Our People
![toni.JPG](/media/12055/toni.jpg?rxy=0.48666666666666669,0.34111111111111109&width=320&height=220&rnd=132930345830800000)
Toni Smith , Centre Manager
Kia Ora
I am a qualified and registered educator with over 30 years involvement in Education and Social Services, having spent a number of those years in Leadership roles.
I am committed to exploring diverse cultures, enriching relationships, and fostering a culture of equity ensuring that every child has the right to participate, have a sense of belonging, and are valued for who they are and what they bring to the centre.
![Sophie March 2023 pic.JPG (1)](/media/13255/sophie-march-2023-pic.jpg?rxy=0.49666666666666665,0.395&width=320&height=220&rnd=133226652126100000)
Sophie Clarke, Team Leader
Kia Ora! I am the Team Leader here at Little Wonders. I qualified in 2019 with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from Open Polytechnic and have been working in ECE for 6 years. I have experience working with a range of different ages.
I have found that my special interests while working with children is establishing and developing safe, empowering, inclusive relationships with tamariki and their whānau. I also enjoy learning about different cultures, helping children to thrive through mindfulness, developing socia-emotional skills as well as working in a fun loving, passionate and invested team.
![Kylie 24 Feb 2023.JPG](/media/13205/kylie-24-feb-2023.jpg?rxy=0.42833333333333334,0.4622222222222222&width=320&height=220&rnd=133217202086930000)
Kylie Kunneke, Teacher - Tui Room
Kia Ora, my name is kylie.
I am an Under 2's teacher at Little Wonders Aoraki and have been a part of the team since June 2021. I feel honored that I get to make a positive difference in children lives everyday.
I am currently doing my Bachelors of teaching ECE and excited that I get to learn alongside all the tamariki.
![Staff Becky.JPG](/media/12054/staff-becky.jpg?rxy=0.445,0.35666666666666669&width=320&height=220&rnd=132930346070330000)
Rebekah Miers, Teacher - Kiwi Room 1 -2year
Kia ora,
My name is Rebekah (Becky) Miers. I am 28 years old and started Little Wonders Aoraki at the end of 2017, start of 2018. I have been working in early childhood education since early 2017 and have loved every moment. I hold a Bachelor of Teaching degree and am provisional registered with the Teaching Council.
more![Staff Louise.JPG](/media/12053/staff-louise.jpg?rxy=0.46,0.36888888888888888&width=320&height=220&rnd=132930346436100000)
Louise Partleton, Teacher - Pukeko 4-5 years
Hi, my name is Louise Partleton and I have been with Little Wonders Aoraki since February 2019. I got my Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2013. I love watching the tamariki discover new skills and abilities and learning about the world around them.
![Alice 24 Feb 2023.JPG](/media/13201/alice-24-feb-2023.jpg?rxy=0.52833333333333332,0.46&width=320&height=220&rnd=133217202223930000)
Alice Gibson, Teacher
Hi my name is Alice Gibson.
I live on a farm and enjoy the outdoors.
I have always had a passion for working with children and their families. I love watching their growth, development and how they learn about the world around them.
![Stacey 24 Feb 2023.JPG](/media/13206/stacey-24-feb-2023.jpg?rxy=0.51,0.43777777777777777&width=320&height=220&rnd=133217201849330000)
Stacey, Teacher
Hi, my name is Stacey and I have worked at Little Wonders Aoraki since 2021. I am in a support teacher role throughout the centre which gives me the experience to learn working with different age groups.
![Carolyn 24 Feb 2023.JPG](/media/13202/carolyn-24-feb-2023.jpg?rxy=0.45166666666666666,0.44&width=320&height=220&rnd=133217201714170000)
Carolyn McLoughlin, Teacher - Kiwi Room 1-2
Hello, my name is Carolyn and I have been with Little Wonders Aoraki for over five years.
I have had the pleasure of working across all five rooms during my time here. I started as a casual reliever, and now am a permanent member of staff working three days a week. My qualifications are life experience and practical support to our wonderful staff and children.
![Janet 24 Feb 2023.JPG](/media/13204/janet-24-feb-2023.jpg?rxy=0.44833333333333331,0.41111111111111109&width=320&height=220&rnd=133217201561430000)
Janet-Sue, Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Janet-Sue, but you can call me Janet. I have been part of the Little Wonders Aoraki team since I moved to Timaru in May 2022. I am currently in the second year of studies for the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), and as a kaiako in the over two's team I have had the privilege to work with and learn from our wonderful tamariki.