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 as a young adult.  I’ve also spent three years living in British Columbia, Canada, spending winter seasons skiing in the mountains, and summer seasons camping and hiking on the coast.

I studied Live Sound and Event Production, and have spent many years working in various administrative and team leader roles across a range of industries, including Professional Services, Insurance and Travel & Tourism.  Whilst living abroad I was nannying for a family of five home-schooled children, running the office at a popular campground and baking gourmet pies – all roles that were a change of scene for me and really fun!  These various paths have led me to a fulfilling role managing the office at Honeybees – my second home of the past seven years!

Four years into my Honeybees journey, I started my own family and have since welcomed now-two-year-old Julian, and Emilia who is one. My heart and hands are now extra full, and I’m loving my new role as a working Mum of two.

My favourite things are camping, backpacking around new countries, diving, cooking, and music & art shows and festivals, and I am starting to introduce these passions into my children’s worlds.  I am grateful to have experienced 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 love seeing the world through new eyes and cannot wait to walk beside my children on many adventures yet to come!

I have been so lucky to be able to combine my love of projects, policy, fun, and all things organisation with being around children in such a creative and happy environment every day.  I love seeing others grow, and enjoy challenging myself at work.  Building rapport with our wonderful Honeybees families is important to me – and  I am thankful to be part of such an international wider group, I think it’s very special!

My name is Juliana and I am the Assistant Head 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 we were first based in the South Island (I adored my year-and-a-half in Queenstown – one of my favourite places in the world!).

Ever since we arrived we’ve been enjoying exploring this beautiful country!  I’m passionate about exploring the world and hope to uncover every hidden gem and vibrant culture it offers!

In 2022 we relocated up to Auckland and I started my beautiful teaching journey at Honeybees.  I feel so lucky to be a part of this amazing team and to spend my days sharing, caring, learning from and teaching my lovely tamariki.  I love seeing the children make new discoveries as they engage in meaningful mat times and partake in exciting group projects.

Working in an environment rich in diverse languages and cultures fills me with immense joy!  Being around such positive little people who always have so many nice things to say, and so much love to give, is a gift and leaves me feeling fulfilled and grateful.

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!

In my spare time I love to spend time with my friends playing board games and cooking yummy food!  A weekend that includes relaxing with my dog, Yumi, and taking care of my vege garden in my new home always leaves me feeling great!

I love getting artistic at Honeybees – especially with face-painting and making cute and creative birthday cards as part of our awesome Celebration Days!

I feel so grateful to be a part of the Honeybees teaching team. Everyone is so nice and kind! For five years now, 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.

Being originally from China I speak Mandarin 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 have 10 years of teaching experience in New Zealand.  Almost all of my teaching experience to date has involved buzzing happily around the Honeybees hive – I really love it here!

I love keeping busy and having a goal to aspire to.  My weekends are filled with lots of DIY projects with my husband and two children.  We love to borrow wonderful collections of books from the library, and then also share the lovely stories with the Honeybees children!

At Honeybees I take particular joy in arranging exciting treasure hunts for the children.  You’ll often find me singing and dancing with the children – I love music and encouraging everyone to get involved!  I believe it 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,  after taking him to see our family in Croatia for the first time.  We built our new home in Auckland together with my father and continue to enjoy helping our vege garden thrive, and enjoying our kaiota (fresh) results!  We are next looking forward to returning to America again later in the year to be a part of one of my best friend’s weddings​!

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 children’s imagination and curiosity.

I feel so grateful to have been part of the Honeybees adventure from the very beginning back in 2014, helping to make every little detail as good as it possibly can be along the way!   

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

I am originally from South Africa and grew up riding horses and dreaming of the future exciting adventures that awaited me in this wide world!  I’ve spent two years teaching English to a wide range of ages in China, and a further three years in Taiwan.  Learning the language, and especially indulging in the incredible local cuisines were real highlights for me!

My next international stop where I would continue my teaching journey was New Zealand, where I’ve found a wonderful home within the Honeybees Hive and family!  In my spare time I love to unwind at the beach and have recently picked up another hobby – golf!  I find it super relaxing and am loving working on my new craft!

I feel genuine happiness when I can be a part of a shared breakthrough, in particular when a child is communicating their needs and interests and I am able to help and positively contribute.  I love the variety in every day at Honeybees, and am passionate about art, and enjoy face-painting (where I can help children to transform into whatever they most desire to be!).  Another favourite part of each day for me is observing children engaging in independent play, as they build, enjoy and explore their own stories, worlds and wonders!

I learn so much every day from the little bees here at Honeybees and am so grateful for the special days we spend together!

My name is Michelle and I am the 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, France, Spain, and Croatia as well as within Ireland and the UK.  I’ve also loved visiting some of our Pacific neighbours – Sāmoa and the Cook Islands were incredible!

When I’m not at Honeybees, I enjoy hanging out with friends, hiking, camping, exploring new parks and beaches, baking, painting and reading.  My (now) husband and I got married recently and are excited to continue our journey in beautiful Aotearoa with our golden retriever, Bailey.

It is great to be a part of such a positive team from all over the world and I am passionate about celebrating the cultures of our tamariki and whānau, too! I have have been dedicated to expanding my knowledge of different languages including te reo Māori, Spanish, Korean and Mandarin.   I love having the opportunity to be creative and help our bees express themselves through art, music and dancing. I love teaching, learning and growing here at Honeybees – it’s been a wonderful seven years so far!

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

I was born in New Zealand, but between ages three and sixteen, grew up just outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  After finishing at Auckland University, I moved to Korea for three years, two of which I spent in their ECE sector, which was a wonderfully fulfilling experience.  I feel I’ve benefited and grown as both a student, and now teacher, from my experiences within three education systems.

I love languages and enjoy conversing in English, Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Bahasa Malaysia.  I am looking forward to learning more and more te reo Māori!  I live at home with my partner, and I am very passionate about video games but am still working towards mastering them!

I am drawn towards the creativity and enthusiasm of young minds, and the children’s beaming smiles bring me great joy.  I feel lucky to spend my days with them and am excited to have the opportunity to explore mana-enhancing pedagogy and incorporate culturally responsive teaching as part of the Honeybees family!

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

I am originally from Waikanae on the Kapiti Coast but now call Auckland home. After spending 10 years living in London, Chris and I moved back to New Zealand in late 2019 with our then 18-month-old daughter, Grace. 

Now, Grace, soon-to-be six, is the proud (and most incredible!) big sister to our two other delightful daughters, Margaux, 3, and Francesca who is nine months. 

At home, we love building forts, spending time with friends, swimming, and exploring our neighbourhood – be it on foot, or by scooter, bike or buggy!

One thing that we really loved about living in the Northern Hemisphere was the ease of travelling to experience different countries and cultures, so we absolutely adore the mix of families and team members we have from all over the world at Honeybees!

It’s these people who inhabit our centre (the team & our children and their families) that make Honeybees unique and special. The space is warm, bright, and engaging – and people have said you can ‘feel the love in the walls’ – which is so beautiful and true!  Chris and I are both proud of and grateful for our people and our environment at Honeybees.

I am currently on Parental Leave with our youngest, but you may catch me round the Hive from time to time catching up with our beloved team. We look forward to having you visit our little oasis in the city, and welcoming you into our Honeybees family!

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

Nine 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 also hold a Child Nutrition and Cooking Certificate from Stanford University’s online school.

I am proud to have worked across 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 in 2022, and I am proud to be sharing my knowledge and skills by cooking delicious food for my little customers, ensuring their tummies are filled with nutritious meals, and helping them to embrace healthy habits!