Our People

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 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 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.

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.

Heather Curreen, Teacher - Kakapo 2-3 years

 Kia ora, I am one of the qualified teachers here at Little Wonders and I teach in the Kakapo room with our terrific 2-year-olds. I discovered my passion for teaching when I had my daughter and became a home-based educator in 2008. I chose to study part time through Open Polytechnic and gained my Bachelor of Education ECE in 2014.

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 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.

Chris Jackson, Administrator

I have been the administrator at Little Wonders Aoraki for 4 years.
I am very passionate about the families, the development and learning of these lovely children. My position here is to "meet and greet", to ensure all paperwork is correct and help wherever needed. Being flexible and approachable plus a sense of humour is a huge plus in this environment.

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 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-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.