Your Teachers
Small Kauri Teachers provide extensive experience in Early Childhood Education.
They are a great team, dedicated to children, demonstrated by the number of years teaching together at Small Kauri.
The teaching team are all experienced fully qualified with bachelor degrees and all with current practicing certificates (certified) in Early Childhood teaching. We also have extra support staff.
Linda
I am the Owner here at Small Kauri. Before opening here in 2002, I had built up an extensive knowledge of early childhood through completing a Diploma at North Shore Teachers College, NZ Diploma through the Free Kindergarten Union and Bachelor of Education (Teaching). I have over 40 years of experience in ECE including lecturing at MIT, as well as raising four of my own children and being a part of Playcentre.
Pubitha
I am originally from Malaysia, I moved to New Zealand in 2003 and began my study at Unitec. I have a Diploma in Teaching (ECE) and a Bachelor of Education (ECE), I started teaching here at Small Kauri in 2007. I am deaf but I can lip read and sign. I bring an additional dynamic to the team in supporting the learning and understanding of quality communication.
Binita
I have a Bachelor of Visual Arts from MIT and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) from The University of Auckland.I started working at Small Kauri in 2007. I have three daughters. When my oldest was younger she attended kindergarten, in this time I began my Early Childhood studies. During my studies I worked in a kindergarten. I found my place here at Small Kauri in 2007 and haven't looked back. Her 2 younger children attended Small Kauri.
Ake
I am from the Cook Islands originally but my home is here in Mangere. I have a Diploma of Teaching ECE Pacific Island, as well as a Bachelor of Education (Teaching). I have been here at Small Kauri since 2006.
Sue
I have a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). I graduated in 2009 and have worked at Small Kauri since 2012. While training I had work experience at a Kindergarten, as well as working alongside refugee families at The Carp; White Family Centre attached to Selwyn College. Before coming to Small Kauri I was part of more structured and age divided Early Childhood Centres. Coming to Small Kauri has solidified my thinking that mixed ages settings should be the direction of the future. I love the opportunities for learning that are supported by the family orientated setting at Small Kauri.
Sonia
I am a fully qualified and registered early childhood teacher. with a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood). I had over five years teaching experience as a qualified teacher before I joined Small Kauri in 2021 as an opportunity to share and grow my teaching knowledge and experience. I am passionate about children and making a difference in their lives and have a love of learning and teaching.
Nicky
Nicky a fully qualified and registered early childhood teacher and had been teaching at Small Kauri between 2006 to 2021 and now is back in 2022 taking a lead role managing the centre and providing professional practice and registration guidance for our teaching team. She initially obtained Certification from The Nanny Centre NZ and worked as a nanny in New Zealand and Overseas, before completing my Bachelor of Education (ECE) in 2007.
She has over 20 years experience working in Early Childhood and had been at Small Kauri since coming for a practicum placement 2006. Her two chidren attended Small Kauri.
Cecilia
Cecilia is a fully qualified and registered early childhood teacher with a Bachelor o Teaching (Early Childhood) and had been teaching at Small Kauri since 2020. She has a passion for working with young children and has spent many years helping others with their young children.
"I am now proud to be a qualified teacher doing what I love, working full time at Small Kauri."