Shona Sunley
Shona is our Head Teacher in the Pukeko Room, her friendly nature helps her to form strong reciprocal relationships with whānau and tamariki. Shona has many years of experience as a leader in ECE and has previously worked as a Centre Manager. Whanau find it easy to develop trusting relationships with Shona and they have no hesitation in leaving their tamariki in her care.

Shona’s attention to detail means she leads her team to create an environment that is very calm and organised, this reflects in the behaviour of our tamariki as they confidently explore their learning environment.

Shona enjoys capturing the learning that takes place for tamariki during the day and documenting this for whānau.

Bonnie Richards
Bonnie is our resident baby whisperer, her quiet demeanour appeals to our youngest tamariki. Bonnie is very respectful in her practice and works in partnership with whānau to create an environment as close to home as possible for our pepi. Bonnie creates the optimal sleep environment for tamariki and follows routines from home as closely as possible creating seamless transitions between centre and home life.

The love that Bonnie has for her work shines through in the close relationships she forms with tamariki and whānau.

Hannah - Rose Walsh
Hannah has a passion for the outdoors and she loves setting up messy play for tamariki to explore. Hannah works alongside our toddlers and uses music throughout the day to help soothe and settle our tamariki. Hannah regularly introduces new waiata which our tamariki love.

Hannah is proficient in Te Reo me nga Tikanga Māori which she ensures is valued in our under two’s room and across the centre.

Amanda Lissemore - Hart
Amanda keeps our Pukeko Room daily flow in check with her time management skills. She is passionate about the environment and ensures everything is clean for our tamariki to explore. Amanda’s fun-loving nature shines through in her work with children making her a crowd favourite.

Juanita Hernandez
Juanita ensures our older tamariki are ready to move on to school through her well-thought-out ‘Be School Ready Programme. This programme helps to build the confidence of our tamariki and prepares them for the changes that they will encounter when they move on to school.

Juanita builds strong relationships with tamariki and whānau, she always goes above and beyond to help settle tamariki for their day.

Tammy Pierce
Tammy can often be found surrounded by a group of tamariki engaged in a storybook or an in-depth conversation. She has a passion for supporting the developing language of our tamariki and uses her knowledge of Makaton sign language.

Tammy’s warm welcoming nature attracts tamariki and whānau alike.

Kasmyra Etika
Kaz ensures the daily flow in the Kiwi Room runs as smoothly as possible. She works hard to ensure that transitions into the centre and across rooms are seamless for tamariki and whānau.

Kaz creates connections with whānau and has a passion for connecting home life and centre life for tamariki through gathering whānau aspirations.

Emma Potts
Emma arrives each morning with a smile on her face, nothing is a problem to Emma and she goes above and beyond to offer her support where ever it is needed during the day. Emma has a passion for working with children with additional needs, her patience and enthusiasm make her an absolute asset to our team.

Natasha Timoti
Natasha has a passion for extending the learning of our older tamariki. Her goal is to support the social and emotional competence of our tamariki by exploring Māori myths and legends. Natasha has a special way of connecting with tamariki and whānau and she is loved by all. Our tamariki and teachers benefit from her knowledge of Matauranga Māori as she works hard for our Bi-Cultural curriculum.

Juanita Taurerewa
Juanita is our Centre Manager, she has many years of experience working in an early childhood education as a teacher and a centre leader. Her passion for working with tamariki is still as strong today as the day she started teaching. She likes to get out of her office as much as possible and is often found working alongside tamariki to support and extend their learning.

Juanita has experience working in centres in Western Australia, Ireland and the Philippines. Her overseas work experience helps her to understand the needs of our multicultural community.

Juanita has a passion for offering high-quality care and strives to create a curriculum that empowers tamariki to become leaders in their own learning.

BestStart Willowpark Road

Book a visit

Enquire now