Our Team

Arunima Dixit | Our Centre Director and Educational Leader | Qualified and Fully Registered

 
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Kia ora,

I am a fully qualified and registered Early Childhood Teacher with over 25 years of experience in New Zealand's Early Childhood Education sector. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working in private early learning centres and with the Auckland Kindergarten Association, where I spent over six rewarding years supporting children's learning and development.

I am happily married and blessed with two wonderful daughters. My eldest daughter is a primary school teacher, and my youngest daughter is currently studying at university. As both an educator and a parent, I value the important role that strong relationships and quality education play in helping children thrive. Early Childhood Education has always been my passion, and I am committed to fostering an environment where children become confident, capable, and joyful lifelong learners.

 

Janice D'Souza | Centre Manager | Qualified and Fully Registered | 3 Years at Merryland

 

Kia ora,

I am a qualified and fully registered Early Childhood Teacher in New Zealand with 9 years of experience in New Zealand Early Childhood Education, including one year as a student teacher. Over the past 8 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside Arunima under her guidance and mentorship, which have played a significant role in shaping my professional growth and leadership journey.

Throughout my career, I have worked with children across all age groups, spending 3 years with infants and 3 years with toddlers and preschool children. These experiences have allowed me to develop a strong understanding of each stage of a child's learning and development. In addition, I have spent the last 3 years in leadership as a Centre Manager, supporting teaching teams, building positive relationships with families, and fostering high-quality learning environments for tamariki. Each role has strengthened my commitment to supporting children, whānau, and fellow educators to thrive and succeed.

I discovered my passion for Early Childhood Education after the birth of my daughter, who is now attending intermediate school. As both a parent and educator, I am committed to building strong relationships and meaningful partnerships with tamariki, whānau, and kaiako.

I believe children are capable, competent learners and feel privileged to support their growth through rich learning experiences. I look forward to continuing to strengthen Merryland's vision and helping every child thrive as a confident and lifelong learner.

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Leyi Li (Barney) | Qualified and Fully Registered | 4.5 Years at Merryland

 
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Kia ora and 你好 (Nǐ Hǎo)!I was born and raised in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China, and have proudly called New Zealand home for nearly 10 years. During this time, I have developed a deep appreciation for New Zealand's culture, people, and early childhood education philosophy.

After completing my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Level 7) at ICL, I began my teaching journey and have now been part of the Merryland family for 4.5 years. It has been a privilege to contribute to the centre's learning journey and build meaningful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and kaiako.

I am passionate about creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences that support children's holistic growth and development. I believe every child is unique and capable, and I enjoy fostering environments where children feel confident to explore, learn, and thrive.

 

Haeun Lee (Han/Hani) | Qualified and Fully Registered | 4 Years at Merryland

 

Kia ora and 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)! I am a qualified Early Childhood Teacher who completed a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Auckland.

I have been part of the Merryland whānau for 4 years, and it has been a privilege to grow and learn alongside our tamariki, families, and teaching team. During this time, I have developed a strong appreciation for the importance of children's rights and the significant role that positive relationships play in supporting their cognitive, emotional, and holistic development.

I am passionate about creating an environment where children feel valued, respected, and empowered to learn. I look forward to continuing to build meaningful relationships with our wonderful tamariki, parents, and wider whānau.

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Divya Patel | Qualified and Provisionally Registered | 3.5 years at Merryland

 
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Kia ora and નમસ્તે (Namaste)! I was born and raised in New Zealand. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have been part of the Merryland whānau for 3.5 years, and it has been a wonderful journey building meaningful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and fellow kaiako.

I believe that every child is unique, with their own strengths, interests, and ideas. Children have the right to express themselves and actively contribute to their learning. By understanding and responding to their interests, we can create meaningful experiences and provide opportunities that support their growth and development.

I look forward to continuing to support our tamariki and families and being part of the Merryland team.

 

Beverly Abergas | Unqualified Teacher | 2.5 Years at Merryland

 

Mabuhay! I am originally from the Philippines. After spending more than five years in New Zealand, I have built a wonderful life and family here, and it has truly become my home.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing degree in the Philippines in 2007 and have always had a passion for caring and supporting others. My love for working with children led me into Early Childhood Education, where I find great joy in nurturing children's learning, development, and wellbeing.

I have been part of the Merryland whānau for 2.5 years, and it has been a privilege to build meaningful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. I believe every child has unique strengths and potential, and I am committed to creating positive learning experiences that help them grow with confidence. My goal is to have a positive impact on young people.

It is a pleasure to be part of the Merryland team, children and whānau.

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Zixuan Xu (Vicky) | Qualified and Provisionally Registered | 2 Years at Merryland

 
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Kia ora! 你好 (Nǐ Hǎo)! I am from China and have been living in New Zealand for the past seven years. I am a provisionally registered kaiako who is passionate about working with tamariki and creating an environment where they feel safe, valued, and empowered to explore and learn.

I have been part of the Merryland whānau for 2 years, and during this time I have enjoyed building meaningful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and fellow kaiako. My teaching philosophy is centred on fostering positive relationships, supporting children's holistic development, and celebrating cultural diversity. I believe in nurturing children's curiosity through play-based learning while building strong partnerships with whānau to help every child thrive.

I look forward to continuing to contribute to the nurturing and supportive environment at Merryland Childcare Centre.

 

Wenfei Zhang | Qualified and Provisionally Registered | 3 Months at Merryland

 

Kia ora! 你好 (Nǐ Hǎo)! I am an Early Childhood Education (ECE) teacher holding a New Zealand Practising Certificate. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University of Wellington and a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from ICL.

I am excited to have recently joined the Merryland whānau and look forward to building meaningful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and kaiako. I enjoy creating a warm, inclusive, and caring environment where children feel safe, valued, and happy.

My teaching philosophy is based on play, creativity, and respect for every child's unique learning journey. I believe children learn best when they are encouraged to explore, express themselves, and follow their interests in a supportive environment.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy drawing, kickboxing, and kendo. I love bringing creativity into children's learning and making each day a joyful and engaging experience. I look forward to learning and growing alongside all our tamariki and whānau.

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Indah Somawijaya | Centre Cook | 2.5 Years at Merryland

 
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I am from Indonesia. I have been living in New Zealand for 14 years and have two children who are now in high school.

I enjoy cooking for my family and for the Indonesian community. I hold the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing Level 2 and have a passion for working with children. I enjoy interacting with children and volunteering in school activities as a parent supervisor.

I have been part of the Merryland team for 2.5 years and love preparing nutritious and delicious meals for the children. In addition, I also enjoy supporting the teaching team on the floor, building relationships with children, and contributing to a positive and caring learning environment.

This combination of cooking and working alongside children brings me great joy, and I am proud to be part of the Merryland community.

 

Relieving Team

 
  • Tharshi Suthargeni Sivanandan | 6.5 Years at Merryland
  • Sundus Razi | 6 Years at Merryland
  • Camila Constanza Marin Tapia | Student Teacher | 2.5 Years at Merryland
  • Nguyen Bao Nhi (Jenny) Pham | Student Teacher |1 Year at Merryland
 
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Contact Info

Children care Centre Mt Albert ~ Childcare Centre Mt Albert ~ Children Learning Centre Mt Albert ~ Child Care Home Auckland ~ Preschool Learning Centre Mt Albert ~ Preschool Mount Albert Auckland ~ Kids care Centre Auckland ~ Kids Learning Corner Auckland ~ Child Early Learning Mount Albert ~ Children Preschool Mt Albert