Our teachers are all registered, experienced and dedicated to providing the best possible education for your child. We have a stable team of 100 % fully qualified teachers from several nationalities who have been with us for many years.
Come and meet us today.
Ann Hunt
Manager
Kia Ora, my name is Ann. I do enjoying my role here at Avondale Christian Kindergarten as manager, supporting our Kaiako & whānau. I first joined this kindy as a parent 39 years ago and have seen my five sons all attend kindy here.
I have enjoyed watching and learning from the kaiako interacting with and educating the tamariki – there is so much involved. Our Kaiako do such an amazing job. I very much enjoy my role as Oma (grandmother) to my 8 mokopuna. I see through my interactions with them and the tamariki here at kindy, what an important task parenting pre-schoolers is, but also very hard.
- Started at working at this kindergarten February 2015
Kirsten Alger
Team Leader | Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
Kia ora, my name is Kirsten Alger. I was born and raised in West Auckland. I have a Bachelor of Education (ECE) and graduated in 2020.
I strive to provide a fun, engaging environment, full of rich learning experiences, where children grow in their knowledge of being competent and confident children of God. I am passionate about the child and their learning community being surrounded with love, just as Christ loves us.
I’m excited to be on this learning journey together. Aroha mai.
- Started working at this kindergarten October 2023
Karyn Coutinho
Teacher | Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood & Primary)
Kia Ora, my name is Karyn. I emigrated from Mumbai, India with my husband and two children in 2004 to make New Zealand our home. I have been teaching for nearly 30 years. I have been at Avondale Christian Kindergarten since 2010.
Building reciprocal relationships with children and their whānau based on trust is very important to me. Through my interactions with our tamariki, I would like to reflect God’s amazing and undeserving love for us. I am passionate about literacy and maths from an early age through play.
I enjoy cooking and running a Christian youth group at the University of Auckland campus with my husband Neville.
- Started working at this kindergarten January 2010
- Other languages spoken: Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi
Casey Spemann
Teacher | Bachelor of Education (ECE)
Kia Ora, my name is Casey. I qualified to be an Early Childhood teacher at the end of 2024.
Avondale Christian Kindergarten was my home centre while studying and I have been able to continue working here, now as a registered teacher. I attend a Christian fellowship in Glen Eden .
I enjoy bush walks and exploring New Zealand beaches. Learning different languages is something I’m passionate about.
I believe each child is a gift from God and I am looking forward to working alongside your children, not only teaching them, but learning from them as well.
- Started working at this Kindergarten March 2021
Mary Fa’amusili
Teacher | Graduate Diploma ECE
Kia ora, talofa, my name is Mary. I was born and raised in New Zealand and have lived in Auckland all my life.
I studied Health Science at AUT and received my degree in Psychology in 2020. I then completed my Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) through the University of Auckland in 2021.
I pray for God’s grace, wisdom and love to shine through as I encourage, support, and guide our tamariki (children) on their learning journeys. I am truly blessed to be among such amazing like-minded kaiako (teachers). Thank you for entrusting your tamariki, your precious taonga (treasure) with us.
God bless
- Started working at this kindergarten in January 2024
- Other languages spoken: Samoan
Nina Chai
Teacher | Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Kia Ora!
My name is Nina Valentine. I was born and raised on the North Shore of Auckland in the house my dad grew up in. I have a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and graduated from Bethlehem Tertiary Institute in 2021. I am also currently training to be a Christian Birth Educator and Doula to be able to support families and mums through pregnancy, birth and postpartum!
My passion is to foster and nurture a love for learning in all tamariki. I believe that learning is a God given gift and desire that with encouragement can inspire tamariki and those around them towards the love of Christ. I feel very blessed to be starting this new journey at Avondale Christian Kindy where I am able to freely share this passion and love!
Some of my hobbies include crocheting, sewing, hiking, going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, singing, and more!!
- Started working at this kindergarten In January 2025
Trina Spemann
Teacher | Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Kia Ora!
I am Teacher Trina. I have been married to my husband Paul since 1996, and we have four older children (Teacher Casey being one of them) and one daughter-in-law.
I hold a Bachelor of Education in Primary Education and started my teaching career as a Primary Teacher.
I have been part of Avondale Christian Kindergarten Whānau in many different roles, the first as a parent when my son started in 2004 and now I have the privilege of being a kaiako of your precious tamariki. I attend a little Christian fellowship in Glen Eden.
Aroha Nui
- Started working at this kindergarten In 2017
Estela Maramag-Harword
Teacher Assistant
Mabuhay! My name is Estela, but you can call me Ella. I was born and raised in the Philippines, and I moved to New Zealand in 2013. I studied psychology and have always had a passion for helping others. I have experience coaching and supporting job seekers as a recruitment advisor, and now I enjoy supporting our amazing teachers and children where I am needed.
Working with little ones has always been a passion of mine, especially as a parent myself. It’s incredible how much you can learn from children while guiding them every step of the way. I strongly believe that children are a blessing from God, and with the right guidance, will use their gifts to serve him as they grow.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy trying different types of cuisine, being outdoors, singing, dancing, reading and watching movies and series. 🙂
- Started working at this kindergarten In April 2026
Mana Napara
Administrator
Kia Orana Everyone. My name is Mana and I was born on the island of Rarotonga, and raised on the island of Manihiki, which is in the northern part of the Cook Islands.
I have a 18 year old daughter, a cat named Lexi and a kitten named Potato.
I fellowship at EV Church in Hillsborough and I love serving within the church!
I have over 15 years of finance and complex administration experience and I have a passion for numbers
My hobbies are songwriting, listening to music, playing instruments and spending time with family and friends, amongst other interests!
- Started working at this kindergarten in July 2026