Our Team - Upper Hutt Pre-school Childcare

Our experienced, qualified, and diverse team of teachers work closely together to benefit the children in our care.

ClareOwner / Manager

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.

MichelleTeam Leader, Tuakana / Pre-school

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.

OtiTeam Leader, Teina / Nursery

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.

CarolSenior Teacher, Teina / Nursery

Carol

I am a Registered ECE Teacher with a Certificate of Equivalence (Diploma of Teaching) and a current First Aid Certificate. I started with Playcentre before taking a position as Supervisor with this Centre and have enjoyed many years working with all age groups of children.

I am married to Murray and we have 3 adult children and many grandchildren. I enjoy gardening, yoga, and spending time with family.

AnitaECE Teacher, Tuakana/Pre-school

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.

TasmynECE Teacher, Tuakana/Pre-school

Tasmyn

I am from South Africa and I have spent time teaching in South Africa and England. I moved to Upper Hutt in August 2022 with my family. I am a Primary qualified teacher and I love supporting tamariki to learn through play.

JessanineECE Teacher, T`eina/Nursery

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.

JullianneAssistant ECE Teacher, Tuakana/Pre-school

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.

EllaECE Teacher, Tuākana/Pre-school

Ella

Smiley Faces was my first placement in my studies and I then joined the team as a Teacher-in-Training in 2021. I have now completed by ECE Teaching degree from Victoria University and I joined the Tuākana/Preschool team as a Registered Teacher in early 2025. I love building relationships with tamariki and whānau and have a passion for exploring te Ao Māori.

ThourayaAssistant Teacher, Tēina/Nursery

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.

NikkiAdministrator & Teacher-in-Training

Nikki

I joined Smiley Faces as an Education Support Worker in mid 2021. In mid July 2022 I took over my current role as Administrator. In March 2024 I began my studies towards a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). I am currently working 2 days per week in Tēina as part of my studies, and the other 3 days in my Administration role. My spare time is mostly filled with spending time with my family – my partner Adam and our two daughters Sophie and Lucy.

ChanthuCook/Assistant Teacher

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.

FionaECE Teacher, Reliever

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.

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