Meet the team

Avadene

Manager Early Childhood Education - Registered teacher

Kia ora

Ko Avadene tōku ingoa

Early childhood has been my passion from an early age.  I have been studying and working in the sector for over 25 years.  During this time I have been a nursery and toddler teacher both in New Zealand and Australia.  I have been in management positions since 2006 in a variety of centres – corporate and not for profit.  I enjoy forming relationships with whānau, kaiako and community partners to ensure that tamariki are provided with high quality education and care.

I have been at Little Owls since 2014 and I am very proud of the kaiako who show dedication to our tamariki.

My husband and are I are parents to two active boys who keep us busy.  We enjoy spending time together trying out different activities in and around Christchurch.

Erin

Head Teacher Preschool - Registered Teacher

Kia ora koutou. Ko Erin toku ingoa,

I have been teaching for over 25 years and still enjoy each day. I love working at Little Owls, with such passionate kaiako and beautiful tamariki who inspire me each day. I value the uniqueness that each child brings and aspire to support them fully in their learning and growth. I have a keen interest in brain development, which reinforces the importance of relationships, experiences and emotional security are in the early years. 

My husband and I have two beautiful tamariki of our own, who we are extremely proud of. Most of my spare time is spent supporting them with their interests. I also enjoy baking, walking, a little bit of shopping and exploring new places.  

Madeleine

Registered teacher

Greetings to all

My name is Madeleine. I have been a qualified preschool teacher since 1986, and at Little Owls Preschool since 2009.  My teaching experience has involved working in private ECE centres and community preschools.  It is important to me as a teacher to promote a sense of belonging for all children and their whānau.  I have a passion for music and movement and often incorporate this into our day.

Tannia

 Registered teacher

“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark”   Chinese proverb

Hello I am Tannia.

I believe that as a teacher it is our privilege to be a small part of a child’s life journey.  This quote sums up how I know that I have done my job well when a child moves off to their next steps in life.  I love these amazing moments in our day when a child has a light bulb moment, and they have success in their learning.  There is a certain kind of magic that you have been trusted to be a part of when a child invites you into their imagination.  A sense of wonder that comes with each day.

When I am not being a teacher, I am a mum to my boys - Kolby who is 15 and Bently who is 3.  I have a huge family that I love to spend time with, as well as my friends who became family.  We love to explore and find new experiences to share.  I love to travel and see the wonders that the world has to offer or bury myself in a good book.

Nerissa

Head Teacher Nursery - Registered Teacher

Kia Ora e te whanau. Ko Nerissa tōku ingoa.

I started in the nursery here at Little Owls in 2016, during my 2nd year of study. In that time, I have gained my Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education degree, became fully registered and am now the Head Teacher of the Nursery. I also run our Bicultural Programme ensuring that our kaiako and tamariki recognise and gain knowledge about the unique place of Māori as Tangata Whenua and the cultural heritage of both parties to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Working with 0–2-year-olds, is the most rewarding job I have ever had as I get to see them achieve key skills and develop strong relationships all needed to help them grow to be strong, independent lifelong learners.

I am married to Matt, and we have 2 children, Ava and Makaii who are my greatest achievement. We enjoy playing netball and rugby during the winter months and softball in the summer months and in our free time, enjoy going on whānau outings

Jessie

Provisionally-Registered teacher

Kia ora koutou, my name is Jessie and I have been working here at Little Owls since 2018.

Since I was in High School, I have wanted to work with and alongside tamariki and over the years I have found a passion for teaching infants and toddlers. It is amazing to watch and support tamariki as they achieve a new skill, discover new interests, and strengthen their existing knowledge during their early years.

Throughout my journey here I have been lucky enough to work with and alongside amazing kaiako and many wonderful tamariki and their whānau. When I began my time here at Little Owls, I joined the team as an unqualified kaiako in the Preschool, choosing to begin my study journey in July 2018. I am now teaching in the Nursery and have completed my Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

My husband Karl and I have one son and enjoy spending time together and with our extended family within New Zealand. I also enjoy anything crafty or DIY, learning new skills and starting too many projects at once.

Renee

Non-registered teacher

Hi my name is Renee

My teaching journey started a bit later in life, I started teacher aiding at Haeata Community Campus in 2018, working with the primary children with diverse and additional needs. In 2019 I moved over to the senior school and completed my Certificate in Education Support. My time at Haeata had finished so when I was offered a job here at Little Owls in 2021, I jumped at the opportunity to join an amazing team and here I hope to continue to stay long into the future.

I have three amazing children with my partner Stefan; Troy, Katelynn and Blake. In my free time you will find me with my family exploring the many activities and restaurants around the city.

I have a passion for children and their education.  I currently teach in the nursery.  It is a privilege to get to spend time with your child/children at such a pivotal time in their lives.  Learning, creating, and watching them achieve monumental milestones.  I thrive on the relationships I make with the children and their whanau.