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Tatou Tima

Our Team

Alice

Kia Ora, I’m Alice, I am originally from Feilding and currently live here with my husband and three children. I have been a Montessori teacher since 2007 and love the values of the Montessori philosophy. I believe it is important to create a peaceful and respectful environment for our Tamariki. In my spare time I enjoy reading, traveling and spending time with family.

Jacqui

Kiaora, ko Jacqui toku ingoa. I am a teacher at Little Oaks Montessori. I have three school aged Tamariki of my own and live in Feilding. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the amazing community of learners and whanau we have at Little Oaks Montessori.”

Kirsty

Hi, I’m Kirsty. I am born and raised in Feilding and being part of the community is important to me. I have two children that both attended Little Oaks Montessori. The learning environment here is important to me, first as a parent and now as a teacher. I have a passion for visual art and enjoy empowering children to explore and express themselves creatively

Rita

My name is Rita. I was born and raised in Beijing, China. After finishing my study in Auckland I moved to Feilding in March 2021. Since then I’ve been working with children, providing learning experience in a respectful, empowering and unhurried manner. I respect children’s uniqueness and value good relationships. I’m committed to following children’s paces and to create a calm, loving and caring environment. This requires patience and understanding and I am privileged to have both as my assets. Outside of ECE I am a big fan of classical music, reading and hiking.

Want to Know More?

Focused on being one of the top early education providers, Little Oaks Montessori is committed to doing things differently. Our global mission is to give children the best start in life and our early learning approach is based on discovery and exploration of respectful relationships with children. 

Jana Hocken

Simply the best Early Learning Centre in the region! I have visited several centres looking for the right one for my 3 children. Most you walk in and are just chaos and cramped! You cannot even begin to compare Little Oaks. It’s calm, happy, educational and fun. It has a perfect combination of clever learning activities and fantastic large outdoor areas with gardens, play areas, chickens, Guinea pigs and a big sandpit – perfect for my busy boy. But most importantly the team of teachers are exceptional – genuinely caring, mature, nurturing, dedicated and very knowledgeable in early learning. They really take time to support every child individually with their interests and learning. Benji has loved Little Oaks since his very first day. I could not be more grateful to you all. Thank you for being amazing!

Christine Christensen

Our family became involved with Little Oaks Montessori in February 2020, when it was Shaken Oak Montessori.  Two of our children have had the privilege of spending their preschool days at the centre, under the experienced, caring and wonderful guidance of the core team of staff.  The “Montessori way” aligns with our family values at home.  We love the emphasis on grace and courtesy; child-directed, uninterrupted learning; and utilising the Montessori materials.  School readiness is high when the children turn 5 so the transition to school is seamless.  If Montessori values resonate, then we’d highly recommend Little Oaks.

Megan Hennessy

We’ve been part of the Little Oaks Montessori whānau for a year and a half now, and it’s been such a positive experience. Our daughter is absolutely thriving, she’s developed into a confident, social little person, and we credit so much of that to the nurturing and supportive environment provided by the amazing teaching team. We love that the teachers truly take the time to understand her interests and encourage her to explore them in a thoughtful and meaningful way. There’s such a strong sense of care and respect woven into everything they do. We feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a special place.

Gaskell Family

“The entire team at Little Oaks Montessori are incredibly dedicated to teaching and nurturing the minds of our littlest humans. The growth we have seen in our son is incredible; both academic and personal, we wouldn’t be where we are today without all of the help and encouragement they have given him.”

Christensen Family

“Our family became involved with Little Oaks Montessori in February 2020, when it was Shaken Oak Montessori. Two of our children have had the privilege of spending their preschool days at the centre, under the experienced, caring and wonderful guidance of the core team of staff. The “Montessori way” aligns with our family values at home. We love the emphasis on grace and courtesy; child-directed, uninterrupted learning; and utilising the Montessori materials. School readiness is high when the children turn 5 so the transition to school is seamless. If Montessori values resonate, then we’d highly recommend Little Oaks.”

Kuriger Family

“My youngest has been at Little Oaks for a year, as a working mum of three kids I have had my share of experience through Daycare, Kindy and now Montessori and I can honestly say I have never experienced any childcare place that is so responsive, safe and loving.
The teaching staff are kind and patient, they always take the time with parents and children to hear concerns or achievements.
The learning experience is second to none – it’s not just a holding pen for your children while you are working or getting things done. This is a safe and rewarding place for kids too.
Heartily recommend Little Oaks to any parent or caregiver!”

Trudi Moloney

We couldn't be happier with our decision to enrol Kenzie at Little Oaks. Since making the switch, we've witnessed remarkable changes in her. Kenzie has blossomed into a more independent child, and she truly feels a sense of belonging within the daycare community. The staff at Little Oaks take the time to understand her unique personality and interests, fostering a genuine love of learning in her. We are so grateful for the nurturing environment they provide and the positive impact it's had on Kenzie's development. Thank you, Little Oaks, for being such a wonderful place for our daughter!

Eylse Castelyn Hall

Our experience with Little Oaks Montessori has been exceptional. The calm, nurturing environment allows our children to feel secure and inspired to learn at their own pace. The Montessori approach encourages independence, hands-on exploration, and a genuine love for discovery, which we see reflected in their growth every day. The teachers truly embody this philosophy, offering guidance with care and respect while fostering confidence and curiosity in each child. 

Toni Gaskell

The team at Little Oaks Montessori are genuinely passionate about every single child they care for. They’ve created such a warm, nurturing space that truly makes a difference in our community—starting with our littlest ones. All three of my children have been through Little Oaks Montessori (previously Shaken Oaks Montessori), and each of them gained such strong foundations that have set them up beautifully for school and life beyond. Little Oaks Montessori is such a valued part of our community, and I’m so grateful for everything they’ve given not just our family but to so many other families over the years.

Hannah Kuriger

My youngest has been at little oaks for a year, as a working mum of three kids I have had my share of experience through Daycare, Kindy and now Montessori and can honestly say I have never experienced any childcare place that is so responsive, safe, and loving.   The teaching staff are kind and patient, they always take the time with parents and children to hear concerns or achievements.   The learning experience is second to none- it's not just a holding pen for your children while you are working or getting things done.  This is a safe and rewarding place for the kids too.  Heartily recommend Little Oaks to any parent or caregiver!