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.
Sue
I am a fully registered teacher and have my Bachelor in Teaching and Learning (ECE) and also have completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Infant and Toddler Learning (2020) and Development from Te Rito Mioha Early Childhood New Zealand.
My Passion is for the care and education for our youngest tamariki – infants and toddlers. I draw from a range of theories and perspectives to ensure a socially just learning environment which aligns to kaupapa Māori and respects other ways of doing, being and knowing. I believe building relationships is of key importance to ensure that tamariki and whānau feel that they are supported and trust that their needs will be met. I believe that this is the focus of the team at Te Atatu South Childcare and feel privileged to be a part of the team.
I have lived in Te Atatu Peninsula on and off for almost 20 years and have three grown children in their early Thirties and late twenties. I live with my son and two small dogs Sydney and Tiffany.
Wendy
Kia ora, my name is Wendy. I am from China and immigrated to New Zealand in 2002. I am currently living with my mother, my husband and my daughter who is studying at the University of Auckland, School of Medicine and I have a son who lives and works in Sweden.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Economics in China and changed my mind after settling in New Zealand since I enjoy early childhood education. In New Zealand I gained my Certifciate in ECE and have gained over 12 years worth of experience.
I believe that children learn through play. I like to provide opportunities for the children to explore, discover, create and imagine. I really enjoy observing the children as they grow and develop.
I look forward to meeting you all in our centre.
The Two-Year-Old's Teaching Team
Victoria
(Centre Supervisor)
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 am currently on maternity leave with my second daughter, but my eldest still attends the centre two days a week.
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 socially and emotionally 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 husband and our two beautiful daughters.
I am the team leader of the teachers and children in the over-two’s area.
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 two year olds and enjoy watching their play and skills grow and develop during this stage of development.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my children and our dog, baking, gardening, crafting and watching Disney films.
Lauryn
Hi I’m Lauryn, I’m currently in my second year of training towards my early childhood education qualifications. I am enjoying learning about everything there is to know.
I love working with children and watching them grow up and constantly change as well as all there different personalities evolve. I have always liked looking after younger children and knew that this was the perfect career path for me.
Outside of work I like to spend time with my partner and my friends, as well as experiencing new different activities and going to new places around New Zealand.
I’m very excited to be now apart of the team 🙂
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
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.
Erin
Hi, I am the key teacher for the 4 year old children. 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!