Fatema (Centre Manager)
My Name is Fatema. I am originally from India but have been living in New Zealand for the past 17 years. I have completed my Diploma in Early Childhood Education in 2006. I joined BestStart in September 2018 and have recently stepped up to a centre manager position. 

My Philosophy reflects my own understanding, core beliefs, and values of teaching. I believe Children’s individual differences need to be recognized, respected, and celebrated. I view my role as empowering children to reach their full potential by using different suitable strategies and resources. I also believe in working together in partnership with families/Whaanau and the wider community.

Amy (Pepi Teacher)
My name is Amy. I graduated from New Zealand Career College with a diploma in Early Childhood Education (Pasifika) Level 5. I have a passion for working with young children.

I love developing special bonds with your precious little people to ensure they feel happy, secure, and comfortable while they are here. I enjoy working with children using art and music to support them in expressing their thoughts, ideas, and feelings and most of all to have fun! I love watching infants explore and learn through play. 

Janaki (Head Teacher)
I am Janaki and I have 17 years of experience in Early Childhood. My Philosophy is “RESPECT”. I respect every human being in this world. I believe every child is a treasure to this world.

As an early childhood teacher, I believe it is my responsibility to develop every child to be competent, confident communicators, and render great knowledge to be valued contributors to society.

Lorinda (Preschool Tahi Teacher)
My name is Lorinda Jayani. I have completed my Diploma in Early Childhood Level-5 Education from NZMA . Currently I'm working as a Permanent Teacher at Best Start Stoddard Road.

I have a genuine passion for infant toddler care and education. The Key to my philosophy is forming positive and respectful relationships with families, tamariki, and colleagues. Through engaging in rich conversations, I believe I can provide an authentic learning environment whereby children can feel safe, happy, and enjoy their learning experiences at our centre. 

Moira (Preschool Rua Teacher)
My name is Moira and I am a full-time teacher here at BestStart Stoddard Road. I have a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and I have been working for the company for around seven years now. Working with children is my passion and from a young age I knew I wanted to be a teacher as I loved spending time with my nieces and nephews.

I believe that children should be treated with respect and dignity by adults that support and value their individuality. Children learn best in a safe and caring environment where they are free to explore and become confident in who they are. I believe I can empower children to become lifelong learners by communicating with parents and observing their individual needs, strengths, and interests. 

Neema (Teacher & Van Driver)
My name is Neema Mahant. I have graduated from New Zealand Career College with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Pasifika) Level 5.

I have been working with BestStart Stoddard for the past 8 years. I believe that children should be treated with care and dignity. As teachers, we support and value their individuality and respect them for who they are. Children learn best in a safe and caring environment where they are free to explore and become confident and capable learners.

Veda (Preschool Rua Teahcer)
My name is Veda and I am privileged to play alongside all of your tamariki each day. I am passionate about children’s early learning through play and like to interweave culture and nature for hands-on fun and learning where tamariki are inspired to create, think and wonder all in our unique part of the world Aotearoa, New Zealand.