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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Sarah Johnson, Tui Room Kaiako
Hi, I’m Sarah. I have been teaching in ECE for the past ten years locally here in the Horowhenua with 18 months in Westport. I have a strong passion for supporting our older tamariki in the preparation for school and to develop a love of learning. I head off on maternity leave at the end of September and look forward to returning in the new year.
Bachelor of ECE Teaching, Full Registration

Letitia Clifton (Tish), Reliever
Hi, my name is Tish. I have been working in early childhood education for almost eight years. I live with my partner and my two cats. I love art and being creative and often will spend time creating jewellery, painting or baking especially with my nephews! I love my family and enjoy spending time with them and my friends in my spare time.
Bachelor of Education (ECE), Provisional Registration

Richard Wilton, Team Leader
Kia ora, I grew up in Levin, and went to Taitoko school and Waiopehu college. My beautiful wife and I share our life with our two children and two dogs. I was a saw doctor for 16 years before doing my Bachelor of Teaching in ECE, which turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)

Oakley Tahiwi-MacMillan, Teacher
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

Laureen Jones, Centre Cook
I'm a multi-disciplinary artist and cook who is passionate about food and creativity. I’ve worked within the food industry for 28 years and I'm a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady. I grew up in Otaki but lived and worked many places between Auckland and Fox Glacier before returning to look after my retired mum in Otaki six years ago. I’ve been with the centre for just over four years.
Advanced food safety, basic first aid, allergies & intolerance, world fire equipment handling, Ecolab chemical awareness and safety, Whitireia Polytechnic hotel and catering operations, NZQA professional restaurant service, NZQA restaurant service, NZQA food safety, HETANZ practical certificate food & nutrition, healthy heart induction, Bachelor of Applied Arts, Certificate in Mastercraft.

Naomi Tovo, Head Teacher
I’m full Tongan living in Levin with my three children. I started working at the centre two years ago and recently became the head teacher of the Infants Class. I am passionate about working with infants because of the attachments I form and the relationships I build with the babies and their families. Relationships are important to me because of my own Tongan family. In my spare time I participate in activities that support my Tongan community. I am the youth leader for my Church youth group and my hobbies are indoor netball and keeping fit.

Sheena Williams, Teacher
Ko Sheena Williams ahau
No Whanga Nui a Tara ahau
Ēngari kei te noho ahau i Taitoko inaianei
He kaimahi ahau I Learning Adventures Levin
Ko au te kaiako
He tauira ahau o Te Rito Maioha
I taku wā whakata e takaro netipaoro
me te poiuka me kia noho tahi au ki toku whanau hoki.

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 Jace. 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, Teacher Paua Room
Hi, I’m Danielle and I’m an early childhood teacher at Learning Adventures Levin. I have worked here for nearly two years, starting as a reliever. Now I’m a Kaiako in the Paua Room and enjoy working with parents to learn the cues and routines of our littlest people in the centre. I live at Waitarere Beach with my partner and 18 month old son.

Savanah Taylor, Reliever
Kia ora, my name is Savanah and I’m a reliever with an ECE certificate. I am a student at Te Rito Maioha currently studying towards my first year of my degree. I am a mother to Kohen Croot. Out of work I like to spend quality time with my family as well as play sports and try to keep fit.

Natalie Graves, Teacher
Hi, my name is Natalie and my role is an early childhood teacher here at Learning Adventures Levin. I have worked here for over a year having previously worked at a local out of school care programme. I enjoy working with children because they bring such a different perspective to the way they see life. No two days are the same and that’s what I enjoy most about working with kids. In my spare time I enjoy catching up with family and friends but more importantly I love spending time with my partner, two young sons and our dog Boss.

Maia Kuiti, Reliever
Kia ora my name is Maia. I’m fresh out of Ōtaki College and have just started as the new relieving teacher at Learning Adventures Levin. I look forward to enjoying my time here. Ngā mihi.