Our Teachers

All our teachers are qualified early childhood educators and undertake regular professional development to keep them abreast of emerging trends in our field. Meet our Teachers from our Centres.

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  Maria Salt
  Maria Salt is Founder and Managing Director of Natural Steps. I have over 25 years experience in the care and education industry; I hold a nursing qualification, worked overseas as a nanny and have a Diploma of Teaching (ECE). I am an advocate for quality in early childhood for children and families. As a mother of two children this has given me valuable insight from a parent's perspective. I am a member of national and international childcare organizations and have attended and presented at national and international conferences. Welcome to Natural Steps.

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  Marie Reynolds
  I have worked in early childhood for 15 years, as a Nanny and in centres. I graduated with a Diploma of Teaching (ECE) in 2003 and soon after took my first position as a Centre Manager. I came to Natural Steps when it opened in February 2009. I am dedicated to ensuring Natural Steps is the best early childhood centre. That means building a team of passionate, professional teachers and staff, who work with and alongside our families to foster happy, healthy children with a love for learning and discovery.

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  Emma Hopkinson
  Kia Ora, I am Emma Hopkinson the Centre Director of Natural Steps Ellerslie Village. My partner and I are loving parents to our daughter called Natalia. I hold a Bachelor of Education (ECE) and have been with our team for ten years. I enjoy playing outdoor netball for Mellon’s Bay, walking my Terrier Duke and keeping busy with friends and family

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  Joann Radford
  Kia Ora, My name is Joann Radford, Center Manager of Natural Steps Ellerslie. I have worked in the Early Childhood field since 1994, gaining my Diploma of Teaching in 2005, I still find my passion and enthusiasm in regards to teaching growing each and every day. Originally from Rotorua, I now reside in Botany with my husband Rex, daughters Jordania and Corbin and granddaughter Aria.

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  Rozana Sokol
  My name is Rozana Sokol and I am the head teacher in Preschool One. I have a Bachelor of Education as well as my full teachers registration. I have been working in the Early Childhood industry for 8 years. I enjoy watching children grow and learn and I love being a part of their early development. When I'm not at work, I enjoy going shopping, hanging out with friends and going out for a good old boogie.

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  Alex Balhorn
  Hi, my name is Alex Balhorn and I am the Head teacher in Preschool two. I have been here at Natural Steps Ellerslie for the last two and half years, where I have loved my time within this room. I spent my time studying at Auckland University to gain my Bachelor of Education and am currently working towards my Teacher registration. I am the mother to three year old, Noah who also attends the preschool here at Natural Steps. During my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, reading, playing sports and watching my little boy grow.

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  Maggie Xu
  Hello, Kia ora, my name is Maggie Xu and I am the Head Teacher of the Toddler room, Natural Steps Ellerslie. I currently hold a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood). I have been part of the team since the center was opened in February, 2009. I have two sons aged 9 and 7, who always keep me busy. I love reading, gardening, and going on holiday with my family.

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  Andy McCulloch
  Hi, I am the Head Teacher in Nursery Two, Natural Steps Ellerslie. I have been an Early Childhood teacher for approximately 17 years. Most of my teaching career has been in Thames, in the Coromandel Peninsular. I have 3 ‘fur’ children- my cats Jack, Scooter and Kitty. My interests include Loooooong distance running and then resting.

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  Rebecca Goh
  Kia ora, my name is Rebecca Goh. I’m a Head Teacher at Natural Steps Ellerslie. I live locally with my husband Alan and my cat Ranger, but am originally from Kawerau, a small forestry town in the Bay of Plenty. Being part of a rather large family (one brother and five sisters), I have always been used to having people and children around. I graduated in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in Education from the Auckland College of Education. After finishing my studies I worked at a centre in Onehunga for 6 months before heading off on my big O.E. I really enjoy travelling, gardening, and trying out home renovations – but some things I still need to practice.

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  Avei Niko
  Kia Ora, my name is Avei Niko and I am the Head Teacher in the Infant Villa at Natural Steps Ellerslie Village. I hold a Bachelor of Education in teaching and have been part of the teaching team for four years. I have three daughters who keep me very busy and I enjoy playing sports, reading, spending time with my family and friends and going on holidays.

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  Tiffany Sutherland
  Kia Ora, my name is Tiffany and I work as a Head Teacher at Natural Steps Ellerslie Village as the Preschool Villa Head Teacher. I have 10 years experience in Early Childhood and am in the third year of my teaching degree. I live in Howick with my husband James and our baby Milo (the chocolate Labrador). In my spare time I enjoy running, playing netball for Mellon’s Bay and spending time with my friends and whanau.

• Sara Russ
  Hi my name is Sara Russ and I am a specialised Music and Movement Teacher at the Natural Steps centres. I have been working in Early Childhood for over 10 years and graduated with my degree in 2006. I have a real passion for music and love to see children’s coordination and musical abilities grow as they learn new songs and dances and how they enjoy exploring the diverse aspects of music, dance, and drama. I have some great fun learning opportunities in store for the children and can’t wait to share them all. Life is a dance floor, you are the music.