The Team

Ann

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 38 years ago and have seen my five sons all attend kindy here.

I have enjoyed watching and learning from the teachers 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 7 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.

• Worked at this kindergarten for 10 1/2 years

Karyn

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.

• Worked at this kindergarten for 15 years
• Other languages spoken: Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi

Kirsten

Teacher | 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 at this kindergarten October 2023

Maria

Teacher | Bachelor of Education (ECE)

Talofa lave, my name is Maria. I am of Samoan descent, and I have lived in West Auckland my whole life. I started teaching in 2013 after I completed my studies at AUT.

I enjoy supporting young children through all the learning that takes place in the early years. I believe that all children are made in the image of God, and I love knowing that I play a role in helping them learn from a Christian world view.

No two days are the same here at Avondale Christian Kindergarten.

• Worked at this kindergarten for 8 years
• Other languages spoken: Samoan

Mary  

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

Casey

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.

• Have worked at this kindergarten for 3 1/2 years

Nina 

Teacher | Bachelor of Education (Primary)

• Started working at this kindergarten In January 2025

Teresa

Administrator

Kia Ora, my name is Teresa.

I am enjoying my role as an administrator. It is a privilege to serve the kindy whānau, and I love how there is always more to learn!

My boys have both come to this kindergarten, and it has been great watching them learn and grow, surrounded by Christian love and teaching.

I enjoy teaching preschoolers in kids’ church, and have always been amazed and encouraged by how much of God’s truth young children can learn.

Erin 

Family Support Person

Hi everyone, my name is Erin and I have lived locally in Auckland my entire life. My husband Caleb and I, have three young daughters – Blake, Olive and Briar(who attends Avondale Christian Kindergarten currently)

Prior to becoming a mother, I trained and worked as a florist and I also hold a Bachelors degree in Sport and Recreation. I am currently also working part time at Jireh Christian School as part of their Sports Administration team.

Outside of work you will likely find me spending time with my family, outside exploring in nature. We really enjoy heading out on adventures in the bush or the local beaches.

I enjoy meeting and connecting with new people and I am very ,much looking forward to connecting with you all and working closely with your whānau and tamariki as the Family Support person here at Avondale Christian Kindergarten!

Started working at this kindergarten in May 2025