Twenty years ago, if you had asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, it would have been exactly this. A qualified early childhood teacher, working with a passion for educating and empowering children. Oh, how the eight year old in me grins each morning when I arrive at work.

As you can tell, I have always had a passion for working with children and that passion has only grown as I completed my study. I am a fully qualified teacher whose personal philosophy centres around “respecting children as capable and competent human beings who are encouraged and empowered to be secure and confidant in themselves, achieving this through the use of meaningful relationships”.

I was born in Auckland and spent the first ten years of my life in Waiuku. After that, my parents moved us to Stratford for a more peaceful lifestyle and I have lived here ever since (well almost). In 2014 I up and left my home town and headed to London on an O.E. While there, I travelled to some amazing places (the Arctic Circle, Greece, Croatia and Turkey being some of my favs), and nannied for two of the greatest children ever! At the beginning of 2017 I finally returned. I guess you could say, I caught the travelling bug!

I am the second eldest of five children (my youngest sister being only eight) and enjoy spending time with my siblings. I value this time even more so after being away for so long. I love watching the rugby and tennis. I also enjoy reading, music and movies as well as walks up the mountain. Post London, theatre has also become a new passion of mine.

Kia Ora,

I started here at Nature’s Wonder as reliever before getting a permanent position in the Under Twos in September 2017.

I started my journey in 2006 and I continue to enjoy working in this industry.

I was lucky enough to begin my own family in December 2016.

I look forward to meeting mew families and continue my work here at Nature’s Wonder

Kia Ora! My name is Kimberley Powell and I have been living in Eltham since 2017.

I live with my amazing partner and our 5 kids and I am so privileged to be guiding and learning with your amazing Tamariki on their learning journey. I have a bachelor’s degree in Social Work as well as my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood education that I will have in December 2022.

As an early childhood education educator, I believe that Tamariki learn the most through play. I believe in observing and building meaningful relationships with Tamariki and their whānau to understand what is truly important to them as whole. I believe in seeing children in a holistic way. They are more than just themselves, they are made up of everyone in their lives past, present, future and the community they live in. I believe that every child no matter what has the right to an education and to be heard. A child’s voice is important and I believe in advocating for all children and their rights. Every child deserves to be heard, respected and have the knowledge that they are worthy. I believe in working as a team with the whānau, Tamariki, and my other Kaiako, as well as outside resources/agencies to give every child the best possible education and life. I believe that the child comes first in education!

Kia Ora,

My name is Abbie Pretty. I was born and raised in Taranaki.

I live and breathe Speedway.

I started working at Nature’s Wonder as a Gateway Student through Opunake High School, then after leaving school I became a reliever, before getting a permanent position in the Over Twos room in March 2023.

Early Childhood has always been a dream and passion of mine since being a little girl.

I look forward to meeting you all and supporting your children to grow into wonderful children.

Kia ora,

My name is Marita-Pat Smith, but everyone calls me Patty, and I have the privilege to be joining the team here at Natures Wonder.  I have been teaching for 10 years in New Plymouth and am excited to fulfill my new role as a permanent teacher at Natures Wonder.

My family and I have relocated here about 6 months ago with the excitement of purchasing our first home here in Eltham. My partner and I have a 21 year old daughter and a one-year-old granddaughter who also have moved to Eltham with us.

I have a Bachelor’s in Teaching and Learning and thoroughly love supporting children to become confident and competent learners. My teaching philosophy focuses on respectful practices and building strong relationships with Tamariki and their whanau. I love to have a laugh and share experiences with children, their families and Kaiako.  You will often see me laughing and smiling alongside Tamariki, engaging in messy play and supporting Tamariki with their interests and social competencies.