2018 and completed my Postgraduate and Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Since my move to NZ I have been working as an ECE teacher.

    As a Kaiako, I believe that every child is unique and I enjoy the process of developing children’s interests and providing them with more learning opportunities in line with those interests. I find this helps the children to become confident and competent learners.

    In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, dancing, exercising and going on exciting adventures.

  • Position: Khandallah Little School - Acting Team Leader

    Tēnā koutou, my name is Keri-Ann and I have been working at Little School since early 2010. I have a Bachelor of Education from Victoria University and I previously worked as an after school teacher and a relief teacher.

    I love working in Early Childhood Education and have a passion for quality care and education for tamariki. I enjoy doing music, dancing, singing and reading with the tamariki. I am married with a son (Lucien) who was born in 2018.

    Wellington is my hometown and I love it here. Activities that I enjoy doing are spending time with my family, reading, singing, camping, walking and gaming.

  • Position:

    Khandallah Little School - Teacher

    Magandang Araw!

    My name is Pilar and I moved to Wellington from the Philippines in September 2022. I graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in 2012 with the degree in Bachelor of Elementary Education, Major in Special Education. I have experience with ABA, working in a therapy center for children with autism for 2 years. I also worked in an international primary school for 3 ½ years before I became a full-time private tutor for 2 – 6 year old children.

    Ever since I was a child I have dreamed of teaching. My goal has always been to teach children the basics of kindness while they are young as this helps shape them to be respectful people as they grow. I also like to help children have fun while learning.

    During my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends over good food and fun stories. I also enjoy sending snail mail.

  • Position:

    Khandallah Little School - Teacher

    Kia ora Whanau,

    My name is Sophia and I am originally from Taiwan. I am a trained and fully registered Early Childhood Education teacher with a Bachelor of ECE. I started working in ECE in 2012 and have been living in New Zealand for 17 years. Before coming to New Zealand, I was a primary school teacher in Tawain for more than 10 years.

    I enjoy working with children and I am passionate about what I do. I respect every child's characteristics and help them develop their strengths while they happily grow at Little School.

    My husband Phil, my son Yi and I all live in Ngaio. In my spare time I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, shopping, traveling, cooking and spending time with my family.

  • Position:

    Khandallah Little School - Teacher

    Hello! My name is Olga, and I am from faraway and cold Russia.

    I have a master's degree in pedagogy and have been working with children for more than eight years.

    My calling is to teach children. This is what keeps my life exciting and fulfilling. I go to work every morning with a smile and a good mood because I enjoy my job. I gladly dedicate my energy to kids and am grateful to receive love in return.

    I am the proud mother of two lovely daughters. I'm a little sad that my daughters are already grown up. However, we are very close and still spend a lot of time together. My family is my strength and core.

Khandallah Nursery School

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  • Position:

    Khandallah Nursery School - Team Leader

    Hi, my name is Brittany Collins. I have worked with 0-5 year olds since graduating in 2009. I am fascinated by the developmental stages of the under two years - so this age group is where my passion lies. I joined Nursery in 2017 and became Team Leader within the same year.

    My partner Nick and I have a son, Matty who was born in 2020, and a daughter Charlie who was born in 2023. Both of our children have thrived while being part of the Little Schools.

    In my spare time, I love to bake, read, be near water, and spend time with friends and family.

    While at work, I love all things messy and I’m not afraid to get covered in the mess with the children! I also love to capture the true essence of the children and their learning, through meaningful photos and learning stories.

  • Position:

    Khandallah Nursery School - Unqualified Teacher

    Kia Ora! My name is Briar and I am originally from Christchurch. I have lived in Wellington since 2011, though, and have been a part of the Little School team since 2019. I absolutely love it.

    My passion is working with tamariki and their wider whānau to create strong meaningful relationships built on trust and understanding. I love watching the children grow and develop, seeing their personality shine and new interests blossom as they discover the world around them.

    When I was in school I loved the arts and performing, which I continue to enjoy daily with our tamariki through music, dance, singing, and drama games.

    In my spare time I love spending time with my friends and family, listening to music, and getting outside (especially to the beach) for some sun!

  • Position:

    Khandallah Nursery School - Teacher

    Hi, my name is Chelsea. I am originally from Taranaki but I moved to Wellington when I was seven. I studied a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in psychology and education in Palmerston North. After moving back to Wellington, I completed a graduate diploma in Early Childhood Education.

    Spending time alongside children and listening to their creative ideas gives me great joy. I love seeing children grow and develop. After volunteering at a local kindergarten I found ECE is definitely what I want to do.

    In my spare time, I enjoy reading, walking, swimming, and listening to music.

  • Position:

    Khandallah Nursery School - Teacher

    Talofa lava. My name is Christine Tutagalevao, and I am from Wellington. I studied my Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood Education at Te Tari Puna o Aotearoa currently called Te Rito Maioha in Thorndon.

    I value respectful relationships with children and I love spending quality time with them and discovering each child’s uniqueness. Building trust, security, understanding, and care through collaboration with families and staff demonstrates my respect and professional practice for each child.

    With my willingness to learn I continue to develop throughout my professional journey so that I can create an environment for children to become life-long learners. I am Samoan and have worked with many tamariki and whānau of diverse cultural backgrounds.

    I am creative and a team player and in my spare time I love to sing and create songs and I enjoy playing sports.

  • Position:

    Khandallah Nursery School - Teacher

    Kia ora! My name is Daffodils and I am from the tropical Island of Bohol in the Philippines. I graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Elementary Education majoring in Early Childhood Education and moved to Wellington, New Zealand in July 2022.

    When I was a child of 10 years old, I would play the role of teacher in our games and throughout the years I have continued the role playing with my nephews and nieces. I have always loved teaching, ever since I was small, and my passion has only grown which is why I decided to become an Early Childhood teacher. Since 2010 I have been in teaching roles in the Philippines and in Singapore. Now I am excited to continue my passion, creating more memories at Khandallah Nursery School and becoming a part of children’s education endeavours in New Zealand.

    Outside of work I love spending time with my husband and son (born September 2021). I also enjoy catching up with friends, seeing movies, and exploring new places

  • Position:

    Khandallah Nursery School - Relief Teacher

    Kia Ora,

    I’m Kris and I am originally from Christchurch. This is where I graduated as a primary school teacher in 1976. After teaching at Riccarton School my husband and I moved to Wellington in 1980. I was a primary school relief teacher in the 1980s when our 3 children were young then made the move to early childhood education, gaining my ECE Diploma in 1997.

    From 1991 until 2012 I was a full-time ECE teacher at Crossways Community Crèche, then at Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre Crèche including 5 years as head teacher at the former.

    In 2013 I began casual relieving in Wellington ECE centres and for the last 5 years have been a casual relief teacher at Khandallah Nursery School.

    It is such a privilege to engage with the Nursery tamariki and to support their growth and development. Watching the tamariki blossom always brings me great happiness.

    When not teaching I enjoy spending time with my Wellington based grandchildren, collecting seashells, gardening, photographing birds and bush walking.

  • Position:

    Khandallah Nursery School - Teacher

    Kia Ora
    Ko Heather tōku ingoa
    Ko Esther Piripi raua ko Craig Stuart aku matua
    Ko Gabrielle raua ko Ben taku tuakana
    Ko Ione ratou ko Jerusha, ko Keren, ko Livi, ko Moana oku teina. Ko Asher, raua ko Moses taku irimoto
    Ko Esteban tōku Tāne
    Nō Waipawa, Central Hawke’s Bay ahau
    Ko Huruiki te Maunga
    Ko moko te awa
    Ko ngātiwai tōku iwi
    Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou Katoa.

    Kia ora, my name is Heather. I grew up in the Hawkes Bay, with a large family of eight. We were home-schooled so I grew up very close to my siblings, learning together about nature and our world. I then studied Early Childhood Education at Victoria University in Wellington.

    I love learning about different cultures and languages. Although I am Māori, I was brought up away from our Māori land and whānau. My mum always made sure that we knew where we came from, though, and made an effort to bring us back there whenever we could. Consequently, I am passionate about growing my te reo Māori, and keeping it alive as well as helping children develop into the best versions of themselves as they learn who they are, where they belong and where they come from. My partner is from Chile, and having travelled there, the Spanish language and culture holds a place in my heart as well.

    In my free time I enjoy spending time in the garden, going for walks out in nature, or at the beach. I also enjoy reading, biking, creating art or DIY and spending time with my two beautiful nephews whenever I can.

  • Position:

    Khandallah Nursery School - Teacher

    Talofa lava, my name is Larricia.

    Ever since I was small, I have always looked after my nieces and nephews, cousins and brothers. While I previously worked in the hospitality industry for many years ever since I can remember my passion has been working with children.

    I am enjoying my journey towards being a better kaiako with our tamariki and the future generation.

    In my free time I love spending time with my partner, cooking and watching movies.

  • Position:

    Khandallah Nursery School - Teacher

    Kia ora!

    My name is Umi and I am from Malaysia.

    I first obtained a Diploma in Quantitative Science in Malaysia but my love of teaching children propelled me to travel to Wellington, New Zealand. I gained my Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood Education from Victoria University where I was also a recipient of the Teacher Education Excellence Award and have been teaching in NZ and Malaysia since 2012.

    From 2009 until 2013 I was based in Wellington, New Zealand, studying and then teaching, connecting with the place and people before moving back to Malaysia. It has been my dream for many years to bring my husband, Fhaizal, and daughter, Elise (born in 2019) to NZ.

    Teaching young children has always been a passion of mine. Our young tamariki has a lot to offer us and I am truly intrigued by their competence and curiosity. I value respectful relationships with children and their families and love embracing each child’s uniqueness.

    In my free time, I love walking with Fhaizal and Elise and reading books together.

Little School - Baroda Street

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  • Position:

    Khandallah Little School Baroda Street - Teacher

    My name is Aleisha.

    I used to live in Wellington for six years before completing my studies to become a qualified early childhood education teacher while in Nelson. In 2020 I moved back to Wellington, spending two years working in a Reggio Emilia inspired centre before working at a lovely centre in Melling. I started with Little School in December 2021.

    My teaching philosophy is based around lots of nature-based sensory play, messy play, music, dance, movement, physical play and safe challenges.

    In my spare time, you will find me in the great outdoors either hiking, paddleboarding or snowboarding or taking photos for my photography business!

    As your child’s teacher, I am really looking forward to getting to know your child's interests, dispositions and personality.

  • Position:

    Khandallah Little School Baroda Street - Teacher

    My name is Sarah-Rose, I gained my Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood Education from Te Rito Maioha in 2016. I believe in teaching tamariki skills which will guide them through their lives, by developing their emotional and social skills.

    I previously worked for 12 years at a ECE centre in Johnsonville. In February 2024 I joined the Little School team.

    My husband and two tamariki keep me busy at home. We enjoy camping and bush walks. As a mum I also enjoy finding time to relax back with a good coffee.

  • Position:

    Khandallah Little School Baroda Street - Teacher

    Kia Ora! My name is Rochelle Marie, but you can just call me "Chel". I am originally from the island of Cebu in the Philippines and I have joined the team at Little School in 2024.

    I have a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Cebu Normal University and my Masters in Education from Cebu Technological University. This will be my first year at Little School after eleven wonderful years teaching Kindergarten in the Philippines.

    I am truly passionate about working with our youngest students! Helping each kid advance in all aspects of their holistic development is a daily challenge that I am honored to accept. I love being able to watch the children guide their own learning based on their interests. I want to provide a learning community that fosters progress in a pleasant, fun setting.

    Outside teaching, some of the things I enjoy doing are playing badminton, reading, cooking, baking, music, trail hiking, camping, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with my dogs, family and friends.

Little School - St Heliers

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  • Position:

    St Heliers Little School - Team Leader

    Hi, my name is Nicky De Lacy and I am thrilled to start my New Zealand journey at Little School. I am originally from South Africa where my teaching journey began in 2013. I have since moved to Hong Kong where I have been teaching for the past 6 years before moving to NZ in July 2022 to work at Little School. Teaching in South Africa and Hong Kong has allowed me to work with a large variety of cultures and backgrounds and given me more of an understanding of the diversity of each student and their families.

    No matter the background or culture, children thrive when they are provided with a safe supportive environment and a teacher that encourages them and understands that each child is unique, and I strive to be that teacher every single day.

    I love being in nature and when I'm not at work you can find me either paddling, hiking or just exploring the outdoors. I believe a healthy body and a healthy mind go hand in hand and that children benefit from a teacher who is as enthusiastic and curious as they are during their early years.

  • Position:

    St Heliers Little School - Teacher

    Mabuhay, and Halo! I'm Kristine-Joy, but you can just call me Joy. I am originally from the Philippines and my teaching journey has taken me to Jakarta, Indonesia, where I have spent thirteen wonderful years shaping young minds. Now, I am bringing my passion for teaching here to New Zealand.

    I have a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and I just wrapped up my Master's Degree in Education specializing in Special Education. Currently, I'm expanding my horizons with another Master's in Guidance and Counseling.

    I'm all about creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere where every student feels valued and empowered.

    I am sporty and I love learning new things. I am currently trading in my shoes for roller skates, because why not add a little extra fun to life, right?

  • Position:

    St Heliers Little School - Teacher

    Kia ora and Hello, my name is Mubaraka (but children call me: Mubakiya, Miss Baraka, Mumbaraka, Mbaraka etc. They get it right eventually!)

    I come from Sri Lanka originally and studied my Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education at Wintec in Hamilton, NZ from which I graduated in March 2019. I then started with Little School that same year.

    It is my passion and philosophy to be a professional and respectful teacher. I love research in ECE and enjoy learning new things. I also like expanding my knowledge and practice as a Kaiako.

    When I interact with children, I make use of my quiet and playful nature to understand them. I value all languages a child may bring with them and cherish the smile and the bond formed through communication using the child’s native language; it is priceless!

    In my spare time I enjoy gardening, writing, cooking, and reading.

  • Position:

    St Heliers Little School - Teacher

    Hello and kia ora everyone,

    My name is Rosalind Fox or Roz as I am known by. I qualified with a Bachelors of Education in 2015 (specialising in Early Childhood). My interest developed in ECE from my early years of nannying overseas and then later having my son. With a very strong interest in a child’s first few years of development I felt the next step was to then study and put my practice into theory. I have been with Little School since 2014.

    I live in the suburb of Howick with my husband Dean and my son Harrison, Jake our beloved border collie and Pearl our very affectionate black cat. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, bush walks, going to the beach, jet skiing, travel, going to the movies, reading and good food and coffee!