About us

Teacher/Owner
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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.  

Centre Manager
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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.

‍Teacher
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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.

‍Teacher
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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.

Teacher
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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.

‍Teacher
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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.

‍Teacher
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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.

Teacher
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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.

Teacher
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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.

Teacher
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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.
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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.

Cook
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Olá, my name is Laizy but you can call me Lala. I’m from Brazil and have been in Aotearoa since February 2024.
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I’m married, have a Bachelor of Geography and I have a basic grasp of the English language.
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In Brasil I worked as an Early Childhood Assistant and substitute teacher, so I’m excited to be working in Early Childhood again here in New Zealand.

‍Admin/Owner
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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.