Nicole Honiss | Director
Nicole’s vision for Little Sparrows is to provide a well-resourced, supportive environment where each staff member, child, and their families, feel a genuine sense of belonging. Nicole strongly believes that every child deserves the best care and education possible. She endeavours to ensure that each child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential while having fun learning in a safe and stimulating environment.
Heritage – French and Italian
Caroline Barns-Graham | Centre Manager
I am a mother of two strong girls, a keen and social hiker, walker and ocassional runner who loves to hit the gym now and then with friends. I have such a love for nature and marvel in how beautiful our country is to explore. I am also a passionate teacher with a particular interest in relational learning and leadership. As a leader I believe that relationships are the key to all improved teaching and learning outcomes for akonga.I place great value on quality experiences that support children in building their social skills and understanding. I believe the tamariki do not stand alone when they enter the centre and hold the relationships that they have within their whānau and in the community in high regard. The importance of these relationships is vital in supporting each child and their whakapapa to blossom and integral in ensuring whānau are woven into nga tamariki learning journey. As adults we have much to learn much from children; they have a lot to tell us, listening closely is the key. Integral to my philosophy is the belief that children should be respected as whole individuals, living in the now, with the mātauranga of their ancestors. Through this we build honest and trusting relationships with the children and their parents/caregivers/whānau; to provide an interesting, stimulating and challenging environment where they all feel a sense of belonging, value and security.
Heritage – Scottish
Nastasja Woodlock | Supervisor
Nastasja (aka Stasja) is the Supervisor in our Tuakana and Teina rooms (Infant and Toddler rooms). Nastasja completed a Bachelor of Social Science’s with a double major in Psychology and Human Development in 2010. Having always being drawn to working with children, she pursued a career in ECE which led her to complete her Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE) in 2014, and is now a fully registered teacher.
Nastasja and her husband have three sons; Julian, Jasper and Samson.
Nastasja is a nurturer by heart and her passion lies with infant and toddler care, She is passionate about providing quality learning experiences for our tamariki, in a nurturing and loving environment, making her the perfect leader for these rooms. We are so fortunate to have Natasja as part of our leadership team, and look forward to seeing her further progress her career here at Little Sparrows.
Kayla Bromwich | Teacher
Kayla has been in the Early Childhood industry for many years and has since finished her Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) in 2020. Kayla’s passion for teaching lies with the toddler and pre-school age group and having two of her own children has deepened her love for early childhood education. Her teaching philosophy can be seen as RIE based, as she respects and encourages children to learn and develop at their own pace.
Kayla is of British, Scandinavian, French and Fijian heritage and has been living in the Waipa district since 2011. Kayla recently moved to Kihikihi with her husband and children. They enjoy spending time together and being outside in nature.
Kayla is excited to get to know you and your tamariki and we are so pleased to have Kayla and her whanau as part of our community!
Sarah Harper | Teacher
Sarah completed a Bachelor of Teaching in 2012 and has been spent time working in Hawkes Bay, King Country and now in Cambridge. Sarah currently lives with her partner and their son Stefan. Sarah enjoys working with infants and has a passion for providing messy and sensory play experiences. She believes in forming respectful relationships with children and encouraging them to explore freely. We love having Sarah as part of our teaching team and are excited for the year ahead with her.
Astrid Hubbard | Teacher
Astrid completed a Bachelor of Teaching in 2007, and during that time has worked in various early childhood centres in the Waikato Region as well a stint teaching in the Middle East! During her time teaching she has discovered that she has a passion for the infant and toddler age group. Astrid is a firm believer in following respectful practice and loves guiding children along their learning journeys.
Astrid enjoys living in Cambridge with her husband and two daughters. In her spare time she enjoys exploring nature, shopping and spending time with her family and friends. Astrid looks forward to getting to know you and your tamariki, and we are lucky to have her in our team!
Marianne Cameron | Teacher
Marianne moved to Cambridge from South Taranaki with her husband and three children back in 2017. Marianne found moving to the beautiful Waikato was the best move to make as a family, as it has allowed them to create wonderful opportunities for work, education and lifestyle.
Marianne is a kind and caring nurturer who has been teaching in the early childhood sector for 20 plus years. She is a passionate infant and toddler teacher and enjoys being part of your children’s learning journey. Marianne looks forward to getting to know you and spending quality time with you and your children.
Baylee Carnate | Teacher Aide
Baylee grew up in a large close knit family in Cambridge, who are still very close to this day.
Baylee lives in Kihikihi with her husband and two young boys and has a passion for Early Childhood Education. Baylee strives to provide a home away from home environment for our tamariki and enjoys having fun and creating magical memories with the tamariki at Little Sparrows.
We are so pleased to have Baylee as part of our Little Sparrows community.
Claudia Higginbotham | Student Teacher
Claudia has been working in early childhood education since 2019, and is currently studying towards her Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). Claudia was born and bred in the United Kingdom, and has spent many years travelling the world, experiencing different cultures before settling in Aotearoa. This sense of adventure and exploration is seen through her interactions with both tamariki and whanau. Claudia has a strong passion for child-led play, supporting the tamariki to follow their interests and passions as they explore their home away from home. We are so pleased to have Claudia as part of our teaching team!
Hana Tupuola | Student Teacher
Talofa lava! My name is Hana and I moved to Cambridge from Napier at the end of April 2023. I am currently studying towards my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and have been working in Early Childhood education since 2018. I have a huge passion for teaching children as they bring me so much joy and happiness and I strive to provide a loving and nurturing environment for them to grow and develop in. I look forward to getting to know you and your tamariki soon!