Our Team

Stephanie
(Director/Owner/Practicing Manager)
I have been a NZ Early Childhood Registered Teacher since 1993.
I enjoy the complexities of running an early childcare centre, knowing that relationships and good communication are key to getting the best out of everyone.

John
(Director/Owner)
I opened the centre in 1993.
I come from an engineering background.
I enjoy the hands on involvement I have at the centre, making it safe and a well maintained environment.
It is a pleausre getting to know the children and families who attend the centre, watching the children grow and going off to school well prepared and joyful.
Te Atatu South Childcare Centre is a family centre, supporting it’s local community. I am proud to say our staff make sure it stays that way.
The Infant and Toddler's Teaching Team

Cara-Lee
(Under 2's Team Leader)
Hi, I am a fully registered teacher with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I have been at Te Atatu South Childcare since 2001. I am married and have three children who have all attended the centre.
I enjoy setting up the environment with experiences for the children to discover and investigate in their own time. I support the children by following their needs, strengths and interests.
I support and oversee the teaching team within our infant and toddler room while caring for the children.

Jess
Hi everyone, I am a qualified Early Childhood Teacher with a Bachelors degree in Education from the University of Auckland and I hold full teacher registration. I have been working in Early Childhood since I was 18 and one of my passions is creating learning stories and documentation.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and watching our son learn and grow.
I have recently returned back to the centre with my son from maternity leave.

Edel
The Two-Year-Old's Teaching Team

Victoria
(Over 2's Team Leader)
Hi, I joined the centre back in 2005 when I started my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). After graduating with my degree in 2007, I went travelling around Europe for 18 months before returning back to the amazing teaching team and families at Te Atatu South Childcare in 2009. I then gained my full registration.
I enjoy working alongside the children at Te Atatu Childcare and watching them grow into competent and capable, social individuals. I love watching them in their play and listening to their conversations among their peers. I enjoy supporting the children to become social and emotional competent.
I also have a passion for working with children with special needs.
Outside the centre environment I enjoy photography, crafts and spending time with my partner, our friends and family.
I am the team leader of the teachers and children in the over-two’s area. I am the key teacher for the two year old children and enjoy establishing relationships with them and supporting their growth and development.

Karishma
Kia ora, I am a Fijian Indian who has lived in New Zealand since 1999. I live with my husband, two children and two dogs.
I am currently studying towards my Diploma of Education and working in our infant and toddler room, which I really enjoy.
Spending my days with the children is a gift. It is filled with opportunities to have and learn together. It is a privilege to be able to celebrate their amazing milestones, to keep them safe, provide them with love and encourage their learning.
In my spare time I love spending time with my family, doing housework and gardening.
I look forward to working with all the children and families and getting to know you all better.

Jesintha
Greetings to you all.
I hold a Certificate of Early Childhood Education.
I am very passionate about working with children. I enjoy setting up learning experiences for children to explore, play and most of all have lots of fun.
I have two children and I am originally from India. I look forward to working with you and your children.

Nishie
Hi, I am a South African national living in New Zealand since 2006 with my husband. I joined the team at Te Atatu South Childcare as a volunteer in 2010. At the end of 2015, I completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at NZ Tertiary College and became fully registered in 2018.
I believe it is a privilege to teach and learn alongside such a wonderful age group of children.
The Three-Year-Old's Teaching Team

Jacintha
Hi, I am Jacintha. I migrated to NZ from Sri Lanka in 2002. I live in West Auckland with my husband and two adult sons. I have been working in the ECE sector for the last 15 years. I received my Bachelor of Education from University of Auckland in 2005.
I joined the Te Atatu South Childcare team in September 2017. I am working in the over two’s area, being the key teacher for our three year old group.
The Four-Year-Old's Teaching Team

Rebecca
Hi, my name is Rebecca and I have my Bachelor in Early Childhood Education and have my full teacher registration.
I live with my husband and two school aged children, who also attended Te Atatu South Childcare Centre.
I have a passion for mat times and sharing fun experiences with the children.
I am the key teacher for the four year olds and I look forward to supporting your child with their transition to school.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my children and our dog, baking, gardening, crafting and watching Disney films.

Erin
Hi, I am the key teacher for the 3 year old team. I have been working at Te Atatu South Childcare Centre for many years. During this time I studied at NZ Tertiary College completing my Diploma in ECE before gaining my full teacher registration. I am married to Simon and have two school aged children Sarah and Jason who are well known within our centre whanau.
At home I enjoy watching my husband and son play softball and my daughter dancing. I enjoy zumba, running, baking and reading.
Support Team

Justine
Hi, I’m the centre cook. I have worked at Te Atatu South Childcare since 1997.
I enjoy preparing the children healthy, nutrious meals that they enjoy. Nothing makes me smile more than their reactions – “Yum, I love …..” “Thanks Justine, that was nice”.
In my down time I enjoy being out in the garden and spending my time with my adult children.

Kelly
Hi, I’m in charge of the administration for Te Atatu South Childcare. I started doing this part time after I had my first child in 2004.
It is a lively place to work with the children’s constant happy chatter in the background.
I enjoy reading, baking and spending time with my family in my free time.

Rhonda
Hi, I have been coming to Te Atatu South Childcare Centre twice a week for over 15 years. I teach the children ways to keep their bodies healthy through music and movement. I also incorporate awareness of what the children eat, promoting healthy foods, and sharing basic knowledge about how the body works.
We’d love to get to know you!
Now that you know a little bit about us and our early childhood teachers, we’d love to get to know you!
Get in contact with the team today, and become part of the Te Atatu South Childcare whanau!