Our people

My name is Alana and I am the Office Manager at Honeybees. 

I grew up on Australia’s Gold Coast, but moved to New Zealand in time for high school.  I’ve also spent three years living in Canada, spending seasons in the mountains and on the west coast, skiing in the winter, and hiking in the summer.
 
My favourite things are backpacking and exploring new countries, diving, camping, music and art – and I’ve been lucky enough to experience these things all over the world, with extended time travelling around Europe, South East Asia, North and Central America, and Australasia!  I especially loved volunteering at a primary school in Cambodia, and swimming with a manatee in the open ocean off Belize!
 
I studied Live Sound and Event Production, and have spent many years working in various administrative and team leader roles in a range of industries, including engineering, insurance and travel and tourism.  Prior to returning to New Zealand I spent six months nannying for a family of five homeschooled children in Canada which was amazing!
 
I have been so lucky to be able to combine my love of projects, policy, and all things organisation with being around children in such a creative environment everyday.  I love seeing others grow, and enjoy challenging myself at work.  I am grateful to be part of such an international team of teachers and families, I think it’s very special!

My name is Juliana and I am a Teacher at Honeybees.

I am originally from Brazil, where I studied Early Childhood Education. I moved to New Zealand with my partner a few years ago and have been enjoying exploring this beautiful country while living and working in Queenstown.

Now that I have settled in Auckland, I am delighted to be working with children again and to be continuing my teaching journey. I am enjoying getting to know all the Honeybees tamariki and whānau! 

My name is Karen and I am a Qualified Teacher at Honeybees.

I grew up in China in a city called Chengdu, and I speak both Mandarin and English. I came to New Zealand when I was ten years old; Christchurch was the first city I lived in and then my family decided to move to Auckland where we have made a lot of friends!

In 2019 I graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Education. During my studies I relieved at a range of centres and am very proud to say that Honeybees was my favourite preschool! I am learning so much here from the experienced teachers who are mentoring me.

In my spare time I love to play piano, dance and go out with my friends to watch movies and try different kinds of foods. Each evening I enjoying walking my dog Yumi and exploring different parks with her!

I feel so grateful to be a part of the Honeybees teaching team. Everyone is so nice and kind! Every morning when I walk into Honeybees, I love how the children are always energetic and display a passion for learning new things. It always makes my day a happy and positive one with big smiling faces all around. I feel lucky to be part of this loving family!

My name is Lin, and I am a Qualified Teacher at Honeybees.
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Being originally from China I speak Mandarin and Cantonese as well as English. It gives me great joy to be able to communicate with our Chinese parents so they can fully understand how their children are growing and shining at Honeybees!

I hold a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, and also have 7 years of teaching experience in New Zealand, almost all of them buzzing happily around the hive.

My husband Joe and I have a little girl, Jolin, and we wake up every day absolutely smitten with her! It’s so special to have her with me at Honeybees and see her having so much fun with her little friends. Joe and I are proud of buying our first home together, and since I love keeping busy and having a goal to aspire to, my weekends are filled with DIY projects!  I’ve never done anything like this before but luckily my Kiwi friends have all got lots of advice for me!

At Honeybees you’ll often find me singing and dancing with the children, I love music and encouraging everyone to get involved builds confidence and makes every day a happy day!

My name is Marisa and I am the Manager at Honeybees. 

I am from New Zealand, and half Croatian. I married my husband in Venice a few years ago, after taking him to see Croatia for the first time. Since then we have been busy building our new house, and now we’re getting a delicious fresh vege garden underway!​

I have a Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching and Early Childhood, both from the University of Auckland. I have been teaching in Reggio inspired preschools for 15 years, and was even lucky enough to attend a conference and study tour in Reggio Emilia, Italy which was an amazing experience!

Being artistic and imaginative I love everything to do with the world of art! I have fun getting hands on with the children, promoting creativity and self-expression. I am also passionate about creating exciting learning environments which spark the childrens imagination and curiosity.

I feel so grateful to have been part of the Honeybees adventure from the beginning, helping to make every little detail as good as it possibly can be!   

My name is Michelle and I am the Assistant Head Teacher at Honeybees.

 
I am originally from the beautiful countryside of Ireland, where I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Years and Childhood Studies.
 
After living and working in a preschool just outside of London for three years, my partner and I decided that the busy UK city life wasn’t for us, and a twist of fate and our passion for travel brought us to New Zealand!  I have always loved exploring the world and have had amazing trips to Mexico and France, as well as within Ireland and the UK – so moving to the other side of the world excited my sense of adventure so much!
 
Since moving to New Zealand my interest in the outdoors has blossomed, with such spectacular scenery and adventure right on my doorstep.  I love setting off on road-trips over the weekends to traverse the coastal beaches that this stunning country has to offer.  The nature and landscapes never fail to amaze me.
 
I am absolutely loving my time here at Honeybees – it is great to be a part of such a positive team from all over the world.  I am thoroughly enjoying being taught little phrases and songs from so many languages!  I love having the opportunity to be artistic and use my imagination everyday with our special little bees.  

My name is Sarah and I am the Director at Honeybees.

My name is Tatiana and I am the Chef at Honeybees.

Seven years ago I decided to follow my childhood dream of becoming a Chef, I moved to New Zealand and studied for my Diploma in Professional Chef Practice at the Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill. I have since worked in a variety of esteemed establishments, from award-winning cafes and three-star hotels to a luxury retirement village! 

I love hiking and spending time outdoors enjoying nature with my husband and son. My other passion is visual art, having spent plenty of time in museums and art galleries while growing up in Europe. 

I am so happy to have joined the Honeybees family, I am proud to be sharing my knowledge and skills by cooking delicious food for my little customers.