Kia Ora! My name is Kate and I have been working at Small Fries since it opened in 2012. I have been working in the ECE sector for over 15 years and have spent time in all the age groups. Over the past few years at Small Fries I have been the Team Leader of the Tui room working with 2 & 3 year olds.  This year I am excited to move into the role of Teacher Development Manager. This role sees me working closely with all of our teachers observing, giving feedback and ensuring that our wonderful teachers are supported to create the best learning outcomes for all the children and their families. I am also working closely with the Centre Manager Verdette to support and help her in any way I can.

Hi, my name is Debbie. I worked for Windsor Park Baptist Church for 12 years as the Senior Pastor's PA, and soon after Small Fries opened I transferred across to become the Administrator/Receptionist. I love interacting with all our Small Fries families everyday! I am married to John and have two adult sons and two delightful grandsons. I enjoy watching sports and spending time with my family out on our boat cruising the Hauraki Gulf, visiting our favourite fishing spots. 

Hi I'm Isabel. I moved to New Zealand in 2014 with my husband and two children. I have been relieving at Small Fries since 2015 and have worked throughout the centre in all the age groups, as well as in the kitchen. I am working full-time in Administration.  

Kia Ora, I am Mari. I moved to New Zealand in 2018 with my wonderful husband Donovan, and our 2 children. For the last 12 years of living in South Africa I worked for a welfare organization, FAMSA Upington (Families South-Africa Upington), where I was Project Manager over Child and Youth Care workers. This is where my passion for working with children started and escalated. During my last 6 years with FAMSA I also took on the Financial Officer and Administration Role. On arrival in New Zealand I wanted to continue working with children and started working in the ECE Sector in the baby room and over 2’s room. During this time the opportunity came across my road to join a Christian Childcare Centre and I have been part of Small Fries Beachlands since October 2020 - it is a blessing working with the most amazing team. I am the Administrator and I am also working closely with the Centre Manager Amore, to support and help her in any way that I can. The best part is that I get to work with the children as well. I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. I aim to bring an open mind, a positive attitude, and high expectations to the centre each day. I believe that I owe it to the children, as well as the community, to bring consistency, diligence, and warmth to my job in the hope that I can ultimately inspire and encourage such traits in the children as well.