Kia ora Koutou,
My name is Kayla, and my early childhood teaching journey began in Australia in 2008, where I completed a Diploma of Children’s Services. I spent seven years working in the ECE sector before returning to Aotearoa. In 2022, I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, but I found myself missing the joy and fulfilment that comes with working alongside young tamariki and their whānau. This led me back to ECE, where I completed a Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching in 2023.
I was born in Aotearoa and have called Whangārei home for the past 10 years, where I live with my husband and our four tamariki, aged between 4 and 20 years. I’m passionate about creating meaningful connections with tamariki and whānau and supporting tamariki as they learn, grow, and explore the world around them.
My teaching philosophy is grounded in the values of whanaungatanga (relationships), whakaute (respect), and manaakitanga (kindness). I believe strong, trusting relationships are at the heart of early childhood education. Building genuine connections with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues creates a sense of belonging and wellbeing for everyone. I value each child as a unique individual and strive to create an environment where kindness, empathy, and mutual respect are woven into our everyday interactions. Through nurturing and respectful relationships, I aim to support tamariki to grow into confident, capable learners who feel safe, valued, and empowered.
208 Maunu Rd, Whangarei.