The Team

Centre Director /Manager

Kia ora, I am Victoria.

With over a decade of experience as a registered early childhood teacher and a Post Graduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching, I am deeply committed to nurturing the unique potential within every child.

My teaching philosophy is centred on a profound respect for each child's individuality. I warmly welcome and celebrate the diverse languages, cultures, and identities that children bring into our space.

Strongly influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach, I aim to minimise barriers to learning by creating an inspiring, inclusive, and welcoming environment that encourages curiosity and discovery.

At the heart of my practice are foundational bicultural values. I am guided by Manaakitanga, ensuring a culture of deep care, respect, and hospitality where every child feels they truly belong. Through Whanaungatanga, I prioritise building meaningful, trust-based partnerships with children and their whānau. Embracing Kaitiakitanga, I view myself as a guardian of our shared learning environment and each child's holistic well-being, fostering a safe space where they can thrive.

I am also a proud mother of two young children, Ellie and Olly, who are the Moon and Sun at the bottom of my heart. Being a mother has shaped who I am today, reinforcing my belief in strong whānau relationships and deepening the empathy, patience and care I bring to every child.

Titoki

Martina

Gentle, Warm, Caring, Respectful approach in working with infants and their families;

My name is Martina.

I have been part of 'A Child's Place' team since March 2023 and have been working full-time in the Titoki Room since November 2025.

I align with the Reggio Emilia philosophy and enjoy seeing our pēpē thrive in a calm, peaceful environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, and development.

I believe every child and their whānau should be respected for their unique values, cultures, and approaches. I am passionate about supporting each child's developmental milestones at their own pace and creating a nurturing environment where they feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore, learn and grow.

Shini

I'm Shini, a qualified early childhood teacher.

Drawing on my past 20 years of teaching experience across India, the Maldives, and New Zealand. I am passionate about creating a warm, safe, and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported.

Growing up in Kerala, India, has enriched my perspective on diverse cultures and approaches to learning.

I view everyday caregiving moments such as feeding, comforting, changing, and settling as valuable opportunities to build connection, trust, and learning. I follow respectful caregiving practices that support infants to develop confidence and a strong sense of belonging.

As both a teacher and a mum to a teenage daughter, I understand the importance of building meaningful relationships with children and whānau, recognising families as children’s first and most important teachers. I enjoy learning alongside children through play, curiosity, and exploration, and outside of work, I love gardening, dancing, and spending time in nature.

Tawa

Rita DuPlooy

A Genuine and Heartwarming Leader

My name is Rita and I am the team leader for the Tawa (toddler) room. I have over 15 years experience working with toddlers and I am very passionate about their learning.

I believe that warm, open relationships in which we all feel valued, respected and loved, form the foundation for deep and meaningful learning. Warm, trusting, reciprocal relationships promote joyful moments, inspire collaboration and build respect for new and different ways of seeing and doing.

It is my goal to create an environment for toddlers, where positive relationships can flourish between children, teachers, whanau and the community. This will create a safe place where our toddlers will feel confident to take risks, explore and test their theories about the world around them.

To be entrusted with laying the foundation for your little ones development is a privilege and I am looking forward to working with you.

Lala

Offering Inspiring and Inviting Learning Experiences Every Single Day

My name is Lala Aghdassi, and I have been working in early childhood education for over 15 years across a range of age groups.

I joined A Child's Place in 2018, where I began my journey in the Titoki Room with infants. I am now part of the Tawa Team, where I have the privilege of working alongside our wonderful toddlers.

My teaching philosophy is inspired by Te Whāriki, the Reggio Emilia approach, and the Pikler/RIE philosophy. I believe every child is a capable, competent, and curious learner who deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued.

I'm passionate about creating loving, respectful environment where tamariki feel safe, valued, and free to explore, and discover the world around them.

Building warm, trusting relationships with tamariki and their whānau is at the heart of my teaching approach, as I believe strong connections lay the foundation for confident learning and growth. I love taking the time to observe each child's unique strengths and interests, supporting their curiosity, independence, and confidence as they grow at their own pace.

I feel grateful for the knowledge and experience I have gained throughout my teaching journey. Every moment spent with children has deepened my understanding and strengthened my belief in the power of respectful relationships, authenticity, love, and joy in learning.

I come from the Land of Fire, Azerbaijan, but for the past 23 years, beautiful New Zealand has been my home.

As a mother of two wonderful boys, my heart is fullest when I'm creating special memories with my family and friends.

I have a deep love for nature, gardening, cooking, baking, and celebrating different cultures.

I enjoy bringing creativity, warmth, and a sense of wonder into everything I do.

I look forward to sharing many beautiful moments with your tamariki and supporting them on their unique learning journey.

Totara

Esther

Having Extensive Experience embedding local curriculum into practice;

My philosophy is to create a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where every child feels valued, respected, and encouraged to be themselves.

I believe each child is wonderfully unique, and my hope is that every child receives the love, guidance, challenge, and encouragement they need to discover and embrace their own unique awesomeness.

By building trusting relationships and following each child's interests, I aim to support them to grow in confidence, develop a love of learning, and become the very best version of themselves.

Brooke

Kia ora, I’m Brooke. I grew up in the local Huapai, Kumeu.

I’m really passionate about working alongside tamariki and supporting them as they grow, learn, and discover the world around them.

Coming from a big family, I have always enjoyed being around children and have developed a strong understanding of the importance of connection, relationships, and creating a sense of belonging.

My philosophy is that children learn best through play, exploration, and physical activity, where they can be curious, challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop new skills in a fun and meaningful way.

I especially love watching the excitement and pride on a child’s face when they master something new or achieve a goal they have been working towards.

Outside of work, I enjoy watching and playing sports, playing games, and spending time with my family and friends.

Kai Creator

Tash

My passion for cooking started as a young child, making dinners with Mum or baking with grandparents was a favourite thing to do.

I have been in the food industry for over 15 years, working in cafes, restaurants, home delivery cooking and childcare centres.

Cooking healthy, tasty and homely meals for the children is important to me because I believe eating should be a time to gather and enjoy each others company and to share and reflect with one another.

When I'm not in the kitchen I love spending time with the children in their rooms, watching them explore and thrive in the environment around them.

Building a special bond with the children makes me really happy, especially when they are delighted with the food I prepare.