Meet Our Team

Tēnā koutou katoa, warm greetings to you all. Ko Jeanny Nikora taku ingoa, ko Rangitoto te maunga, ko Waitematā te moana, kei Glenfield taku kāinga, no ramaki Makaurau ahau. I graduated from AUT University with a Bachelor in Montessori Early Childhood Education. I'm happily married to my husband Tataihono, and we are blessed with two beautiful children, Hēpara (3) and Rawiri (10 months). In my spare time I enjoy cooking, sewing, knitting, and singing choral music.

I bring with me 10 years of experience in early childhood education, including five years as a Head Teacher and Supervisor. These years have deepened my love for the work and strengthened my commitment to creating nurturing, child-centred environments. I am passionate about teaching and nurturing the growth of each individual child as we walk alongside each other as a community of learners. I believe that the Montessori philosophy provides us with the environment and tools to discover and be intrigued about the world around us. I am thrilled and honoured to be part of the Triton Montessori team, and look forward to the journey we will share together. Ngā aroha i a tangata i a tangata — respect and love for one another.

My name is Serena, and I'm very excited to be part of the Triton Montessori whānau. I am originally from China and speak both Chinese and English fluently. I'm also a proud mum to a 4-year-old daughter named Ariana. I am a fully registered teacher with over four years of experience in early childhood education, and I have always had a strong passion for working with our youngest tamariki. I feel privileged to play a special role in each child's learning journey, supporting them as they explore, grow, and develop. I particularly enjoy observing and empowering tamariki as they engage with loose parts and open-ended resources to discover the world around them.

In my spare time, I love doing yoga and learning different kinds of dance. I also enjoy sharing these interests with children — there's something truly joyful about dancing and stretching together! I'm really looking forward to creating wonderful memories with our tamariki and their whānau.

Ahn nyoung ha se yo (hello) — I am Hanyi, a Tūi Room kaiako (teacher) who loves little tamariki and enjoys playing the ukulele with them, creating a joyful and creative environment. The values I cherish the most are the New Zealand Te Whāriki and RIE (Respectful Infant Education) philosophy. The RIE philosophy emphasises respecting children and supporting their natural growth. I respect Tūi children's abilities and independence, encouraging their curiosity and exploration. I provide a free environment where children can discover themselves and learn actively.

Through precious moments with Tūi children, I strive to practise the RIE philosophy and become a kaiako filled with respect and love. Thank you!

Kia ora, my name is Emma, and I am a qualified ECE teacher. I enjoy spending time with our children and supporting their learning by using my professional teaching strategies. Most of my strategies are inspired by Montessori, which keeps me a lifelong learner. What I am most proud of in my job as an ECE teacher is building partnerships with parents and working together to provide the best for our children. My nine-month-old girl, Evelyn, is also in the Kiwi Room. It is a fantastic time for me and my family at Triton Montessori.

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, watching movies, and travelling. Additionally, most weekends my husband and I love searching for places with good food! So, if you know somewhere that offers good food, please come and tell me — I would greatly appreciate it!

Kia ora e te whānau. Apa khabar? I'm Amanda Lee, originally from the vibrant land of Malaysia. I'm an AMI Montessori certified qualified teacher. In March 2023, my daughter and I moved to New Zealand, driven by my passion for Montessori and early childhood education and my desire to build a meaningful career in this field. Since then, I've embraced the rich culture of this beautiful country, learning Māori words and songs, and I have grown to love life here.

When I'm not immersed in studies, I enjoy a diverse range of passions such as tennis, paddleboarding, baking, and craftwork. I'm cheerful and upbeat, and I'm a big fan of Korean cuisine.

Kia ora, my name is Vanni Halligan and I am a fully registered teacher with more than 10 years of experience. I'm part of the Kauri Room team and I really enjoy working at Triton Montessori. Originally from Indonesia, I came to New Zealand in 2012 and now happily call it home. I have a degree in psychology from Indonesia and a teaching degree from New Zealand. I live in Torbay with my husband and our two beautiful girls, who came through early childhood and are now off at primary school.

In my spare time, I love watching, reading books, and spending time with my little family. Having good relationships and respect with tamariki, their whānau, and kaiako are the most important part of my teaching philosophy. I also believe in supporting and helping children to learn and grow in their own pace and interests.

Hi, I'm Omega. I come from Beijing, China. I like dancing and snowboarding, and I'm also a foodie — I love tasting different snacks and dishes from all around the world.

I enjoy cooking nutritious meals at home for my daughter, and I hope the children at Triton Montessori enjoy my cooking too!