Our Farmhouse Preschool & Nursery Team
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Amy
KAIAKO
Kia ora my name is Amy I have a Bachelor of Teaching and especially enjoy working with nursery aged children. I feel privileged to be part of their milestones and support their development. I recently moved to Levin from Greymouth. One of my biggest achievements is walking the Te Araroa track from Cape Reinga to Bluff. I have an 18 year old son who inspires me everyday. I believe children are conductors of their own orchestra and it is up to us to provide them with the instruments. Nga mihi nui Amy.
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Freyja
KAIAKO
Kia ora, My name is Freyja. I am an unqualified teacher here at Farmhouse Preschool and Nursery. I have been working at Farmhouse since mid-2022. I really enjoy my job and working in early childhood as well as seeing tamiriki grow and develop new skills. In my spare time I love to snowboard and spend time with my friends and family as well as going on walks!
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Aroha
KAIAKO
Ko Hikurangi te Maunga Ko Waiapu te awa Ko Horouta te waka Ko Tutua te marae Ko Ngati Porou te Iwi Ko Harley toku Tane Ko Greer toku Tamahine Ko Karauria toku tama Ko Aroha ahua Kia ora, my name is Aroha Tawhara, my family is from a place called Te Araroa on the east coast of the North Island. I was born and raised in Porirua. I currently live in Levin. I have been an early childhood teacher for over 12 years now. I studied at Te Tari Puna Ora O Aotearoa, where I graduated with a Diploma in Teaching. I have my full registration. I am the 2IC and Room leader in Room 3. I look forward to getting to know you, your Tamariki, whanau, working with and alongside the community.
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Janelle
KAIAKO
Kia ora, I'm Janelle and I’m the room leader in the Nursery. I have a Bachelor of Education in the Early Years and have been teaching for 14 years. The majority of my teaching career has been with infants and toddlers and I value developing responsive and reciprocal relationships with our tamariki and their whānau. I am passionate about ensuring we are providing a quality programme for our youngest tamariki and believe respecting our children should be at the heart of everything we do. I grew up in the Wairarapa and am now living in Waitarere Beach with my husband Ollie and two children Connor and Blake. We love spending our time outdoors; going for walks, bike rides and exploring the beach.
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Gemma
KAIAKO
Kia Ora, my name is Gemma and am a teacher here at Farmhouse Preschool and Nursery. I completed my teaching degree in 2019 and have been working in early childhood for over 9 years. I live in Levin with my partner Dylan and am Mum to Cayde, Millie and Ada. We enjoy spending time with family, visiting the beach and riding motorbikes. I love supporting tamariki on their learning journey and am looking forward to meeting you all.
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Chell
KAIAKO
Kia ora, I’m Whaea Chell and I began my teaching journey in 2011. I love supporting tamariki to become competent and capable life long learners. In my spare time, I love to find sea shells at the beach with my family.
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Melinda
KAIAKO
Kia ora, I am Whaea Melinda, I have a bachelor of Education, completed it in 2010 and have been teaching for 13 years. The majority of my teaching has been with 2-5 age group. I am passionate about supporting tamariki to become competent and capable learners for the future. I grew up in the suburb of Newlands, and moved to Tawa in 1992 with my husband and lived there for 31 years. In 2020 my husband John and I moved to Te Horo a lifestyle 10 acres farm with our nearly 21 twin girls Hannah and Michelle. I love helping my girls with their horses and support their horse riding and competitions.
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Celia
Kia ora everyone! My name is Celia. I live in Ōtaki with my husband and two young boys. I am currently returning from maternity leave and have spent the last few years relieving in ECE centres across the Kāpiti Coast and Levin (including up here at Farmhouse). I have always loved working with children, seeing their minds expand and their confidence develop. Building warm nurturing relationships with tamariki is especially important to me. I have a background in food and nutrition and particularly enjoy being able to use my knowledge in this field to help children to learn to cook. Music, messy play and gardening are also big passions of mine. I look forward to getting to know you all soon!"
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Leanne
Kia ora, I’m Leanne. I have worked in early childhood for over twelve years now. I became qualified in 2017 where I studied through New Zealand Tertiary College. I live with my partner Hayden and our kids Madden and Frankie and our cat Archie. In my spare time I enjoy reading books and spending time with my family. I look forward to being a part of your children’s learning journey here at Farmhouse.
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Mish
KAIAKO
Kia ora, my name is Whaea Michelle (Mish). I have been teaching for 21 years in South Africa and I have taught ages 0 - 12 years old. Teaching has always been my passion and I aim to achieve the goals that I set out for, especially when it comes to providing a positive, well equipped learning environment where Tamariki can grow holistically. My family and I have recently immigrated from South Africa and are absolutely in love with New Zealand. I believe I will make just as big of an impact on my new Tamariki as this beautiful country has made on me.
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Ailsa
KAIAKO
Kia ora, I’m Ailsa and I’m a kaiako in room four here at Farmhouse. I have over twenty years’ experience in ECE. I have three children and four grandchildren. Farmhouse has been a great fit for me as I have a love and passion for working alongside tamariki.
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Sam
KAIAKO
Hello, my name is Samantha, but most people call me Sam. I have been working in ECE for the past three years. I enjoy baking and technology. I love getting children to experience the natural world, while teaching them about the technology in their current era.
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Bianca
KAIAKO
Kia ora, I’m Bianca and I’m the hygienist at Farmhouse. I’m a mama of two boys. Farmhouse has been a great fit for me as I have a love and passion for animals and working alongside tamariki.
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Shelly
Kia ora, I’m Shelly. I’ve been working in early childhood education for around sixteen years, and I’m passionate about supporting tamariki in ways that nurture their emotional wellbeing, brain development, and natural curiosity. I have trained as a Breathwork Facilitator, which has deepened my interest in mental wellness and how we can create calm, connected spaces for our youngest learners to thrive. Before teaching, I worked in the kids TV industry, which deepened my love for storytelling, creativity, and capturing moments, something I still enjoy doing through photography. I’m drawn to movement and nature and like to bring these into my teaching practice. For me, relationships are at the heart of everything. I value slow, respectful interactions, and I aim to build a sense of trust and belonging with both tamariki and their whānau.
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Steph
Kia ora, my name is Steph. I am a teacher here at Farmhouse Preschool and Nursery. I completed my teaching degree in 2014 and over that time I have worked in different services within the company working alongside different age groups of children. In my spare time I love to travel around the country, enjoy socialising and meeting new people and finding new and exciting things to eat to keep myself healthy. I love animals and this is something that I enjoy here at Farmhouse where at home my children help me to take care of our own animals there. I am passionate about teaching and look forward to being part of your child’s learning journey.
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Tyla
Hello, my name is Tyla. I have a life filled with fun and connection. You will find me on the softball field, enjoying the thrill of the game. I also love spending time with kids, whether it’s babysitting or just playing around. Family is super important to me, and I cherish the moments spent with my big family and there is nothing better than catching up with friends and making new memories together.
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Kayla
Hi I’m Kayla! I’m a qualified early childhood educator with over five years of experience, with a strong passion for supporting the development of infants and toddlers. I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education and am passionate about creating nurturing, play-rich environments where tamariki can thrive through exploration, creativity, and meaningful relationships. I especially enjoy supporting children’s learning through free play and creative expression, with a strong focus on art as a way for tamariki to make sense of their world. Originally from Wellington, I’ve recently moved to Levin with my partner Connor and our beautiful daughter Arlia, who’s nearly two. Becoming a parent has deepened my appreciation for the early years, and I’m committed to forming respectful, trusting relationships with tamariki and their whānau—partnerships that are at the heart of quality early learning.
I’m looking forward to getting to know you all and being part of your learning journey.
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Josephine
Hi, I’m Josephine. I have been an Early Childhood teacher here at Farmhouse for the past three years. I enjoy being busy with my three children and going on adventures and watching them play their sports. Being a Mum to three kids keeps life full of energy and joy – which I bring into my work every day. I love creating a warm, nurturing environment where kids can learn, play, and grow.
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Gillian
Hello everyone, I’m Gillian Noble and I am really looking forward to getting to know you and working alongside your children.
I’ve recently moved to Bulls with my husband, beloved dog and my son, worked for a while in Palmerston North and now I’m going to be working here.
I have a large LEGO collection, enjoy reading, being outside in the fresh air and have been working alongside my husband to renovate and redesign our garden.
Te Ao Māori and educating young children about ecological sustainability is a passion of mine and I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences with your children.
Thank-you.
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Emma
Kia Ora, my name is Emma. I completed my ECE teaching qualification in 2022. Providing a safe and fun learning environment and building relationships with children is important to me and I enjoy supporting tamariki to develop and learn new skills.
I have recently moved to Levin with my partner and young son. In my spare time I enjoy playing hockey and spending time with family and friends.
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Sarah
KAIAKO
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Sonya
KAIAKO