Lavinia is a NZ trained, qualified and registered early childhood teacher with a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE). She has been working with children since 2014.

Lavinia comes from China and has been enjoying the beauties of New Zealand for the past 9 years. Working with children is what she feels passionate about, and she enjoys being an important part of children’s early years, which inspired her to be a growing learner as well.

Being a mother herself, Lavinia has a deep understanding of how parents feel about their children too. Therefore, she believes that children should be feeling loved and supported when they away from parents. She is looking forward to working and making wonderful memoirs with families as partnership with parents is the foundation of her personal philosophy.

Kia Ora whānau, my name is Antonia. I grew up in Freemans Bay, Auckland with my mum and dad. My partner Latham and I live in Pt Chev with our baby boy Louie who joined us in July 2022. I have had a relationship with Caterpillar Kids since 2021.  Louie and I permanently joined the Mokamoka team in 2023.

Before starting in ECE I completed a Bachelor of Spatial Design, later deciding it wasn’t the path for me. I have worked with infants & toddlers since starting my career in ECE back in 2014. It's definitely my area of passion. I went on to complete a Graduate Diploma in ECE and the RIE Foundations Course. I am excited to be part of the Mokamoka team and navigating being both a full time teacher again and now a mum too.

Kia ora! My name is Emma and I am excited to be a part of the team here at Caterpillar Kids. I started relieving at the start of 2024, but got addicted to being at this special place!

I grew up in Ōtautahi Christchurch and then moved to Tāmaki-Makaurau to study at University. I began teaching in 2020 and I have had the privilege of attending the RIE® Foundations course in 2022. My personal teaching philosophy centres on building authentic relationships and values around respect, compassion and creativity.

In my spare time I love watching movies, reading and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Fakalofa lahi atu, my name is Jenny! 

 

I've been working in ECE for 22 years and I am a mother to a beautiful teenager. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and my absolute passion is watching children unfold naturally as they grow within their environment, and most importantly in themselves. 

 

I believe that tamariki learn best in an environment that fosters curiosity and gives them confidence to create meaningful relationships with peers, kaiako and the worlds around them, insuring them to become lifelong learners. I joined the team at Caterpillar Kids in June 2023 and love working alongside the amazing kaiako and incredible whānau here.

Kia Ora everyone, my name is Carol. I started my time here at Caterpillar Kids as a reliever in October 2022.   I  grew up in Mount Albert, Auckland and live with my Mum and Dad.  I’m planning on starting a Bachelor of Education at University of Auckland next year. I also have a part time job at Real Groovy and have just started my own record collection!  In my spare time I enjoy going to the beach and hanging out with friends.

I’m really enjoying getting to know the children, families and team here at Caterpillar Kids.

Hi, I’m Hong Lo, I live in Ellerslie with my husband and two grown up daughters.

 I have been working at Caterpillar Kids for since 2008 and I cook morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for the children and babies.

 On the weekends I like to jog and go for hikes to enjoy New Zealand’s beautiful scenery.  I also spend lots of time in the garden and love baking cakes for the teachers and my family.  

I am a born and bred kiwi, growing up on a dairy farm in the Waikato with my family of 6.  I studied at Otago University completing a Bachelor of Commerce before realising that Early Childhood Education was calling my name.  I completed my Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) from Auckland University in 2007.

 

I am passionate about creating strong, authentic relationships with children, families and teams and love the opportunity to really get to know children and the things that make them smile.  I am a strong advocate for the work of Magda Gerber and Emmi Pikler which hold respectful relationships and authenticity at the core of their Approach. I support a RIE® Parent-Infant Guidance Class.

Kia ora, my name is Ari. I was born and raised in Tāmakai Makaurau (Auckland), I completed my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) through the University of Auckland in 2019. I am currently studying towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Infant & Toddler Learning and Development through Te Rito Maioha.

My personal teaching philosophy is centred around creating strong relationships with tamariki, calm environments and providing plenty of opportunities that support them to explore themselves and the world around them in a way that is meaningful to them.

I enjoy spending my spare time outside in nature, cooking, baking, spending time with friends and family and building lots and lots of lego with my 6 year old son Caleb.

Kia ora, Hello, Namaste
 

My name is Neeti.  I hail from Mumbai, India. Originally a secondary school teacher, I moved to NZ, nine years back with my husband ready to delve into the realm of ECE in NZ.  It has been a mesmerising journey so far, learning about the youngest citizens of the world and also myself. 

With seven years of experience of working in different centres, I have dedicated myself to learn more about the works of Dr. Emmi Pikler and Magda Gerber.  

I have been at Caterpillar Kids since 2023 and  am thrilled to be a part of the whānau and community here.  I look forward to getting to know everyone.

Kia Ora Whānau,

My name is Chunqian (Emily) Ma and I joined Caterpillar Kids in August 2024.  I was born and raised in Wuhan, China, where I earned my teaching certificate. I first visited New Zealand in 2017 and fell in love with Auckland's stunning sunsets and sea views. During my time there, I became part of a wonderful community and enjoyed babysitting for my neighbours in my free time. I discovered a genuine passion for working with young children, captivated by their unique perspectives and imaginative ideas.

In 2021, I chose to pursue a career in early childhood education and obtained my teaching registration and have worked in ECE ever since.  I look forward to contributing my enthusiasm to the team, children and families I’m excited about this new chapter in my teaching journey and eager to meet everyone.

Assalamu alaikum ( may peace be upon you) and Kia Ora!
My name is Nisa. I've just joined the incredible team here at Caterpillar Kids as a reliever! I started my ECE career working at Unitec childcare centre as well as being a parent helper at multiple outdoor events at Mt Roskill Primary School and I have gotten to really love working with tamariki, exploring different cultures and values!

I am also a mother of three beautiful children. I am originally from Sri Lanka and I love travelling and have been to many countries. I can speak four languages and in my spare time, I love to bake, sew and try new crafts and hobbies!