Our People

Kaya Broughton , Centre Manager
What inspired you to become an early childhood teacher?
My whanau are my inspiration and drive behind everything I do. Growing up I always had younger cousins around me and because I was one of the oldest, it was only natural that I helped take care of them. These experiences at a young age sparked the fire for me to want to grow up and be a Kaiako one day. Further down the track that opportunity presented itself to me and here I am today!
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Rebekah Davis, Team Leader
Whaea Rebekah is the Team Leader in the over twos. Whaea Rebekah is currently teaching the preschool tamariki in our Tui class. She has joined the teaching team after moving out of her admin role. Whaea Rebekah is motivated to create an environment that fosters tamariki to learn and grow while providing quality care and engagement.

Oakley Tahiwi-MacMillan, Team Leader
Kia Ora, I initially started my career in education at primary level but found my passion lies in early childhood education and am currently looking into graduate courses to gain more depth in the early childhood sector. I am a young woman who is passionate about helping little people figure out their world and navigate through their day to day activities.
Bachelor of Bilingual Education

Makayla Atwood, Teacher
Hi, my name is Makayla and I am an early childhood teacher. I live at Waitarere Beach with my fiancé Dylan, daughter Layla and our dog ICE. The opportunity to work at this centre arose and my passion is building relationships with tamariki and getting to know their families. I like to keep things organised but enjoy being arty without being good at art. In my spare time I like being social. Drifting is a huge part of my interests outside of work along with spending time in the company of good friends and family.

Danielle Purcell, Reliever
Hi, I’m Danielle and I’m a kaiako at Learning Adventures Levin. I have worked here for over three years as a casual reliever. I enjoy working with parents to learn the cues and routines of our littlest people in the centre. I love seeing children thriving once they’ve settled and feel a strong sense of belonging. I live out Waitarere Beach, with my son Zavier.

Maia Kuiti, Reliever
Kia ora my name is Maia. I’m fresh out of Ōtaki College and have been at the centre since school and I am now a relieving teacher at Learning Adventures Levin. I am passionate about upholding bicultural practice and support the team to grow their confidence learning more about Te Ao Maori. I look forward to enjoying my time here. Ngā mihi.

Leigh Munro , Kaiako / Teacher
Whaea Leigh joins the teaching team as a teacher in training. Leigh is currently completing her Level 5 Early Childhood certificate with UCOL and is working alongside Whaea Rebekah in the Tui class. Whaea Leigh is passionate about providing quality care and supports Rebekah and the rest of our team to provide an environment that fosters tamariki to learn and grown.

Emily Woodhouse, Kaiako / Teacher
Whaea Emily joins the teaching team as a bubbly teacher in training. Emily is currently completing her Level 4 Early Childhood certificate with Massey and finding her feet in the Kakapo room. Emily enjoys working with tamariki and building relationships with them. Working in centre is supporting Emily to gain hands on experience while completing her studies.

Scott McGinty , Kaiako / Teacher
Matua Scott joins the teaching team as a in training teacher. Matua Scott has always been interested in gaining more knowledge about the development of children, especially since the birth of his own daughter. Matua Scott brings a different element to the team and responds well to the cues of all our tamariki. Matua Scott values working at a centre where everyone feels like family.

Braxton Edwards, Kaiako / Teacher

Bridget Gernhoefer, Qualified and registered Kaiako / Teacher

Jodi Burling, Reliever

Denise Berg, Reliever

Leah Mason, Centre Administrator
Kia ora,
I am the administrator at Learning Adventures Levin. I recently moved back to Levin after living in Lower Hutt for 4 years. I am currently a second-year student at Open Polytechnic studying towards my Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education.
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Sharon Smith, Centre Cook
Whaea Sharon is a bubbly personality who brightens our children’s days with delicious food. Whaea Sharon is passionate about cooking and in her spare time wins competitions for her baking. Whaea Sharon supports our centre to follow the Healthy Heart guidelines and loves to see that tamariki enjoying her food. Whaea Sharon loves to spend time on the floor with the tamariki, learning their names and gaining feedback about her meals.