Our Team

Pauline – Manager/Director

Kia Ora, my name is Pauline.

I am the owner and Manager here at Grasshoppers Early learning centre.

I am currently in my second year of study towards my degree.

I live in Cambridge along with my two Miniature Schnauzers 'Izzy and Lulu', and cat ‘Misty'.

I have three beautiful adult children.

For 17 years, I enjoyed nurturing children as a home-based Educator in my own home, but my dream was always to  purchase a Childcare Centre to call my own.  I really wanted to create a ‘home away from home’ feeling for children and their families.  A safe place, where children are given opportunities similar to mine as child, where their interests are extended on, and they develop life-long skills for learning, in an environment where they feel loved and secure, as they do at home.

Michelle – Relief kaiako

Hi, my name is Michelle.

My husband and I live in the Ohaupo area, after nearly 40 years in Raglan.

I am, and always have been, passionate about early childhood education, and prior to moving to Ohaupo I had been working at an early learning centre in Raglan.

I have always believed that by working in partnership with teachers and whānau, we can support our tamariki to establish positive foundations for the future.

I am excited to work in this wonderful learning environment and I look forward to the future with Grasshoppers and getting to know the families of our tamariki across all rooms.

Kirsty - 2IC, Team leader and Kaiako in Earth room

Kia ora, my name is Kirsty!

I am the 2IC of Grasshoppers, and the team leader of Ruuma Whenua (Earth room).

I live in Hamilton with my husband Kerryn, daughters Lucy and Ruby, and our many pets.

I have been in the Early Childhood industry for seventeen years.

I completed my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) at Wintec in 2012.

I have worked in both centre based and homebased ECE settings.

I love my job and am so grateful to work with a team of passionate and caring Kaiako.

In my spare time I enjoy travel, singing and performing, and spending time with whānau and friends.

I am excited to partner with you and your child in their learning journey.

Priscilla - Kaiako -Teacher - Maternity leave

Chanelle - Team leader and kaiako in Water room

Kia ora, my name is Chanelle and I am the team leader in Water room.

I have a Bachelor of teaching in Early childhood education.

I live in Te Awamutu with my husband Corban and our two children.

In my spare time I love to spend time with family and friends, go for hikes and try out new brunch spots. 

I look forward getting to know you and your child and supporting them as they develop dispositions for life-long learning.

Nicola - Kaiako

Kia ora,

My name is Nicola.

I am a qualified and experienced early childhood teacher, and I work in the Earth room here at Grasshoppers.

I live locally, and my children went to Ȱhaupō School. 

I'm a keen gardener and nature lover. 

Megan - Kaiako

Kia ora, I'm Megan. I work in the Fire room.

I live in Te Awamutu with my husband Matt, Our daughter Sophie, Charlie the cat and Angel our rescue pup.

As a whānau we love being outdoors and you will often find us out on walks, tramping and camping.  

I am currently in the second year of my degree.

I love the love arts and crafts and am a keen op shopper!

I have many years' experience working with a wide range of tamariki from babies to teens.

I am looking forward to getting to know you and your tamariki.

Mackenzie - kaiako

Kia ora! My name is Kenzie and I work in the Earth Room.

Jaz - Kaiako

Kia ora, my name is Jaz (Jasmine). I work in the Earth room.

I am from Te Awamutu, where I have lived my whole life.

I have a younger brother who is my best friend, and I am very close to my parents too.

I have a Bachelor of teaching in Early childhood education.

I knew teaching was what I wanted for my future career for as long as I can remember.

I am looking forward to building relationships with all of our wonderful tamariki and whānau!

Cole - Kaiako

Kia ora,

I’m Cole. I work in the Fire room.

I have a Bachelor of teaching in Early childhood education.

I am passionate about forming good relationships with tamariki.

I have a love for music and messy play. I believe that an environment where tamariki feel safe will lead to curious minds who ask questions and explore their surroundings. My goal is to empower and encourage children to further explore their interests but most of all to feel safe in Ruuma Ahi and have fun!

Kayla - Kiako

Kia Ora, I’m Kayla. I work in Fire room.

I have a Bachelor of teaching in Early childhood education.

I am passionate about empowering children to strive and thrive in their own time and space.

Supporting and extending children’s strengths and interests through exploration during their time in the Fire Room.

Most importantly I want your child to feel safe and cared for in a warm and welcoming space where they know they have a place. I look forward to getting to know you.

Cheynne - Kaiako and Team Leader - Fire Room

Kia Ora, my name is Cheynne.

I am the Team leader in the Fire room.

I have a Bachelor of Education in early childhood teaching.

I enjoy making learning fun and seeing children strive to become competent and confident learners. I believe in building strong relationships with children and families to ensure we create a supportive and enriching environment for all.

I’m excited and looking forward to getting to know you and your Tamariki.

Kelsey - Kaiako - Teacher

Kia ora,

Amanda - Kaiako- teacher

Kia Ora , my name is Amanda and I work in the water room. 

Gemma - Kaiako - Teacher

Kia ora! I am Gemma. I work in the Earth room.

My husband and I live in Pirongia with our two teenage daughters, who attend Cambridge high, as well as our fur babies.

I completed by Diploma in teaching (ECE) in 2008 through the University of Canterbury. 

I have worked in a variety of roles - centres, supporting home-based educators, facilitating play groups, and managing centres. 

Teaching under twos is where my hear is, and I thrive off building relationships with children and whānau. I feel incredibly privileged to be spending my days here at Grasshoppers, working in partnership with you and your tamariki.

Sophie - Kaiako - Teacher

Kia ora. My name is Sophie. I work in the Fire room.

I have been teaching for eight years, and I hold a Graduate Diploma in Early childhood Education.

I'm also a proud Mum of two busy tamariki.

I love to have fun and be creative and I enjoy incorporating those characteristics into my teaching philosophy. Outside of work, I teach dance to teenagers and adults, and I love to bring that experience and energy into my teaching practice. Grasshoppers truly is a home away from home! I am really enjoying being a part of the Fire room, and feel grateful to have met so many amazing whānau and be working alongside such an awesome teaching team.

Anna - Kaiako - Teacher

Hi! My name is Anna. I work in the Water room.

I grew up in Waihi with my mum, dad, brother, and sister (I am the baby!) So of course, in my spare time that’s where you’ll find me, enjoying time with my family, and lapping up snuggles with my neice and nephews. My mum and sister also share a love for caring for tamariki, and work in ECE in our home town, just like me! I now live in Kihikihi with my partner Sam, and I am loving being a part of the Grasshoppers whaanau.