Hi, my name is Mary Hyland, I am the Head Teacher in the Nursery Room.  I have 2 adult daughters, 1 adult son and 2 granddaughters so far.  I have been in the education sector since the age of 19.

I graduated with a diploma in 2006 and then upskilled to a Bachelor of Education in 2008.

I believe that all children have the right to learn and grow at their own pace, and we are here to facilitate that growth and learning and to ignite their passion for learning.

Hi Samantha here, but you can call me Sam.

I'm currently working in the Nursery, I have around 20 years experience in being a Teachers Assistant and in that time I have worked with Special Needs and mainstream students, but now with babies which is extremely rewarding. I have one daughter who is currently studying at Otago University.

Hi there,

My name is Danni I am one of the babies teachers. I studied at AUT University and qualified with a Bachelors in Education in 2012. I have been living with my husband in Waiuku since 2014, and I love the strong sense of community that the town holds. I am especially happy to have found a centre who values this also. Since I finished university I have learnt so much- particulary after having my own son Oliver.

My name is Jylissa, I currently live in Clark Beach with my husband and two children. I started my degree in Early childhood in 2008 through M.I.T and jined the Little Ants team in August 2016 as a teacher in the Toddlers room. I am extremely passionate about making learning fun and helping the tamariki nurture, inspire and grow in a safe environment.

Hi, I’m Kath.

I have been a Teacher’s Assistant for a few years in mainstream schools mostly with new entrants. I am now teaching in the Toddler’s and baby rooms and loving how rewarding it is! I have four children and one adorable grandson. 

Hiya, I am Casey and I am currently one of the teachers in the Toddler room.

I have a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and I adore learning and discovering the wonders of life through the eyes of our wonderful tamariki - a world of fun, imagination, spontaneity and pure amazement.
I have always dreamed of being an ECE teacher and since becoming a mother of two boys my passion was reignited.

I believe our tamariki of today, are the future of tomorrow.  Every child has a right to live, learn and grow within a nurturing, positive and safe environment.

It is an honour and pleasure to be part of the Little Ants whanau and I look forward sharing your child's early childhood learning journey.

Kia Ora Koutou, Bula vinaka! My name is Sera and I am very lucky to lead the wonderful teaching team in the Preschool room. I came from Fiji to Wellington to train as an ECE teacher straight out of college. Since graduating I have been working mostly in kindergartens, as a head teacher in more recent years in several kindergartens throughout N.Z, and I also managed a childcare centre in Whangarei for six years. My passion is to empower, inspire and support children to learn and grow. I want all children to feel special and accepted just for who they are. I believe parents are the important teachers in childrens lives, my job is to work with you and give support to help your children get the best start in life.

My name is Kathryn Cox I am a Senior teacher in the Preschool room.

I am married and have two children Josh and Matt. I have a Bachelors of Teaching(ECE) as well as a Diploma of Teaching (ECE) and I am fully registered.

I believe that children given the chance and opportunities, to grow will become capable and confident young learners.

Hello, my name is Teresa and I am currently one of the teachers in Preschool room. I graduated from the University of Waikato and qualified with a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching in 2017. As a young beginning ECE teacher, I am very honoured to grow up with our tamariki in Little Ants.

I believe every child is unique that they have something special to bring to their own education and our job is to assist children to express themselves, accept who they are, embrace the differences of others and further to meet their full potential through creating a stimulating and safe learning environment for them. 

Kia Ora! My name is Aishu and I am a speech and language therapist and audiologist from south India. I moved to New Zealand two years ago. Since, most of my experience as a SLT was with children and because I am passionate about working with children, I chose ECE. I am interested in arts and crafts, singing and dancing.

I believe that we can facilitate children’s learning by providing a positive environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and experimentation. I want to inspire children to have a passion for learning.

Hi my name is Trish, I have worked in aged care, owned a business and for the last 13 years worked in childcare helping where ever needed. In my current role I prepare enjoyable healthy meals for our little people to eat, I help on the floor and assist Linda with the admin. I love cooking and ensuring our littlies have happy tummies!