Sanjeewani holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma in pedagogical teaching from Sri Lanka.
Sanjeewani has been teaching for more than 10 years, mainly primary school in Sri Lanka. We welcomed her to Pīwaka in December ’23 and are introducing her to Te Whariki.
Read MoreStacey holds a Bachelor of Teaching ECE and is a fully certificated teacher. Stacey believes in empowering and uplifting the mana of each child as they are considered taonga. She is passionate about working alongside infants, and respectful care is a huge part of her teaching philosophy and teaching practice. Stacey honored to have her three tamariki with her here at Pīwaka, where they are secure in their identity, culture and unique ways of learning.
Read MoreStevie holds a B Ed Early Childhood and has worked at Piwaka since 2018. Stevie returns from parental leave in September.
Stevie is passionate about building meaningful relationships with children and their families. Stevie knows the importance of getting to know our whanau as individuals so she can work alongside them to succeed and achieve their own personal goals.
Read MoreAmy holds Bachelor’s degree in ECE teaching and is fully registered. She has been part of Piwaka for 11 years and is an expert teacher for two-year-olds and has gained a lot of experience working with them. She is passionate about celebrating the uniqueness and identity of each child and learning alongside them about the richness and beauty of different cultures. Amy knows how important exploration is for our tamariki, sensory play and music is a must as a two-year-old. She loves hearing the tamariki engage with each other and seeing their big smiles as they share their taste of music from their whare/homes. She quotes “I love hearing the tamariki’s playlist from home it makes them so happy know they can share this with their friends”
Amy's interests include playing piano for her church choir, spending quality time with Aiga/family, relaxing and having a good dessert. Amy is a New Zealand born Samoan and is very proud of her culture & heritage.
Read MoreYuan has completed a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) and in 2022 completed Master of Education Practice at Auckland University. Yuan is a fully registered teacher and came to New Zealand from China in 2016. Family and relationships are at the heart of everything Yuan does. She is passionate about working with children and playing an active role in the early learning years of growth and development. In her spare time Yuan enjoys catching up with family and friends, music, dance, photography and hiking.
Read MoreSteph started working in Piwaka in January 2024 before joining the Huia Team in July 2024. Steph has been a nanny for 6 years with the same family and an Education Worker for 3 years working in centres in West Auckland. In her spare time Steph enjoys fishing and hanging out with her cat and partner.
Read MoreHeleana started working in Piwaka in July 2023 as a reliever before joining the Huia Team in January 2024. Heleana has two and a half years previous experience working with infants. Her goal as a Kaiako is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where tamariki are able to always have a sense of well-being and belonging.
Read MorePei-Pei is a highly experienced teacher, having taught infants and toddlers since 2011, when she moved here from Taiwan. She believes each child is a ‘unique seed’ and as a kaiako she waters them with love, respect, care, trust and playfulness. She is also a mother of two daughters. Pei-Pei enjoys watching movies and swimming in her free time.
Read MoreJing holds a Graduate Diploma ECE and is provisionally registered. Jing has a deep love for tamariki because each one is like an angel, unique and different. Respect and trust are at the core of her philosophy.
Jing has an eight-year-old daughter, and has been living in New Zealand for five years. They love this country—the scenery is beautiful, and the people are incredibly kind and friendly.
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