CENTER MANGER

Tēnā Koutou, my name is Nicole Sharpe, I am the Centre Manager at Tiny Tuis Early Learning Centre. I have been at Tuis since we opened in 2013. I am married to Luke and we have 3 children, all who have been through Tiny Tuis. I have been an Early Childhood teacher for over 20 years and a hold a Bachelor or Arts in Psychology and Sociology and and Bachelor of Education- Teaching. My passion has always been with early childhood education and I have been lucky to work with and alongside some incredible people in my career. I have trained overseas at the Pikler Institute in Budapest, Hungary. The Pikler philosophy inspires much of our daily practice throughout Tiny Tuis.

I look forward to welcoming you and your family to Tiny Tuis, and hope that you will find yourself as part of an extended family where you and your children may establish many friendships, and where your children will develop a life-long love of learning.

Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia ō tātou māhi - let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.

PEDAGOGICAL LEADER

Kemcho, and Namaste, My name is Nila Patel I have a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood, and have been teaching for over 20 years within the sector. I have been working for Tiny Tuis since it first opened in April 2013. I started off by working as a teacher in the preschool room (Kiwiroom) then became a team leader within the room and a 2IC for the centre.

In late 2018 my role changed into becoming the pedagogical leader and 2IC of the centre. My role is very diverse day to day and consist mainly of supporting team leaders and individual teachers with age appropriate curriculum delivery, planning, assessment and evaluation programme, mentoring our teacher registration programme, and also supporting all children’s learning development through challenging experiences within their play. My role also consist of building strong reciprocal relationships with parents, children and all teachers within the centre. Though I am not based in any particular room, you will often see me floating between the rooms and around the whole centre.

Throughout my time at Tiny Tuis I have continued to grow and develop a strong passion for teaching and learning, and supporting all children to thrive in an enriched, inclusive learning enviornment, and growing individual teachers in their professional journey here at Tiny Tuis.

I look forward to getting to know you and your child at Tuis.

CENTER ADMINISTRATOR

Hi my name is Kelly and I am the Centre Administrator, I have been part of the Tiny Tuis family since we opened the centre in April 2013. I love seeing the children grow throughout their journey at Tiny Tuis.

My husband, Peter and I have two beautiful girls, Devon born in 2005 and Ashleigh born in 2008 In the weekend we love to spend time with friends and our extended families. I look forward to meeting all the families here at Tiny Tuis.

CENTER CHEF

Mabuhay! Hi my name is Lita, I am the centre chef. I have joined Tiny Tuis since 2013 and I am one of the pioneers.

My role is to create menus and prepare healthy and yummy food for the children that will nourish their mind and body. I also look after the dietary requirements of children with allergy.

I came from the Philippines. My family and I have migrated to New Zealand in 2007. I have 3 grown up children, a 5 years old granddaughter and 2 months old grandson. My granddaughter attended Tiny Tuis in 2018 to 2021. She enjoyed coming to the centre every single day. She is now in primary, year 1.

I have a Bachelor degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. I have a vast experienced in the hospitality industry in the Philippines and here in New Zealand. I worked as a manager in Pizza Hut Philippines for 11 years and a Section Head in Enchanted Kingdom, a world class theme park for 11 years. I also worked as a manager in Pizza Hut New Zealand for 5 years. I decided to have a changed of career from hospitality industry to a chef in Tiny Tuis because of my passion for cooking. I enjoy creating variety of meals for the children. It gives me a sense of fulfilment when they love eating the meals I prepare for them. Whenever they say “the food is yummy, it’s my favourite” it’s music to my ears and inspire me more.

TEACHER

Kia ora whanau! My name is Koey and I am one of the permanent teachers in the Kea Room. I am from Hong Kong and have been in New Zealand since 2012. You are more than welcome to speak to me in Cantonese, English and Mandarin. I am a qualified teacher who had my Early childhood education degree from the University of Auckland. I really enjoyed working with infants and toddlers. I love the way how they use gestures to communicate with me. For me, they are my teachers. They are teaching me how to become a responsive teacher to their needs. I look forward to having a fun journey with you and your little one.

TEACHER

Hi families! My name is Cristine. I am from Brazil and I moved to New Zealand with my husband and daughter in 2018. I am a mom of two lovely girls, Maria ( who is 6 years old) and Emilia( who is 2 years old, was born here and attend at Tiny Tuis).  

I am a qualified teacher, completed  my Degree and Post Degree of Early Childhood Education in Brazil in 2007. I started to work with children in 2004 there and after I moved to New Zealand I worked as a relief teacher in 2019. 

I joined Tiny Tuis in 2021, working as a relief teacher and then I became a Kea room teacher. I am passionate about building trustful relationships with the children, their families and my colleagues. My priority as a teacher is to promote tamariki’s well being, meeting their needs and facilitating opportunities for them to  be themselves, with all my respect and love. 

I am looking forward to meeting and learning alongside you and your child! 

TEAM LEADER

TEACHER

Sawatdi ka my name is Vasana Khamchana and I'm one of the teachers in the Pukeko Room. I have a diploma of teaching in Early Childhood Education from Ti Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa/ New Zealand Childcare Association. I'm from the northern part of Thailand called Chiang Mai. I have been living in here since 2001 and am married to my husband Aj. We have a son named Tyson who used to attend Tiny Tuis. I love cooking, and gardening and I'm a DIY type of lady. At Tiny Tuis I enjoy creating and making resources with the children and enjoy having them help me throughout the process. I also love dancing and singing with them. I believe children should be treated with respect and learn and develop at their own pace. I enjoy supporting children to become confident learners and developing their self-esteem. My reward is to see their pride when they can independently achieve their goals.

TEACHER

TEACHER

TEACHER

Kamusta! My name is Maria. I am from the Philippines and migrated to NZ in 2017. I have been working in Early Childhood since 2014, mainly in Vietnam and here in New Zealand. I trained in Montessori Institute of America in Hanoi, Vietnam and attained my Montessori diploma qualification in 2015. 

I am a mom to a cheerful boy and I love spending time with my family like taking a walk to the beach and the park. I am very pleased to be part of Piwakawaka team and I look forward to meeting you and working with your amazing children.

TEACHER

Kia ora, Nihao, This is Cindy (Xinyi). When I was growing up, I’ve always had special connections with tamariki which drew me into this major. I like how raw, courageous, curious, confident and competent children are, as little explorers, getting to know about the world and themselves. After graduating with a Bachelor of Teaching (specialising in ECE) degree from University of Auckland and working for a few years, I’ve been consistently learning and shaping my teaching philosophy and strategies. I absolutely love embracing and celebrating children’s cultural identity as I value inclusiveness and diversity in many forms. Children’s holistic wellbeing is important to me as well as reciprocal and responsive relationships with whanau. 

Currently learning NZSL and children have loved learning about it. Share with me about your culture and let’s celebrate it! Looking forward to connecting with you and your beautiful family.

TEACHER

Kamusta! I I am very excited to start my teaching career and alongside with the children learn the many facets of early childhood. I joined Tiny Tuis in January 2024. Prior to arriving in Aotearoa, I spent a decade in Saudi Arabia, where I worked as a flight attendant for their national carrier. I hope to be remembered as someone tamariki can turn to for a comforting cuddle when needed. I want children to feel unafraid when alone, knowing I'll always be there, whether as a teacher or a best friend.Looking forward to meeting everyone!

TEAM LEADER

Hola! My name is Lina and I am one of the teachers in the Kereru Room. I’m also the Team Leader in the toddlers rooms. I am originally from Colombia and my first language is Spanish, I moved to New Zealand in 2007. I met my husband here and married him in 2013. We have a son called Lukas, he was born in December 2017.

I have a Psychology Degree which I gained in 2006 before I moved to New Zealand. After my first year in New Zealand I started working in ECE centres. I then realised teaching is my true passion and decided to get my qualification in Early Childhood Education. I studied a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood at The University of Auckland in 2010.

I have been working at Tiny Tuis since the first day it opened in April 2013. I worked in the Piwakawaka Room for 8 years and moved to the Kereru Room in July 2021. Teaching and caring for toddlers is my passion, I enjoy coming to work every day and supporting each and every one of our tamariki in their process of developing and learning about their world.

TEACHER

Kia Ora, my name is Angelique Robson. I am one of the team members in in the Kereru Room. I have been an Early Childhood Teacher for over 28 years and have been at Tiny Tuis since we opened in 2013. I hold a Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching and I am a fully registered teacher. I have two boys of my own Jack (19) who attends Victoria University in Wellington and Bailey (12) who attends Sacred Heart College. With my Husband Glen and my delightful fur baby Stormi we live in the beautiful Pohutukawa Coast suburb of Beachlands. My family loves the outdoors, we love to spend time at our family bach in Pauanui and I am a self confessed " Soccer Mom". In my spare time I love spending time with friends and family, reading, traveling and checking out the next best series on Netflix. I am passionate about caring for our young tamariki. I aspire to create a supportive, encouraging and challenging environment where the children feel a sense of belonging. I love creating exciting environments outside for the children to explore and extend themselves. Ka Kite, see you in the Kereru Room.

TEACHER

Kia Ora, my name is Sophie and I am a teacher in the Kereru Room. Born and bred in Auckland, I attended Ellerslie Primary School and graduated from Selwyn College in 2018.  

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in 2022 and hold a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. Tiny Tuis has been my place of growth as a teacher. In 2019 I joined the Centre as a student before becoming a permanent part of the team in 2020. I am grateful to have learnt from the experienced teachers here and move forward with an instilled confidence in my respectful practice.  

With kindness, I look forward to being able to support our tamariki in developing a positive self image and an understanding of our ever changing world. 

TEACHER

Kia ora, I’m Jordan and I’m very excited to be part of the Tiny Tuis team! I have a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation and graduated in 2019. This led me to coaching sports in primary schools. From coaching I realised I am passionate about working with children and supporting them in their growth and development. In 2021 I completed the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education at the University of Auckland. I believe in providing children with a warm, safe, inclusive and positive environment for them to explore the environments around them and grow within themselves.

I look forward to getting to know all the unique dispositions and interests of the children at Tiny Tuis whilst also building relationships with the children, parents and whānau.

TEAM LEADER

Hi, my name is Casey. I am the team leader of the Kiwi room. I am a fully qualified Early Childhood Teacher, I finished my Bachelor of Education in 2013. I grew up in Auckland and was lucky to be able to work at Tiny Tuis from 2013-2017. After a three year period overseas teaching, I am super happy to be back at Tiny Tuis which is like a second home. When I am not teaching, I enjoy keeping active and being outdoors. I am passionate about playing netball, hiking, diving and love to travel. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child and to be able to support them through their learning journey. 

TEACHER

Kia ora koutou, My name is Vashuda and I am the newest addition to the Tiny Tuis ELC. I have been a teacher for 10 years plus working with all age groups but my passion is working alongside the preschoolers as they discover and explore the amazing world around them.

I have always had a natural affinity with children and have known that teaching is what I am made to do ever since I was a child myself.

I was born and brought up in India and moved to NZ in 2018 with my whanau. I have deep aroha nui for the outdoors and natural environment. This is where you will most likely find me when I'm not at work. I believe in uplifting each child's manaakitanga and developing them as strong, capable, competent individuals.

I am very excited to facilitate and support learning journeys for many tamariki and look forward to the bonds I will make with whanau and children along the way.

TEACHER

Kia Ora Families, my name is Esther Eber. I come from Hyderabad, India. I have been living in New Zealand since 2001. I have a Bachelor in Arts from Osmania University. I started working at Tiny Tuis in 2014. I love working with the Tiny Tuis children and their families.

TEACHER

TEACHER

TEACHER

TEACHER ASSISTANT

PERMANENT RELIEVER

Konnichiwa and Hello. My name is Kyoko. I am originally from Japan and have lived in New Zealand for many years now. While I have been working in early childhood, I became a qualified and fully registered teacher. I enjoy working at Tiny Tuis where I have been part of the team since 2014. I am sure my passion for teaching will continue to grow as there is never a day when children don’t bring a smile to my face. I am looking forward to becoming a part of your child’s learning journey. Arigato and Kia ora.

PERMANENT RELIEVER

Kia ora, everyone! My name is Amy and I am one of the relieving teachers in Tiny Tuis. I was born in China and I became a New Zealand citizen in 2007. I used to be a high school politics and history teacher in China. I studied Education degree in the University of Auckland and I now hold a Certificate in Education Support. I love working with children and in 2022, I joined Tiny Tuis. As a new member, I will do my best to support my colleagues, and I will take care of the children with my love and respect. I hope to have a good time with you and your little ones.

RELIEVER

PERMANENT RELIEVER