Highly Qualified Teachers to support your children to succeed
Head Office
Click the + beside any name to read a little more about our team
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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.
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Position: Enrolments & Teacher
Hi, I am Carine. I am a proud mother of two, living in the vibrant city of Wellington. Over the years, I’ve gained extensive experience in business administration and accounts, working with a variety of companies and industries. My background also includes a strong foundation in Customer service, having spent many years in operational management in the hotel industry.
I am a passionate and creative spirit who thrives on transforming everyday materials into something extraordinary. I have a knack for upcycling, crafting, and adding a personal touch to everything I create.
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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.
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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 Kema Perez, I come from the beautiful Tokelau Islands I am connected to all three atolls, Nukunonu, Fakaofo and Atafu.
I am a part of a huge and loving family. I have been very fortunate to obtain a Bachelor in Teaching in Early childhood education and furthered my studies with Postgraduate Diploma in Specialised teaching – Early intervention through Massey Auckland and University of Canterbury.
I have been blessed to work at Nuanua Kindergarten, Tokelau and Samoan language nest in Cannons Creek, Mahinawa specialist school in Titahi bay in the Porirua satellite school as the early entrance teacher, one of our Tokelau cultural values is service – it was through this value I was able to go back home to Tokelau and serve as the Tokelau Early childhood education coordinator for a year.
Whakawhanaungatanga the process of building and strengthening relationships through shared experiences, values, and interests is important with both tamariki and Whānau in my teaching practice, understanding and acknowledging our Whānau beliefs and aspirations, creates and nurtures our tamariki sense of belonging which I also believe is vital for children’s development and in my teaching practice.
My favourite “Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of what they feel, for how the children grow, so will be the shape of Aotearoa.” – Dame Whina Cooper
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!”"
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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: Khandallah Little School - 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.
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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.
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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.
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Position:
Khandallah Little School - Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Camilla, and I’m delighted to be part of the teaching team at Khandallah Little School. I hold a strong passion for supporting tamariki in their early years, creating a nurturing environment where they feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn.
My teaching philosophy centres around the idea of the environment as the first teacher—I believe that thoughtfully prepared spaces encourage curiosity, independence, and a love for discovery. Building genuine relationships with children and their whānau is at the heart of my practice, as I see learning as a shared journey between teachers, families, and tamariki.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my young son, going for walks, and gardening. These passions also influence my teaching, as I love to bring nature, exploration, and hands-on experiences into the classroom.
I look forward to supporting your child’s learning journey and working alongside your family here at Khandallah Little School.
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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Position:
Khandallah Nursery School - Teacher
My name is Rita and I am originally from South Africa although I have been living in New Zealand since 2002. After working in Finance for many years I decided to follow my passion and become a teacher. I completed the Masters in Teaching and Learning (Primary) at Victoria University in 2020 and my first teaching job was at an Early Childhood Centre. I love working with this age group and find it very rewarding.
I have two adult daughters, Andrea & Daniella and live with my partner Craig, our pet dogs Bruno and Piper, and pet cat Harley. When not working I love to read, watch movies, make crochet blankets and go camping in our caravan.
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Maajong Adlaw, Kumusta!
I am Dorothy Vivien. I am from Bohol, Philippines. I joined the team in Little School this January 2025. I have a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Holy Name University and I have been teaching for ten years in the Philippines.
I really love to be around with young children and I am thrilled to provide them the chance to embrace the love for learning as well.
During my spare time, I love spending this with my friends and family over a movie or Kdrama series and I love playing mobile games too.
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Position:
Khandallah Nursery School - Teacher
Hello, my name is Jessica. I have been teaching and working with young children since 2004. I have a master's degree in Early Intervention and endorsements in special education and infant toddler mental health.
I have taught for 23 years in a variety of settings, including early childhood classrooms, family homes and community settings. My focus is to provide a safe, inclusive and creative learning environment for all children. I believe all children and families can learn and thrive if given high quality support and intervention
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Position:
Khandallah Nursery School - Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Holly. I grew up in the sunny Hawkes Bay, and attended a Rudolf Steiner School for 20 years from pre-school to my final year at high school. It was a very different learning environment to be part of. It has always made me curious about what education is about and my love of teaching and learning has only grown from there.
In 2005 I moved to Wellington to complete a Batchlor of Education at Victoria University and following that in 2007 I completed a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education also at Victoria University. For the next 10 years or so I loved teaching and learning alongside infants and toddlers based in Wellington City.
I have two daughters who now both attend local schools in our lovely community here in Johnsonville. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a supportive and collaborative community! I love keeping fit, playing sport, watching kids sport, travel, and adventures with friends to name a few interests.
I look forward to working back in the field of teaching at Nursery Little School, my mission being to create fun and inviting learning spaces that inspire children to continue to develop a love of learning and to strive for success!
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.
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Hi, my name is Marie.
I live in Ngaio with my husband and 4 teenage sons, who keep me very busy with various activities!
I trained at Victoria university in the late 90’s and have worked in Early Childhood settings in Wellington and England. For the last few years I have worked in business accounts in between hanging out with my kids.
I joined the Little School team at the end of 2024, working as enrolment manager and teacher.
I love learning something new and watching children when their curiosity and creativity is sparked too. I look forward to meeting you and joining you on this part of your child’s learning journey.
In my spare time you will generally find me cheering at rowing or football events. I also love cooking, movies and walks with the dog.
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Position:
Khandallah Little School Baroda Street - 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.
Little School - St Heliers
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Position:
St Heliers Little School - Teacher
Hello! I'm Paula Jean, a passionate teacher from the Philippines with a degree in Bachelor of Elementary Education. My passion for teaching and love for children has led me to a fulfilling career in early childhood education. I have a special place in my heart for babies and toddlers.
With a strong foundation in child development and genuine love for creating a warm, safe, and engaging environment, I aim to provide the best start in life for young learners. I believe in fostering curiosity, creativity, and emotional well-being from the earliest years, and I look forward to being a part of your child's growth journey.
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Position:
St Heliers Little School - Teacher
Kia ora! I’m Rowena, originally from China and a newly graduated teacher who is passionate about early childhood education. For me, being with children is far more than just work, it’s about playing, exploring, and discovering the world alongside them. I love creating a warm, safe, and engaging environment where tamariki can grow, laugh, and let their unique personalities shine.
I believe that childhood is a time filled with wonder and endless possibilities, and I feel privileged to support and celebrate each milestone along the way. I look forward to sharing many joyful learning moments with your child and being part of their journey.
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Position:
St Heliers Little School - Teacher
Kia ora! Maayong adlaw!
I’m Diana, originally from the Philippines. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from the Philippines and a Master’s Degree in Teaching Early Childhood Education from New Zealand. I have been teaching for over fifteen years, with most of my experience in Primary and Early Childhood Education in the Philippines and Indonesia. Working with young children has always been close to my heart. I am inspired by their energy, curiosity, and honesty — they remind me every day why I chose this profession.
I believe that when children feel safe, respected, and valued, they become more confident to explore and learn. Building strong and trusting relationships is very important to me. My teaching philosophy is grounded in Whanaungatanga (building meaningful relationships), Manaakitanga (showing care and respect), and Ako (learning together).
I see teaching as a shared journey where both children and teachers grow alongside one another. I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where tamariki feel a strong sense of belonging and are encouraged to express themselves freely.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family — going to playgrounds, exploring beautiful places, and sharing good food together. These simple joys keep me grounded and remind me of the importance of love, family, and togetherness.
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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!