Our Team
The Kaiako that make our Centre great.
Pukeko Room - Nursery

Melissa
HEAD TEACHER - PUKEKO ROOM
Kia Ora, my name is Melissa. Originally I come from Beijing the capital of China, and have been living in New Zealand since 2002. I graduated with a diploma in ECE and have been teaching in three different centres over the last 12 years. I hold a Full NZ teachers certification. I believe strongly in creating an environment where children and their whānau are respected and valued. Travelling is one of my interests, I also enjoy reading and spending time with friends and family. I love the joy of working with young children and I am looking forward to getting to know you and your family.
Diploma Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Full NZ teachers Certification

Paige
TEACHER PUKEKO ROOM
Kīa ora, my name is Paige. I have grown up in Rolleston and went to Lincoln High School. In my spare time I love going for walks and spending time with my partner, friends and family. I’m looking into starting my study in Early Children Education. I love working with children, reading books, doing messy play and montessori activities. It is a privilege to be involved in the childrens learning journeys and experiences here and helping tamariki to be the best version of themselves. I look forward to getting to know your tamariki.
Experienced Early learning teacher

Yvonne
TEACHER - PUKEKO ROOM
Kia Ora, my name is Yvonne. I am originally from the Philippines and have been living in New Zealand since 2023 with my partner Jake and in 2025, we welcomed our son Kyrie and he is now joining us in the Nursery Room. In 2016, I graduated from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan with a Bachelor of Elementary Education, majoring in Special Education. I worked in a kindergarten setting for almost seven years, where I developed a strong passion for supporting young children’s learning and development. I am deeply passionate about early childhood education and believe in creating a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. I am currently a Provisionally Registered Teacher at Bright Beginnings, and I truly enjoy being part of each child’s learning journey, celebrating their growth, achievements, and unique strengths every day.
Provisionally Registered

Dolores
TEACHER - PUKEKO ROOM
Kia ora, my name is Dolores. I am from Argentina and arrived in New Zealand in 2019 with my husband. In 2021, our little boy Isidro was born, and in 2024 our precious wee girl, Gracia, joined us. I am an Educational Psychologist. Before coming, I used to work in a Neurology Institute, doing neuropsychological assessments and rehabilitation to children with learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders. I have worked in Bright Beginnings since I came to NZ in 2019. I really enjoy being part of children’s growth and learning, and my motivation is to contribute my grain of sand to the hearts of these future adults, by providing them with a loving, caring, nurturing, and inviting environment.
Educational Phycologist

Britt
TEACHER - PUKEKO ROOM
Kia ora all, my name is Britt. I am a fully qualified and registered teacher with over 10 years experience in Early Childhood Education. I live here in Rolleston with my husband and two children. As a family we love camping in our caravan, exploring the outdoors together and as plane watching too! In my spare time, I teach Highland dancing. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Bright Beginnings team as one of their permanent Kaiako in the nursery room. It is a huge privilege to be involved in tamariki learning journeys. I look forward to ensuring that all tamariki are provided with opportunities to reach their full potential.
Diploma Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Full NZ teachers Certification

Melissa
TEACHER - PUKEKO ROOM
Hi, my name is Melissa. Originally from Wellington I moved to Rolleston with my family 2016. My partner and I have two children, a daughter and a son. I enjoy working with children and have previously been a reliever before joining the Bright Beginnings teaching team in the nursery. In my spare time I enjoy reading, swimming and spending time with my family and dog.
Experienced teacher

Kirstie
TEACHER - PUKEKO ROOM
Kia Ora, my name is Paige , I previously worked at Rolleston New World as a checkout operator/ Lotto Manager. I have decided to pursue my passion in early childhood education, with which I’m about to begin studying for my bachelor of teaching through New Zealand Tertiary Education. Which I’m looking forward to! Throughout my whole life, I have been babysitting, which has ignited my passion for childhood education. I love spending time with children and teaching them as they progress to the next stage in education. I love spending time with my friends and family! Growing up, I loved playing football, which gave me appreciation to love the outdoors and going for walks in our beautiful nature! I am friendly, honest, and easy to talk to. Feel free to approach me I’m always willing to have a chat . I’m so excited to get to know everyone!
Currently studying towards a Bachelor in ECE
Butterfly Room - Preschool

Harneet K
HEAD TEACHER - BUTTERFLY ROOM
Kia Ora whānau, my name is Harneet Kaur, originally from India here in New Zealand since 2015. I started my teaching career in India as a Mathematics and Science Teacher and then as an ECE teacher after graduating as an ECE teacher since 2017. I’m proud to be a part of Bright Beginnings Montessori centre as a Head Teacher in the Butterfly room and have also been working towards completing my Montessori diploma. With a strong interest in early childhood education and Montessori principles, I value strong relationships with children, whānau and our teaching team and enjoy supporting children’s curiosity, independence, and holistic development through meaningful learning experiences.
Bachelor Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Masters in Educational Leadership
Diploma of Montessori
Fully Certified Teacher

Shelley
TEACHER - BUTTERFLY ROOM
Kia ora, my name is Shelley and I am a teacher in the lovely Butterfly room. I have three beautiful children who make me smile every day and keep me on my toes. As a family we are always keen to go out exploring and go on new adventures. I have been teaching since 2016 and I am fully registered with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE). I also have a Bachelor of Arts degree where I majored in Psychology. I am passionate about building strong connections and respectful relationships with the tamariki and their whanau. I also feel it is important to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for everyone, where all children can thrive and develop a love of learning.
Diploma in ECE

Judy
TEACHER - BUTTERFLY ROOM
Kia ora, My name is Judy Shiu and I have been a fully qualified and registered teacher for 17 years, teaching Primary for 7 years and now 10 years in Early Childhood. I was born and bred in Christchurch as I attended St Margaret's College then Canterbury University. I can also speak fluent Cantonese. I have taught at various schools in Christchurch, Auckland (North Shore) and in London UK while on my O.E. In my spare time I enjoy a range of outdoor activities and spending time with my friends and family. I am excited to be working at Bright Beginnings Montessori and being a part of children's learning journeys.
Completing Bachelor In Teaching

Shagun
TEACHER - BUTTERFLY ROOM
Kia Ora, my name is Shagun, and I am a passionate kaiako in Early Childhood Education. I moved to New Zealand in 2023 and have enjoyed becoming part of this wonderful and diverse country. As a mother of two children, my son Tanish and my daughter Sayesha, I understand the importance of providing a nurturing, safe, and supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. My experience as both a parent and an educator have strengthened my commitment to fostering positive relationship[s with tamariki and their whanau. It is a privilege to be a part of children's early years and to contribute to their development as capable and confident learners. I look forward to building strong partnerships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues as we learn and grow together.
Diploma in ECE

Chandrani
TEACHER - BUTTERFLY ROOM
Kia ora, I'm Chandi. I bring over 25 years of experience in education and have a strong passion for supporting children's learning and development. Originally from Sri Lanka, I completed my teacher training through the Ministry of Education and worked in schools there before moving to New Zealand. Since settling in New Zealand, I have continued my journey in Early Childhood Education and hold a New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy working alongside tamariki and supporting them to learn, grow, and thrive through meaningful play experiences. I live locally with my husband, son, and daughter and feel privileged to be part of the local community. Building positive, respectful relationships with children and their whānau is at the heart of my teaching practice. I am passionate about creating a warm, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every child feels valued, safe, and supported to develop confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging.
Diploma in ECE
Fantail Room - Preschool

Pia
HEAD TEACHER - FANTAIL ROOM
My name is Pia and I am from Argentina. I arrived in NZ in 2022 with my husband and my two daughters, Julia and Jacinta. We are all so excited to be in such an amazing country! I have a degree in English language teaching, I’ve worked as an ECE teacher for 17 years. I have a passion for helping children reach their full potential and develop their skills, by providing them with opportunities, experiences, and meaningful learning situations. My favourite teaching resources are singing, acting and playing. Also, I have a certificate in Positive Discipline. I strongly believe that children do better when they feel better, and that mutual respect, firmness and kindness at the same time are the basis for their learning and development. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends.
Bachelor in English, Language teaching (ECE, primary and University)

Diana (Xiaowen)
TEACHER - FANTAIL ROOM
Kia ora, my name is Diana and I am a teacher in the Fantail room. I have previously worked as a preschool teacher for 3 years in China and then have been continuing my passion for this career in New Zealand since 2019. I am a fully certified teacher with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE). I am keen on providing children with different types of indoor and outdoor learning experiences which can facilitate their holistic development. I love baking, jogging and hiking with my husband and friends in my leisure time. I look forward to getting to know all tamariki and whanau. Ngā mihi nui.
Graduate Diploma in teaching (ECE)
Provisionally Registered

Serena
TEACHER - FANTAIL ROOM
Kia ora my name is Serena. I hold a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Primary and a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood and I’m a fully certificated teacher. Developing children’s music and movement is a passion of mine. I love to set up new obstacle courses to further extend tamariki. I have a son Joshua, who is at school. In my spare time I like to keep active whether that’s at the gym, walking or running. I look forward to meeting the tamariki and whānau. Ngā mihi nui
Bachelor Teaching and Learning Primary
Graduate Diploma Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Fully Certified Teacher

Jack
TEACHER - FANTAIL ROOM
Kia ora, My name is Jack. I come from China. I have worked as a volunteer in a kindergarten in Beijing, and I have gained experience in four different centres while studying Early Childhood Education in Christchurch. I hold a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and I’m a provisionally registered teacher. I had my little girl, Emma, in 2024, and I really love her. She has brought us lots of smiles and joy, even through some of the hard times during her first year. I love to see children shine in their own ways and to always be loved and kind. In my spare time, I like to go hiking with my partner and Emma. I enjoy climbing mountains and experiencing new things and challenges. I look forward to meeting the tamariki and whānau.
Graduate Diploma in teaching (ECE)
Provisionally Registered

Rachael
TEACHER - FANTAIL ROOM
Hi I'm Rach, I have been teaching for over 30 years and I love seeing children blossom to their true potential. I live in Rolleston with my husband and two children. In my spare time I love to catch up with my family, friends and pets, potter in the garden, do crafty stuff, bake and read. I make jewellery to sell at local markets. I hold a Diploma of Teaching and I hold a full NZ teachers certification.
Diploma Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Fully Certified teacher
Butterfly Room - Preschool

Harneet K
HEAD TEACHER - BUTTERFLY ROOM
Kia Ora whānau, my name is Harneet Kaur, originally from India here in New Zealand since 2015. I started my teaching career in India as a Mathematics and Science Teacher and then as an ECE teacher after graduating as an ECE teacher since 2017. I’m proud to be a part of Bright Beginnings Montessori centre as a Head Teacher in the Butterfly room and have also been working towards completing my Montessori diploma. With a strong interest in early childhood education and Montessori principles, I value strong relationships with children, whānau and our teaching team and enjoy supporting children’s curiosity, independence, and holistic development through meaningful learning experiences.
Bachelor Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Masters in Educational Leadership
Diploma of Montessori
Fully Certified Teacher

Shelley
TEACHER - BUTTERFLY ROOM
Kia ora, my name is Shelley and I am a teacher in the lovely Butterfly room. I have three beautiful children who make me smile every day and keep me on my toes. As a family we are always keen to go out exploring and go on new adventures. I have been teaching since 2016 and I am fully registered with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE). I also have a Bachelor of Arts degree where I majored in Psychology. I am passionate about building strong connections and respectful relationships with the tamariki and their whanau. I also feel it is important to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for everyone, where all children can thrive and develop a love of learning.
Diploma in ECE

Judy
TEACHER - BUTTERFLY ROOM
Kia ora, My name is Judy Shiu and I have been a fully qualified and registered teacher for 17 years, teaching Primary for 7 years and now 10 years in Early Childhood. I was born and bred in Christchurch as I attended St Margaret's College then Canterbury University. I can also speak fluent Cantonese. I have taught at various schools in Christchurch, Auckland (North Shore) and in London UK while on my O.E. In my spare time I enjoy a range of outdoor activities and spending time with my friends and family. I am excited to be working at Bright Beginnings Montessori and being a part of children's learning journeys.
Completing Bachelor In Teaching

Shagun
TEACHER - BUTTERFLY ROOM
Kia Ora, my name is Shagun, and I am a passionate kaiako in Early Childhood Education. I moved to New Zealand in 2023 and have enjoyed becoming part of this wonderful and diverse country. As a mother of two children, my son Tanish and my daughter Sayesha, I understand the importance of providing a nurturing, safe, and supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. My experience as both a parent and an educator have strengthened my commitment to fostering positive relationship[s with tamariki and their whanau. It is a privilege to be a part of children's early years and to contribute to their development as capable and confident learners. I look forward to building strong partnerships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues as we learn and grow together.
Diploma in ECE

Chandrani
TEACHER - BUTTERFLY ROOM
Kia ora, I'm Chandi. I bring over 25 years of experience in education and have a strong passion for supporting children's learning and development. Originally from Sri Lanka, I completed my teacher training through the Ministry of Education and worked in schools there before moving to New Zealand. Since settling in New Zealand, I have continued my journey in Early Childhood Education and hold a New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy working alongside tamariki and supporting them to learn, grow, and thrive through meaningful play experiences. I live locally with my husband, son, and daughter and feel privileged to be part of the local community. Building positive, respectful relationships with children and their whānau is at the heart of my teaching practice. I am passionate about creating a warm, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every child feels valued, safe, and supported to develop confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging.
Diploma in ECE
Our Relievers

Anna
regular reliever
Kia ora all, my name is Anna and I am a fully qualified and registered teacher with 17 years experience working in a variety of Early Childhood based roles and settings both here and overseas. We live here in Rolleston and have a 3 year old son Wilbur. As a family we enjoy jet boating and spending time on the family farms. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Bright Beginnings team as one of their permanent relief teachers, mainly based in the nursery. It will be a privilege to be involved in the children’s learning journeys and experiences here where I believe warm, unhurried and nurturing relationships are key to ensuring that all children are provided with opportunities to reach their full potential. Please feel free to approach me at any stage.
Bachelor Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Full NZ teachers Certification

Lily
regular reliever
Meet our relievers Our relievers are a valued part of our preschool team. Wherever possible, we use the same familiar people so children continue to see trusted faces and enjoy a consistent, settled environment. ...
Bachelor Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Full NZ teachers Certification

Vania
Regular Reliever
Meet our relievers Our relievers are a valued part of our preschool team. Wherever possible, we use the same familiar people so children continue to see trusted faces and enjoy a consistent, settled environment. ...
Bachelor Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Full NZ teachers Certification

Lucy
regular reliever
Meet our relievers Our relievers are a valued part of our preschool team. Wherever possible, we use the same familiar people so children continue to see trusted faces and enjoy a consistent, settled environment. ...
Bachelor Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Full NZ teachers Certification

Jody
regular reliever
Meet our relievers Our relievers are a valued part of our preschool team. Wherever possible, we use the same familiar people so children continue to see trusted faces and enjoy a consistent, settled environment. ...
Bachelor Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Full NZ teachers Certification
Our Relievers

Anna
regular reliever
Kia ora all, my name is Anna and I am a fully qualified and registered teacher with 17 years experience working in a variety of Early Childhood based roles and settings both here and overseas. We live here in Rolleston and have a 3 year old son Wilbur. As a family we enjoy jet boating and spending time on the family farms. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Bright Beginnings team as one of their permanent relief teachers, mainly based in the nursery. It will be a privilege to be involved in the children’s learning journeys and experiences here where I believe warm, unhurried and nurturing relationships are key to ensuring that all children are provided with opportunities to reach their full potential. Please feel free to approach me at any stage.
Bachelor Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Full NZ teachers Certification

Lily
regular reliever
Meet our relievers Our relievers are a valued part of our preschool team. Wherever possible, we use the same familiar people so children continue to see trusted faces and enjoy a consistent, settled environment. ...
Bachelor Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Full NZ teachers Certification

Vania
Regular Reliever
Meet our relievers Our relievers are a valued part of our preschool team. Wherever possible, we use the same familiar people so children continue to see trusted faces and enjoy a consistent, settled environment. ...
Bachelor Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Full NZ teachers Certification

Lucy
regular reliever
Meet our relievers Our relievers are a valued part of our preschool team. Wherever possible, we use the same familiar people so children continue to see trusted faces and enjoy a consistent, settled environment. ...
Bachelor Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Full NZ teachers Certification

Jody
regular reliever
Meet our relievers Our relievers are a valued part of our preschool team. Wherever possible, we use the same familiar people so children continue to see trusted faces and enjoy a consistent, settled environment. ...
Bachelor Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Full NZ teachers Certification




