Meet the Team

Amanda

Centre Manager/Director

Kia Ora, I’m Amanda and although my role as the centre manager/director is primarily based around the operations and administration side of the centre, I thoroughly enjoy joining the team and participating in the classroom and often find myself reading stories, playing with the Lego or exploring the world through the eyes of the children through the use of an atlas. I’m particularly passionate about working in the Vege Garden and taking our children for walks to explore our local area.

My dedication lies in helping Kiwi kids thrive, learn and generally grow up to be wonderful people. I strive to create an environment that nurtures not only our children and families but also our educators. I am incredibly proud of the whole CPELC team for playing such an important part in guiding our preschool-aged children through the beginning stages of their journey through life and thankful to be able to support this.

Megan

Professional Services Leader

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Megan tōku ingoa. I’m proud to serve as the Professional Services Leader here at Central Park ELC. With over 25 years of experience across Early Childhood and Adult Education, I’ve journeyed from student kaiako to Centre Manager, now landing in this role where I get to do what I love most, supporting others to grow. Whether it’s mentoring kaiako or working alongside tamariki, I’m passionate about best practice that’s rooted in strong relationships and meaningful learning.

My approach draws inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy, where every child is seen as competent, capable, and full of potential. I believe that tamariki learn best through authentic interactions—with their environment, their peers, their kaiako, and their whānau. By following their interests and empowering their voices, we nurture confident, curious learners.

Outside the centre, I’m a long-time volunteer with the Auckland Coastguard, serving as a senior crew member, medic, and skipper in training. Supporting our wider community is something I carry close to my heart—and that spirit of service weaves its way into the work I do here every day.

I believe that early childhood education should feel like a second home: warm, respectful, and responsive to the needs and dispositions of all tamariki. It’s a joy to be part of a centre where that vision is lived out, every day.

Elfie

Senior Head Kaiako

Mālō e lelei, Guten Tag tamariki and whānau!

Ko Elfie tōku ingoa, and I’ve proudly been part of the CPELC whānau for over eight years now. Teaching isn’t just something I do, it’s part of who I am. For me, the heart of early learning lies in strong, trusting relationships: with our tamariki, with their whānau, and with the team around us. When those connections are nurtured, magic happens.

I’m passionate about creating a safe, joyful space where every child feels a deep sense of belonging. I see each tamaiti as a taonga, unique, capable, and filled with potential, and I work hard to ensure they feel seen, valued, and supported every day.

You’ll usually find me outside, rocking a pair of gumboots in the mud or crouched beside a curious explorer, because I believe nature is one of our greatest teachers. The outdoor world offers endless lessons in resilience, wonder, and respect. Whether it’s feeling the rain on our skin or watching a bug up close, these moments teach tamariki how to slow down, observe deeply, and connect with the world around them.

My team might say I’m a bit like one of the kids, with a touch of adult wisdom! I love a good laugh, getting messy, and finding joy in the little things. I’m a big believer in whānau values and the strength that comes from embracing all cultures, languages, and ways of being.

Danielle

Room Head Kaiako

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Danielle tōku ingoa. I’m the head kaiako of the Pīwakawaka and Kererū rooms, and I’ve always felt drawn to the world of infants and toddlers. Supporting their early journey through love, respect, and calm presence is something I feel deeply honoured to do.

Those who know me would describe me as gentle, patient, and quietly observant. I believe some of the most powerful learning moments happen in the quiet, through noticing, listening, and guiding tamariki with thoughtful conversation and care. I trust in each child’s rhythm and enjoy nurturing their sense of belonging by building strong, respectful relationships with both them and their whānau.

Outside of the centre, I’m happiest surrounded by my whānau and friends (or out walking with my Children and the dogs). I also love reading, and finding the beauty in life’s small, simple moments.

Divia

Room Head Kaiako

Kia ora, ko Divia tōku ingoa, and I’m proud to lead the Ruru Room as Head Teacher. I’ve been working with tamariki for six years now, and for the past four, I’ve been lucky to call Central Park ELC my second home. I’m often described as calm and nurturing, with a cheeky streak that keeps our days full of fun, laughter, and joyful learning.

My passion lies in supporting tamariki as they prepare for the next big step in their learning journey: school. I’m dedicated to helping each child build the confidence, skills, and sense of self they need to soar. I love working closely with whānau and with the amazing external specialists who support our children, because when we all work together, tamariki thrive.

Relationships are everything to me. I take the time to understand each tamaiti’s needs, interests, and strengths so we can create a warm, home-like environment where they feel safe, loved, and excited to learn.

Hilda

Kaiako  – Ruru Room

Talofa

My name is Hilda, and I have over ten years of rewarding experience as an Early Childhood teacher. Being both a mother and a grandmother enriches my approach, adding a special touch of warmth. My passion lies in working with preschoolers, as I truly believe that the best learning occurs when tamariki are having fun. Each day, I aim to create an enriching environment where education and happiness go hand in hand. Through activities like dance, music, and creative play, I love to engage our tamariki, igniting their imagination and curiosity. Books play a significant role in my life, feeding my creativity and passion for storytelling. I’m excited to share this love with the tamariki and inspire them to develop a fondness for reading from a young age. As a creative individual, I enjoy designing experiences that are both fun and educational. I look forward to meeting and forming strong connections with all whānau. Working alongside my team, my goal is to provide learning experiences that connect with the real world, nurturing confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning in the tamariki.

Aisha

Registered Kaiako  – Ruru Room

Ngā mihi niu ki a koutou katoa.

I am Aisha, a proud Māori descendent from the far north who also carries Samoan, Fijian and Dutch heritage.

There are a couple of achievements that give me great joy in life. The first is having my two beautiful daughters and the other is holding a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. I thoroughly enjoy working with 2 – 5/6 year old tamariki and am passionate about teaching Māori, Reo and Kaupapa.

Multicultural practices/ languages and P.E are also interests I hold.

Suzanne

Registered Kaiako – Ruru Room

Kia ora my name is Suzanne.

I have been working as an early childhood teacher for 16 years. I have been working at Central Park Early Learning Centre for 5 years. I enjoy building relationships with the tamariki and getting to know them and their interests. I enjoy being invited to join in with tamariki play and seeing their imagination, confidence and independence grow and develop.

My own interests include craft, knitting, reading, walking and spending time with my five beautiful grandchildren.

Lorraine

Kaiako – Ruru Room

I’m Lorraine known as Lolo,

I’ve been part of the Central Park Early Learning team since 2019, where I bring my fun-loving personality and a penchant for jokes to the classroom. Whether it’s diving into messy play or tackling challenging activities, I encourage resilience in every taitamaiti (child). Beyond academics, I’m passionate about helping tamariki settle well into the centre and building strong, meaningful relationships with not only myself and the other Kaiako but also with other Ākonga.

Kim

Kaiako – Kereru/ Piwakawaka Room

Hello my name is Kim.

I started my journey here at CPELC in 2023. I am currently working in the Kereru room and enjoying every moment. My focus is on providing a safe and nurturing environment were tamariki can learn and explore freely. I look forward to working alongside all of the tamariki and whānau to create a positive and engaging learning environment.

Rashmi

Kaiako – Kereru/ Piwakawaka Room

Hello,  My Name is Rashmi, and I recently relocated from South Africa in April 2023. My hometown is the sunny Durban.

I’m a Piwakawaka room kaiako with a background in Health and Safety. Now that my own tamariki are grown, I’ve found joy in sharing my love and attention with tamariki  in the early childhood sector. I have a gentle and caring personality, and I’m passionate about building strong relationships with our pēpē (Infants) and creating a safe and loving environment for them. In my free time, I love exploring New Zealand with my whānau and enjoying nature.

Maggie

Kaiako – Kereru/ Piwakawaka Room

My name is Yuyue Wang, but you can call me Maggie. I come from Fujian, one of the southernmost provinces in China. My name means “happy rain” in Chinese, and I’m excited to bring my warmth and enthusiasm to the children in our care.

I have completed my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and will be registered soon. My passion for teaching has been a driving force in my life; I previously worked as an English teacher in China, where I discovered the joy of nurturing young minds.

I believe in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and am committed to creating a loving, safe, and stimulating environment for our under-2s. My goal is to foster a sense of belonging and  curiosity in our tamariki, ensuring that each day is filled with smiles and learning opportunities.

I look forward to building strong relationships with all the whānau and working together to support our little ones on their learning journeys. I’m thrilled to be part of this wonderful community!

Amy

Kaiako – Kereru/ Piwakawaka Room

(Maternity Leave)

Kia Ora, my name is Amy and I am a Kaiako in the Piwakawaka & Kererū room.

Since working at CPELC I have gained a fair amount of experience and knowledge and I really enjoy working with the infants and toddlers and watching them learn and grow. Since having my son Felix, it truly ignited my interest in child development and working alongside tamariki. I enjoy getting to know each individual taitamaiti and learning about their strengths and interests. I believe it’s important to build strong relationships with whānau and pride myself on doing so.

Shalisha

Centre Chef

Kia Ora koutou katoa

My name is Shalisha and I am the cook here at CPELC. I have been a centre chef for 2 years and really enjoy that I get to cook nutritious meals for our tamariki. I am a mother of two beautiful boys. In my spare time I love to go on adventures with my whānau and play/watch sports. I was born in Auckland but raised in Kaitaia. I am of Māori & Niuean decent and love to learn about other cultures.

 

Tena koutou, Tena koutou Tena tatou katoa!