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Our People

Jodi
Jodi Arkinstall, Centre Manager
Kia ora
I am a qualified and registered early childhood teacher with over 15 years experience working in Early childhood education. I started out as a Nanny, where I developed an interest in supporting children's growth and development which led me to a Degree in Early Childhood Education several years later and have now been employed by Evolve for 8 years.
I have a passion for teaching, inspiring, and advocating for children. I love how children form relationships and use these to engage in play based learning while becoming confident within themselves and developing lifelong skills.
Building relationships with Tamariki, Whānau and Kaimahi comes natuarally for me and assists me in being able to cater to the needs of tamariki and contribute to meeting the aspirations of Whānau.
Outside of work, you can find me  enjoying time with family and friends and participating in or supporting a range of sports.
Leeann 2
Leeann Geels, Administrator
Kia Ora
My name is Leeann Geels. I am privileged to be part of the Little Wonders Team as Office Administrator for 13 years. I am a dedicated administrator who takes pride in everything I do. My passion has always been “people matter” and this reflects my 13 years’ experience in providing professional customer service to our team and our wider community.
My position as Office Administrator is very rewarding as I have developed positive relationships with our families/carers. An effective team leads to positive outcomes for tamariki with regards to their development, health and well-being.
As part of my Chinese culture, I enjoy cooking Chinese meals. My grandmother Dame Whina Cooper has been an important role model for me and her visions inspire me, “Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will be the shape of Aotearoa.
Nga mihi
Kelsey
Kelsey Gordon, Teacher Support
Mandy
Amanda (Mandy) Rose , Teacher in Training
Kia ora my name is Mandy.
I am just beginning my teaching journey here at Little Wonders Timaru. I am currently gaining my qualifications in early childhood education through Te Rito Maioha and am thoroughly enjoying learning about child growth and development.
Coming from a big family I have always enjoyed being around and taking care of young children. Since having my own child it has only furthered my passion for wanting to work with children and help them succeed. 
In my spare time you can find me walking my dogs or spending time with family and friends.
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Georgia 2
Georgia Dunn, Unqualified Teacher

Kia ora I'm Georgia

I'm a kaiako in the Nursery and have 6 years of experience working at Little Wonders. I am passionate about working with children as it is such a rewarding job making relationships with tamariki and their whānau.
Outside of Little Wonders, you can find me spending time with my family and friends.
I also like to get out and go to the gym or go for walks as I find moving my body is so important for me and my health. 

Kihun
Kihun Yeom, Registered Teacher
My name is Kihun Yeom, and I’m from South Korea. I studied Early Childhood Education through a Graduate Diploma in Teaching. My adventurous and explorative spirit has taken me across different parts of New Zealand—from Auckland to Blenheim, the West Coast,
and now here in Timaru. I’m very happy to be part of Little Wonders Timaru. Teaching has been my passion since I was young, and I find it incredibly rewarding to support children’s development and learning. 
In my free time, I enjoy photography and tramping, which allow me to fully experience New Zealand’s stunning natural landscapes.
Paris
Paris Dove , Provisionally Registered Teacher

Kia Ora,

My name is Paris, I'm 22 years old, I am originally from Christchurch but I recently relocated here to Timaru.

I studied Early childhood education at the University of Canterbury and I finished that at the end of last year. Since finishing my study I have been working in a preschool in Christchurch which I absolutely loved.

Something about me is that I have always wanted to be a teacher, ever since I was in Early childhood settings myself. It has always been something that I have been passionate about and I am beyond excited to continue my teaching journey here at Little wonders!

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Tyla
Tyla Marsh, Provisionally Registered Teacher

Kia Ora, my name is Tyla Marsh and I have just started my learning journey here at Little Wonders Timaru.

I grew up in a little town in Central Otago called Alexandra, after leaving high school in 2017, I made my way down to Dunedin to start my study to become an early childhood teacher. I first started at Otago Polytechnic in 2018, gaining my certificate in Early Childhood Studies, and then going on to do my Bachelor's in ECE. Through my Polytech course, I was placed at a centre for work placement which then became my first ever job in an early childhood centre. Ever since then, my love for teaching has grown to new strengths.

At the start of 2022, myself and my partner decided to move back to Alexandra as that was where all of my whānau were based. During my final placement for my Bachelor's degree, I was placed at a little community-based, mixed-aged centre which is where I have been up until now. Towards the end of last year, I finally completed my qualifications and became a provisionally registered Kaiako.

Through study and different jobs, I have been able to gain experience in many different centres and be a part of many different teams and roles. I look forward to my new journey here at Little Wonders and can’t wait to get to know you, your tamariki and whānau.

Please feel free to come have a chat if you see me around

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Ying
Ying Wang, Provisionally Registered Teacher
Kia ora
My name is Ying
Before becoming an ECE teacher, I worked in a variety of roles around the South Island's tourist areas for about 7 years. After completing my Graduate Diploma in Teaching in 2022, I joined Little Wonders Timaru. Children experience success and joy of learning through play. I am passionate about learning and I believe that social relationships and learning environment have a significant impact on children's learning and development.