Meet the Team at Equippers Kids
Our team at Equippers Kids are passionate about children and whanau, and their aspirations, as they set out to foster quality learning for children through our Faith based philosophy.
Susan Willis-Baker
Centre Manager
Susan is our Centre Manager, whose core focus is to create an environment where all children flourish. Although children are unique, creating spaces to develop their full potential is essential.
Susan has held governance, leadership and management roles in Finance, Health and Education. She is also a founding Director of Equippers Kids.
She is passionate about the success of children and families with special interest in the success of Pasifika and Maori children.
Sara Tanielu-Seve
Head Teacher
Sara is the Head Teacher at Equippers Kids. She graduated with a Master of Educational Leadership in 2019, and a Bachelor in Teaching ECE in 2013.
Education has played a major role in her life growing up, as both her parents were teachers in both Samoa and New Zealand.
Louise Gaogao
Administrator
I have worked in ECE centres as an administrator for the past 10 years. I love working in ECE centres as I get to see our children grow and learn.
Simone Rixon
Chef
My name is Simone, a mother of two children, and I am the Centre Cook. I have 14 years’ experience as a cook in the childcare industry. I am dedicated in planning and providing nutritional meals for all children, including those with dietary and cultural requirement.
Ruta Siaosi
Team Leader
I am passionate about children and their development. I enjoy working with them and find it rewarding to explore their interests and see them flourish. I graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Pasifika Education ECE in 2017.
Vaolele Walker
Team Leader
Talofa Lava! My name is Vaolele born & raised in Samoa. My husband David and I have 2 adult children and 2 grandsons who attend Equippers Kids.
I have been in the ECE field for 20+ years and have had the privilege of working in a few centres, taking on different leadership roles and responsibilities.
Kacie Warren
Teacher
I have a passion for working with children, and I enjoy walking, singing, making collages, listening to music and being creative.
Lusitania Li’ava’a
Team Leader
I hold a Bachelor Degree of Education in ECE and a postgraduate certificate in Education. I am a passionate educator who desires Gods best for our Tamariki.
Jenny Lopez
Teacher Support
I am originally from the Philippines and have worked in the ECE environment for some time. I enjoy working with children.
Mariu Feau
Teacher
Mariu Feau holds a bachelor of teaching and worldview studies, and has been teaching for 5 years. She is of Maori and European descent. Mariu enjoys visual arts and being creative, and loves to share this with tamariki.
Honella Gray
Teacher Trainee
I believe that teaching children is a calling. I love teaching and learning alongside children. I consider it a privilege to help children develop in every area of their lives. I am currently studying for a Bachelor of Education (ECE).
Aswinta Chand
Teacher Support
I have worked in ECE and love learning. I genuinely enjoy meeting people and making new friends.
Grace Sanele
Teacher Support
Grace is one of the support staff at Equippers Kids. Grace loves playing sport, especially Touch and turbo touch. She also enjoys eating out and new experiences. In addition, Grace loves working with children and watching them grow in confidence and develop.
May Falaniko
Teacher
Talofa lava, my name is May I graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching ECE in 2012 at the University of Auckland.
My husband and I have 4 children and 3 grandchildren, I enjoy cooking and baking in my spare time. My faith in Christ determines how I carry myself and how I build relationships with staff, tamariki and their families.
Autumn Reid
Teacher
I am a passionate and dedicated teacher. I love nurturing inquisitive minds to enable greater confidence and the ability to navigate challenges. In addition, I use my love of the world and the environment to provide children with learning opportunities. I am also completing my Bachelor of Education (ECE).
Sarah Piho
Teacher Support
I have two young daughters and enjoy growing and learning alongside children.
Aiaraisa Su’a
Teacher
I love to teach and learn alongside children. Being able to build trusting relationships with them is so important. I enjoy watching children grow into confident and competent individuals. I graduated from AUT in 2017 with a Bachelor of Pasifika Education ECE.
Lydia Sheck
Teacher Support
I am positive, creative and eager to help children learn. I love having fun and motivating children to learn through different mediums.
Alilia Walker
Teacher Support
I have two young children and have worked as a Teacher Aide supporting children with special needs. Some of my hobbies include music, art, and performing arts.
Betty Pulefolau-Kolos
Teacher
I love to work with children and support their learning. I have been inspired by the opportunity teaching offers each child to reach their full potential. I am a strong advocate for neuro-diverse children, specifically autistic children and their families.
Zeonie du Toit
Chef
I am a qualified Chef. I am from South Africa, and moved to New Zealand in 2020 with my husband and daughter Emma.
My role is to create nutritious menus that are heart healthy and full of flavour for our tamariki.