Meet Our Dream Team
Daynah - Centre Owner/Director
Kia ora e te whaanau,
I am excited to share with you a little about me and the vision I share with the team here at Rose and Clive. So you’re looking for care that fits your family? Such an exciting new journey, but one that certainly does not come without it’s doubts and anxieties. Maybe you’re thinking“Am I doing the right things? Will they care for my child as I do? What if my child is upset and they don’t know all of their special quirks?”. Rest assured, we have got this. We know that family is number one, and we can never be the person you are to your child. But we do hope to become an extension of your family as we share in partnership in the nurturing of your precious children. We know that you know your child better than anyone, and our role is to support and honour this special relationship you share. We are absolutely committed to providing the highest quality care for your child and becoming a home away from home for your family. The vision we have for Rose and Clive might sound a little familiar to you, as it really is what we consider a cosy home away from home.
Growing up, you could find me up at the crack of dawn you would find me heading down the farm to feed the bobby calves I was determined to save, before heading off to school. I was privileged to enjoy our beautiful country-side alongside my siblings, swimming in creeks, climbing the tallest trees and connecting with animals big and small.
At Rose and Clive, your children will be seen for the unique spirit they bring to our space and celebrated for it. We acknowledge the holistic nature of a child’s well-being and all that makes up the whole child, the physical, spiritual, emotional, social elements of the child. We’re not in a rush here, instead we follow the rhythms of the child. We know that children do not come to us alone, but with their whaanau alongside and within them and with that comes a multitude of prior knowledge and gifts to share. My vision is for all children to feel a sense of belonging in our space, the world and within themselves. That’s why we hand-pick nurturing, inspired and passionate teaching professionals to walk hand and hand with your child along their learning journey with us. At Rose and Clive, we never shy away from a cuddle, we connect with children through genuine, heart-centered interactions and we strive to always maintain a space that ensures children feel safe.
My promise to you is that your child is safe here, in every way and that Rose and Clive is your space too, for a cup of tea and a chat, to breastfeed or change your littlest ones, to spend as much time as you like just being. We can never hope to love your child as much as you do, but be assured that we will try.
I am looking forward to working in partnership with you and our amazing team of talented child experts, who will hold, love, care for and treasure your child.
Arohanui,
Daynah.
Amy - Centre Manager
Handpicked by Daniel and Daynah, who trust her to carry forward the vision of our centre, Amy is a qualified and passionate teacher with extensive management experience in early childhood education.
Her bubbly personality, honesty, and dedication to creating a nurturing environment for children make her a perfect fit for our team.
Amy is known for her warmth, strong communication skills, and her ability to foster positive relationships with both children and adults alike. She wholeheartedly believes in our centre’s philosophy and is committed to keeping things as they are. Amy will be here five days a week, from 8:30 to 4:30 (give or take), and will also be supporting in a teaching role in Wairere to cover the team’s lunch breaks.
She’s here to enrich the experience for both our teachers and families at Rose and Clive, and her open-door policy means she’s always available to listen and support families, kaiako and children.
Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time with her family—her husband, Patty, and their two sons, Rhyka and Zayde. We are so lucky to have her joining our Rose and Clive whanau, and we can’t wait for you all to experience her positive energy, honesty, and wonderful leadership!
Latoya - Kaiako
Our dedicated and knowledgeable Latoya has joined the team here at Rose and Clive as a valued kaiako, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of early childhood education. We are delighted to have her as part of our team.
Latoya's practice is profoundly influenced by Nathan Wallis' teachings on child development, emphasizing the importance of fostering good brain development. Her expertise and commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching learning environment for children are truly commendable. Latoya firmly believes in creating a sense of safety and belonging, viewing early childhood education as the modern-day whānau—a concept we wholeheartedly support.
As a devoted mother to three beautiful children herself, Latoya understands the significance of creating a warm and secure environment where children can thrive. Her experience as a parent and her dedication to supporting children's growth and development add depth and understanding to her role as a kaiako.
Latoya's passion for early childhood education shines through her interactions with children and her ability to create meaningful connections with each child under her care. She strives to ensure that every child feels seen, heard, and valued. Latoya's knowledge and expertise make her an invaluable member of our team, contributing to the overall educational experience we provide at Rose and Clive.
We are grateful to have Latoya on our team, as her dedication to supporting children's development aligns perfectly with our center's values and vision. Her warm and compassionate nature, coupled with her extensive knowledge, make her an exceptional kaiako who positively impacts the lives of the children in our care.
Welcome, Latoya! We are excited to collaborate with you in creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment for our children.
Selina - Kaiako
Selina is a kind, helpful, empathetic, and thoughtful soul who brings an unwavering sense of calm and delight to our space. Selina is not only a wonderful kaiako, but also a beautiful person, loving friend to all, a nurturing māmā to her sons; Grayson and Noah and a loving fiancé to Rikki.
Selina is a true joy to be around and brings with her a wealth of understanding and nurturing to our pēpi and their whaanau. Selina has been working in homebased education and an early learning centre prior to finding her way to Rose and Clive. Selina embodies a true culture of kindness and her calm wairua is the perfect addition our team.
When you step into our space, you will be captivated by the loving embrace of Selina. Her nurturing dispositions and her cuddly presence makes her the perfect advocate for our smallest pēpi.
Selina’s team mates describe her as someone who is a true team player in every situation. She is kind to kaiako, whaanau and tamariki, with the biggest heart. She will help anyone at the drop of a hat and is thoughtful in the ways she communicates to all. Selina is always one step ahead and she is onto things before you could even blink.
I cannot wait for you all to meet Selina, this gal wears her heart on her sleeve and has the very best intentions. Thank you for joining us Selina, you are something extra special.
Saumya - Kaiako
Saumya brings a warm and loving personality that makes her a wonderful addition to our team. She has a special way of connecting with children, often described as having a motherly touch that draws them to her.
Saumya has a real passion for working with our little ones and is committed to fostering a nurturing environment where they can thrive. She will be with us five days a week, and her presence truly does enrich our community.
Shannon - Kaiako
Shannon brings warmth and positivity wherever she goes. With her bubbly personality and genuine kindness, she has a natural gift for connecting with tamariki. Shannon's extensive knowledge in early childhood education, combined with her passion for nurturing young minds, makes her an invaluable member of our team.
A loving mum to three beautiful boys, Shannon understands the importance of care, support, and empowerment in every child's development. She is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where all tamariki feel valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
We are thrilled to have Shannon as part of our whānau. Her vibrant energy and loving approach will make a positive impact, and we’re sure you’ll adore her as much as we do!
Monique - Kaiako
What a find we have in Mon! Monique is an absolute gem. She wears her heart on her sleeve, she will advocate for what is right and is a caring and hands-on kaiako. Mon is a child advocate through and through and upholds the mana and spirit of tamariki through the way she communicates and cares for each child.
After the first question in her interview, I knew she had to be on our team. Mon is a kind spirit who cares for and loves all of those around her - Respect is at the heart of her teaching philosophy and is at the core of who she is as a teacher and learner.
If I had to describe Mon in three words, it would be inclusive, respectful, and by golly, she is passionate. This gal has fire in her belly and was drawn to Rose and Clive as it encompasses her favourite things; kindness, empathy and trust.
Mon grew up around children, her mum was a home based teacher and teaching our youngest peepi truly is in Monique’s blood. This awesome kaiako relocated to Matamata just over a year ago and is living the dream out on a lifestyle block, in a converted shipping container, true off grid living. What a lifestyle! She lives with her partner Dion and their wee growing zoo.
Thank you for being you Mon, you’re a perfect addition to our team.
Victoria - Kaiako
Victoria is a full-time kaiako here in Kaimai. A mum of two herself, she brings a unique warmth and care to everything she does. Victoria describes herself as a “cozy mother figure,” and this truly shines through in the nurturing, positive relationships she builds with our tamariki. Her gentle and supportive presence makes her an absolute joy to have on the team. We feel incredibly fortunate to have Victoria with us, knowing that her caring nature will continue to bring comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging to everyone she works with.
Sharon - Kaiako
With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Sharon brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for nurturing tamariki. Having spent much of her career in kindergarten, Sharon excels at creating a warm, loving environment where tamariki feel supported, safe, and valued.
Her teaching philosophy centers around fostering social competence, helping tamariki develop skills like empathy, communication, and cooperation. Sharon is dedicated to ensuring each tamaiti feels seen, heard, and confident as they learn to navigate the world around them.
Outside of the classroom, Sharon is a proud and doting nana, and she treasures her time with family. Whether it’s taking a trip away to explore new places or simply enjoying quiet moments together, Sharon’s heart is always full of love and care—which she brings into every interaction with her tamariki.
Known for her kindness, patience, and understanding, Sharon leaves a lasting impact on every tamaiti she works with. Her experience and nurturing spirit make her an invaluable member of our teaching team.
Alison - Kaiako
Meet our cheeky, animal loving kaiako, Ali! Alison is a sweet and loving soul who is a fantastic colleague, friend and kaiako to many.
Alison has worked in ECE around the Waikato for 21 years before deciding to try something a wee bit different; working in a rest home. Nearly a year on, she was biting at the bit to come back teaching and here she is (lucky us!)
Alison is one of those people who you feel innately safe with – her cheeky smile across the room, loving hand on the shoulder and incredibly hysterical banter makes for a warm and loving addition to our team. She is extremely loyal and will give every inch of herself to her team and tamariki. Ali is a Matamata local who spends her spare time with her dogs (Ella and Millie), pottering in the garden and spending time enjoying her home with her loving partner. Ali is a selfless and loyal whaanau member to all of the special people in her life.
Ali’s heart lies with being a hands-on teacher, providing a rich programme and environment encompassing discovery through respect, investigation, exploration, and dispositional learning. This gem has a special soul and an innate understanding of children and what they deserve. She believes that children need a cosy nook where respectful and nurturing kaiako is abundant and a place to belong. We feel very grateful to have a kaiako with us who so deeply believes in social competency, learning dispositions and meeting children where they are, all of the time.
Thank you for joining us Ali, you truly are a fantastic find – my heart is so happy that you are on our team.
Destini - Kaiako
Destini is the kind of kiakao that makes space for tamariki. She is a quiet pocket rocket. One that you feel deeply before you hear. Her smile lights up the room and we just love her for it. Destini comes to us with her bubba Arlo who will join us in ruma Wairere.
Her teaching philosophy is deeply embedded with values that align beautifully with that of Rose and Clive. She values mauri (life-essence), empowerment, authenticity and self awareness.
She hopes to:
“guide tamariki to find their place in the world and enjoy the fruits of life to the fullest potential; empowered within themselves knowing that their voice and place holds value and power.”
She is the kind of kaiako who keeps tamariki at the heart of her actions and planning. She places value in the importance whanaungatanga plays as part of the tamaiti holistic journey. These values have helped her in her own discovery journey and she now shares this with us all.