Our experienced, qualified, and diverse team of teachers work closely together to benefit the children in our care.
Clare
I came to Smiley Faces in 2013 after many years’ experience in senior positions involving people leadership, business management and marketing. I enjoy supporting both teachers and children to learn and thrive.
I hold a BA(Hons), a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business, a Company Director’s Certificate, a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE), and a current First Aid certificate.
Murray and I have two children, Grace and Christopher who are now young adults. We enjoy active holidays and supporting our children in their passions and interests.
Read more →
Michelle
I joined Smiley Faces in 2016 as a Cook/Assistant Teacher and I have previously worked as a chef for many years. In 2019 I completed my Degree in Teaching (ECE) and became a Registered Teacher in the Tuakana/Pre-school team. I hold Food Safety Certificates, and a First Aid Certificate. In 2021 I was promoted to the Team Leader position in the Tuakana/Pre-school room.
Read more →
Oti
I joined Smiley Faces in August 2015 after many years teaching in Rotorua. After 3 years leading the Tuakana/Preschool programme here, I took over the leadership of the Teina/Nursery programme in 2018. I enjoy building relationships with children, parents and my peers. As a Tongan, I bring a deep respect for Te Reo and Pacifika cultures. I have a Degree in Teaching (ECE) and a current First Aid Certificate.
Read more →
Anita
I am originally from Wellington and moved to Upper Hutt in 2018. I completed a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching in 2010. I also hold a current First Aid Certificate.
I joined Smiley Faces in October 2018 and am enjoying the environment here including working with the teachers, whānau and children. I married in 2019 and have 2 step-children. I love swimming, walking, reading and playing the ukelele.
Read more →
Jessanine
Kia ora! Magandang araw! I’m Jessanine, an ECE teacher from the Philippines. Working with children brings me immense joy, and it’s a passion I’ve been fortunate to pursue for nearly 9 years now. I hold a Bachelor Degree in Teaching (Primary) and a Masters in Education Administration. I believe in the idea that each child is special, with unique needs and abilities. They should feel valued and have opportunities to explore, learn, and grow in a well-rounded environment. I’m excited to learn and grow with all of you.
Read more →
Ravinder
Kia ora, Sat Sri Akal (ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ) My name is Ravinder Kaur.
I am a dedicated ECE teacher and joined Smiley Faces in January 2026. I am a New Zealand Registered teacher. I have over 13 years of teaching experience in Dubai as a Primary Teacher and I have worked as an ECE Teacher in NZ since mid 2024. My teaching journey across different countries strengthen my ability to build inclusive, respectful and nurturing learning environments where all children feel valued and supported. I believe in fostering strong relationships with tamariki, whānau and colleagues. I have a good command of English, Punjabi and Hindi and I am learning some te reo Māori.
Read more →
Vichelle
I came to NZ from the Philippines in 2022 to join Smiley Faces and am a Registered Teacher. I have taught in the Tēina/Nursery room and I am now in the Tuākana/Preschool room. I have a strong interest in supporting all tamariki to thrive, including tamariki with development delays or other challenges. I speak Tagalog as well as English and a little Mandarin.
Read more →
Jullianne
I have been working at Smiley Faces since 2003. I enjoy working with children. I have two adult sons and I love camping and enjoy relaxing with my family and friends.
I completed my Certificate in Tikanga Māori at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in 2009 and I hold a current First Aid Certificate.
Read more →
Thouraya
I am a Teacher-in-Training and hold Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Level 5) and a Current First Aid certificate. I enjoyed many years working with all age groups of children as a reliever as well as during my study placement. Now I am working with the Infants and Toddlers in Rūma Tēina. I am married and have two young boys. I enjoy spending time with my family and I speak Arabic and English.
Read more →
Nikki
I joined Smiley Faces in 2021 and in July 2022 I took on the Administrator position. In March 2024 I began my studies towards a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). I work 2 days per week in Tēina as a Teacher-in-Training, and the other 3 days in my Assistant Manager role. My spare time is mostly filled with spending time with my family – my partner Adam and our two daughters Sophie and Lucy.
Read more →
Chanthu
I am originally from Cambodia and came to New Zealand in 2005. I am a mother of two kids. I joined Smiley Faces in 2023 as a reliever and took on the role of Cook/Assistant Teacher at the beginning of 2024. I have previously worked as a chef for many years. In 2023 I completed my Level 4 Certificate in Early Childhood Education and I hold Food Safety Certificates. I love cooking and I really enjoy working with young children.
Read more →
Fiona
I grew up in Rotorua and completed my Graduate Diploma in ECE through Victoria University. Before teaching, I practised as a nurse. I enjoy walking, dancing, and travelling. I do not have any children of my own, however I am looking forward to fostering children in the future. I hold a current First Aid Certificate.
Read more →
Enrol with us today!
We provide an environment, resources and experiences that foster children’s natural love of learning and which support their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development.