About us

The wonderful and passionate Caterpillars to Butterflies educators are highly qualified and well trained.

They’re committed to providing the very best in programmes, teaching methods, nutrition, and above all the highest level of personal care to each and every child - in short, they’re a really caring bunch.

Our team

Helen

Teacher/Owner

Kia Ora, my name is Helen. I have worked in childcare as a teacher for the last 25 years. After getting my degree and registration I and have never looked back. 

I’m super passionate about childcare, I love working with children and building strong relationships with their parents. We are so lucky to be supported by a passionate team of teachers that care deeply for the wellbeing of all the children in our Caterpillars to Butterflies whanau.  

Gemma

Centre Manager

Kia Ora my name is Gemma and I have worked in early childhood for over 15 years now and have been at Caterpillars to Butterflies for the last three years as a teacher in the preschool room and now in the new exciting role as centre manager. I graduated from MasseyUniversity with a Bachelor of Education Early Years. 

I enjoy spending time with my family, playing sport and being with animals. I am also super passionate about children and teaching and I am excited to continue to support our teachers, children and families as Centre Manager.

Kylie

Teacher

Kia Ora, my name is Kylie. I am a room leader and  teacher in the infants room. I have been working at Caterpillars to Butterflies for over 10 years now and live locally so I know the community well.

I love working with young children. It has been my dream job since I was a little girl. I have now decided to take on becoming an early childhood educator and I have started my training.

Ashton

Teacher

Kia Ora, my name is Ashton, I am the room leader and kaiako in our Butterflies room. I have been working in ECE since 2016 and received my Bachelor of Education in 2020. I live with my husband and son Vincent, who also joins me here in the Caterpillar's room.  

I have had a passion for working with tamariki from a young age and have experience with all ages. I am a respectful, confident, and nurturing kaiako. I believe that through respectful relationships with tamariki and their whanau, we can support them to become capable and confident learners.

Cathy

Teacher

Kia Ora, my name is Cathy. I am usually teaching in the preschool room. I have a passion for seeing children grow self-esteem and develop friendships while in a fun environment.

I grew up in Chengdu, Sichuan in China where I was a nurse. I have a son who goes to the local school and I love spending time with him.

Sarah

Teacher

Kia Ora, my name is Sarah. I enjoyed looking after younger children when I was younger so I decided to go and study early childhood education.
As a qualified and fully registered, early childhood educator I believe being caring and being able to adapt to different situations and needs of the children makes a great teacher.
Outside of work I enjoy gardening and baking and spending time with my family.

Ruth

Teacher

Kia Ora, my name is Ruth and I work as a teacher in the Preschool room. I have been with this centre since it opened in 2008.

I obtained my Diploma for Early childhood and hold a current teacher full registration.

I am married to Phil and we have two boys, Hayden and Ethan. I love spending time with my family.

Simone

Teacher

Kia Ora,  my name is Simone, I am a team member of the Caterpillar's room.

I have been on this early childhood journey for 13+ years now, I was born and raised in South Africa and have lived in New Zealand originally for 10 years.

Early childhood is most certainly where my passion lies. I feel most at home when I am empowering children to be their best selves, through nurturing and fostering them daily. I believe children are confident and capable learners who thrive off stimulating environment and relationships with their peers and teachers.

Krysta

Teacher

Tēnā koutou katoa, my name is Krysta. Since completing my Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), I have been blessed to have worked across ECE centres, in-home care and also the primary sector.

As a Kaiako (teacher) I aim to build strong relationships centred on respect and care with all who come here, tamariki (children), whānau (families) and kaimahi (staff). My goal is to provide a safe, caring, encouraging and fun space where tamariki can thrive and learn and grow in ways that are meaningful to them and their whānau.

Stevie

Teacher

Kia ora, my name is Stevie, a kaiako in the Caterpillar's room. I recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Teaching and I am thrilled to bring my passion for education to this wonderful learning environment.

My final placement was here at Caterpillars to Butterflies which allowed me to foster connections with tamariki and teachers.

I'm thrilled to join the team and create a positive learning environment for your tamariki.

Nicky

Cook

I am Nicky, happily married to Nick. I have 2 grown up daughters and 4 Grandchildren. I am originally from the old Roman city of York in England.

We moved here in 2006. My background is in retail management, bar and restaurant management, I was also a chef.

I have a successful weekend business called Confettico styling parties and event planning.

I also enjoy walking and social history.

Justin

Admin/Owner

Kia Ora, my name is Justin. I have worked in the design and marketing industry for over 20 years.

Since Helen and I purchased Caterpillars to Butterflies together I have been doing a lot of the admin, water-blasting and painting. This has also given me the chance to build relationships with the teachers, children and their families.

Helen and I have three lovely children, Dylan, Corey and Amy and we love watching the boys play rugby and the amazing art Amy creates. 

Contact our friendly team for more information on enrolling your child.