Justin Edgar, Centre Owner/Janitor

As a decidedly happily married father of three wonderful young children, I feel as though I have truly awakened my purpose with the creation of Little Engines. Following a fairly lengthy career in the not-altogether soul enhancing finance sector, taking a step into early childhood education literally feels like breathing new air. Sometimes referred to as the Pied Piper for my ability to interact with children, I am genuinely passionate about caring for children. I believe they offer as many opportunities for us to learn as we can possibly provide them – their free spirits and playful nature are a constant reminder of the beauty of simplicity. Little Engines is very much a family affair, working alongside Rebecca and our youngest child Jackson is with us most days, adoring the experience.

Mamatha Kumar, Head Teacher

A warm welcome to our Pre-school! Looking into my background I am originally from India. I have been living in New Zealand for the last 14 years with my husband, son and daughter who are now 22 and 17 years old. My husband and I researched Montessori when choosing a Pre-school for my daughter. Seeing my daughter thrive in a Montessori environment inspired me and I wanted to know more about its philosophy. I completed my Montessori diploma and moved to New Zealand where my journey began as a Montessori teacher. In discovering Montessori, many rewarding opportunities emerged for a very enjoyable and satisfying role in early childhood. I was convinced to pursue further studies and completed my ECE qualification. In recent years my learning journey has progressed further as I continue to mentor and guide ECE teachers to gain their full registration by engaging with them in professional dialogue, and reflective critical thinking. My teaching experience with children has convinced me that children have the potential to reach amazing heights given an optimum environment. I love to support children in their early developmental years and see all the great strides they make in their learning. The little ones teach me so much about living, learning and laughter. Having worked alongside Justin, Rebecca and the team in setting up Little Engines I consider it a privilege to be working in a wonderful, supportive team environment where commitment and passion for the Montessori philosophy and genuine love for children is fully embraced. 15 years after my discovery I continue to be passionate about improving educational opportunities for children and look forward to serving the community in providing an enriched programme in partnership with you. At Little Engines I would like to maximize the collaborative relationships with parents, whanau and teachers to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children.

Malika de Silva, Teacher

Hello my name is Malika De Silva, and I’m originally from Sri Lanka. After completing my Montessori Diploma, and getting married, I moved to Jamaica with my husband, and began my Montessori career. It was also there that we had our son, who is now 21! I pursued further studies, and completed my Bachelor of Education degree. After having fun in the sun for 12 years, we moved to New Zealand. I continued my Montessori career at Smart Start Montessori, and completed my ECE qualification. The next step in my career saw me move to Marshwood Montessori. No matter what the country is or which Montessori I’ve taught at, seeing the joy that learning brings to the children has always inspired me. I very much love being a part of the Little Engines Family.

Jaylene Hogan, Teacher

Hello! My name is Jaylene Hogan. I was born in the Los Angeles area of California, yet I have lived in New Zealand since 1988! I have been actively involved in Montessori education for the past 25 years as a parent volunteer, assistant teacher and as a teacher. I’ve taught at Wa Ora Montessori School in Lower Hutt for 14 years, in Honolulu, Hawaii for 3 years before spending 8 1/2 years at Marshwood Montessori in St Heliers. Currently, I’m in my last year of university study to complete my ECE qualifications. I am so very happy to be a part of the Little Engines community and to be of service to every child, parent and teacher to create an environment conducive to each child to learn and grow in the most positive, nurturing way.

My daughter Gayle and her husband Julien live close by. She is involved in producing television and documentary films and Julien is a musician and multi-media artist.

When not teaching or studying, I love to go for beach walks, cook vegetarian meals, and this year, hope to learn paddle boarding! I look forward to lots of learning at Little Engines and getting to know each of you.

Anelise Tordivelli, Teacher

Hello…My name is Anelise Tordivelli, originally from Brazil. I am a proud mother of 3, who moved to NZ to be with my love! I have been a teacher to all ages for over 20 years and, needless to say, I love it!! Since moving to New Zealand, 2 years ago, I re-started in ECE, which was where my teaching career began!! I first relieved in several centres and then moved to a permanent position in a very good school. I am primary registered in New Zealand and heading towards an ECE qualification. As a mum of teenagers I have often caught myself feeling nostalgic of when my children were little, and working with children alleviates! I love to feel that I’m making a difference, I love to learn with children and to instill them with a life-long love of learning. I am delighted to be part of Little Engines and grow with it!

Cindy Mercado, Teacher

I’m Cindy Mercado, a proud mother to two lovely daughters. I am originally from the Philippines and arrived in New Zealand just in time to be part of the foundation of Little Engines. I am thrilled to be a part of the Little Engines family. It truly is a privilege to be a part of an school that has the same beliefs as you do. I initially started to work in the corporate world but after several months realized that it was not for me. I then moved into pre-school teaching in the Philippines and have since taught different age groups from 6 months to 6 years old. I have been a teacher for 10 years and I love everything about it! I feel rewarded seeing the children looking forward to going to school, having tons of fun and learning at the same time. Interacting with children not only gives me an opportunity to teach them but to learn from them as well!

Dilhara Adikari, Teacher

Kia Ora! I’m originally from Sri Lanka and have been in New Zealand since 2005. I am a mother of two sons and a daughter. I started my working life at Sri Lankan Airlines as an accountant. Seeing my daughter in a Montessori environment motivated me to make the first move to explore the Montessori philosophy. As a result, I completed a Montessori Diploma and changed my career in 1998 to become a Montessori Directress at “Lara House of Children” which I also owned. I practiced the Montessori method of education with 20 children until I migrated to New Zealand in 2005.

I pursued further studies, and completed a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education with full registration while working at ABC Learning Centre in Newmarket. It was an enjoyable journey working alongside babies and toddlers. I believe we learn a lot from these little explorers in return.

I consider the opportunity to be a part of the Little Engines family as a privilege as I have always been passionate about the Montessori way. I believe you can make a huge difference not only in the children’s lives but also in the wider community by providing an optimal environment for the children and guiding them where necessary.

Jane Smith, Teacher Aide

Hello, I moved to New Zealand from England with my family 8 years ago for an adventure! My husband and I wanted to give our children, Paddy now 17 and Daisy 15, a simpler life in this beautiful country. We spent 7 years at Muriwai Beach where we enjoyed life in a wonderful small community and had a fabulous rural life whilst learning to surf, mountain bike, Blo Kart etc.
A move into Auckland has enabled me to become part of the Little Engines team and I feel very lucky to have found them! I feel extremely privileged to be surrounded by your children and am enjoying all the fun that being with young children again can bring. Each day there is something that makes me laugh!
I originally trained to be a teacher but spent the majority of my working life running a children’s clothing store which I closed to spend time being a Mum. Once my children were in full time education I worked in a number of schools from primary through to college supporting children with a variety of Special Needs.
When I’m not at Little Engines I walk my gorgeous Weimaraner, preferably on a beach, I read, enjoy the movies and spend as much time as I can with my family.