Kia Ora, 

My name is Kylie Mactier and I am the Head teacher in the Takahe room. I hold my dipoloma of teaching and learning (ECE) and hold my full registration. I have over 15 years experience in the Early Childhood sector from teacher in training, head teacher to centre manager and then back to what I love the most Teaching. I firmly believe relationships, with children, parents/whānau and the community, are at the core of everything we do as teachers. It is through these trusting reciprocal relationships that children experience an environment where they feel safe to try out their ideas, to explore and to refine their working theories of the world.

my name is Hannah Herriott, I have been teaching for 5 years with infants and toddlers and I have a bachelor in ECE. I moved to Mount Somers area 6 years ago and recently my partner and three cats moved to a little farm in Valletta.  Since then we have grown our family and added a dog and six cows and I can not wait to add more animals to our wee farm. I have been a part of the Leap Ahead Whānau  for the past year and a half and love being a part of the community. I have learnt so much from my team. At Leap Ahead I have been excited to take on the role as head teacher in the Pukeko room as well as the health and safety manager to develop my knowledge and further support the team. I have a passion for teaching with infants and toddlers, as they are always ready and excited to learn new things. I love building relationships with the tamariki, and their whānau and it is a privilege to be part of their journey. In two short years they grow and learn so much exploring their curiosities about how the world works and it is wonderful to support and watch them grow.

Ahakoa he iti he pounamu, although it is small it is greenstone.

my name is Ritu Giroti, and I am one of the teachers in the Takahe room.  I hold a post graduate qualification, in Early childhood Education and I am Fully registered. I am originally from India, I am a mother of three children and have been teaching for a few years. I have been apart of  the Leap Ahead team for 3 years, which has given me an opportunity to build trustful relationships with children, families and whānau. Teaching is my passion and  I look forward in helping children to grow to their full potential and support them in developing their physical, cognitive and language abilities.  I look forward to meeting new families and children in Hinds and in supporting them in their journey of  memorable early years of learning.

my name is Rosie Leask and I am a qualified registered teacher. I am married, with two boys aged 12 and 16 years. I have moved back to canterbury after spending 10 years in the Bay of Plenty. I have been teaching since 2015 and I love nurturing, challenging and teaching young minds.

my name is Sharni Greyvenstein, I am a student teacher in the Pukeko room. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with the Tamariki and watching them grow and develop on their learning journey's. I am a mum to two young boys. I love all things creative and enjoy the outdoors. I am truly proud to be a part of a wonderful team and I love getting to know the great Hinds community.

my name is Emily Butler. I am excited for the opportunity to work alongside the Leap Ahead team in Hinds. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and two cats. Before joining the Leap Ahead team, I worked as an au pair both in New Zealand and Australia. I will be starting my training in Early Childhood Education this year, and I look forward to gaining more knowledge in this area. I love getting to know all the tamariki and their whānau.

my name is Grace Strudwicke, I am currently in my first year studying towards a Bachelor of teaching and learning in ECE, with the University of Canterbury. I have experience working in Early Childhood Education, primarily with 2-4 year old Tamariki. I am very passionate about Early Childhood Education and working alongside children as they learn and grow. I look forward to getting to know and working with you, your tamariki and whānau .

My name is Erana Cone. I have been the housekeeper for Leap Ahead for the last 3 years. Before Leap Ahead, I was the housekeeper for Head start Early Learning Centre. I have enjoyed getting to know the  Leap Ahead team and meeting new families. I am a local in the Hinds community and enjoy watching the children grow and develop their independence.