Meet the team

Paula Hawkings

ECE Consultant

With a wealth of experience operating ECE centres, Paula brings a blend of expertise in general management, operational management, centre setups, investment strategies for new owners and business turnarounds. Paula brings professionalism and strategic insight to New Zealand early education centres.

Amar Kaur

Centre Administrator & Coordinator (Bachelor of Science)

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree and bring over 10 years of experience in retail management and accounts payable within the organic industry. Over the past three years, I have built my career in administration and joined Littlest Learners as the Centre Administrator & Coordinator in June 2026.

I believe every child and family deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and cared for from the moment they walk through our doors. I am passionate about creating a warm, supportive, and well-organised environment where tamariki, whānau, and educators feel a genuine sense of belonging. Through kindness, open communication, and teamwork, I strive to help make Littlest Learners a place where children can learn, grow, and thrive, and where every family feels truly at home.

Andrea

Chef

Hi, I’m Andrea Garzon from Colombia. I’m a professional chef with 15 years of experience in commercial kitchens and 3 years working in Early Learning Centres. I have studied child nutrition and I love preparing every meal from scratch using fresh, minimally processed ingredients. My goal is to create balanced, nutritious meals that provide children with everything they need to grow healthy, strong, and happy. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing babies and children enjoy the food I make with love every day.

Grace Prasad

2IC & Energy Room Team Leader

Kia Ora, my name is Grace. Being an ECE teacher and room leader is incredibly fulfilling because it’s all about nurturing little minds and hearts in the most formative years. I love being the person who gets to witness those lightbulb moments when a child grasps a new concept or masters a skill. As a room leader, I take pride in creating a warm, inclusive environment where kids feel safe to explore and grow. Working closely with families adds another layer of joy, knowing we’re all in this journey together, shaping bright futures.

Magdalene

Storytellers Team Leader

Hi, I’m Magdalene!

I am originally from South Africa and have been living in New Zealand since 2023. I hold a Bachelor of Education and have been working as a qualified early childhood teacher for the past three years.

I am passionate about working with toddlers and love creating a warm, nurturing environment where tamariki feel safe, valued, and supported to learn, play, and grow.

Alina Onc

Discoverers Team Leader

Buna and Kia ora!

My name is Alina Onc, and I am originally from Romania. I hold a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) from Unitec and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Massey University. I have ten years of experience in early childhood education, working with children from three months to five years of age.

My philosophy is that children are capable, competent, and active learners. I believe that every child learns in their own unique way and deserves opportunities to explore, discover, and express themselves through meaningful experiences and relationships.

I strive to create a safe, calm, respectful, and nurturing environment where children feel valued, supported, and confident to take risks in their learning. I believe that the environment plays an important role in encouraging curiosity, creativity, independence, and collaboration.

My interest is going for walks, traveling and spending time with family.

I look forward to getting to know each child’s whānau.