Our team

Children and an adult in a classroom or play area surrounded by various educational toys and games. The children are sitting on the floor next to the adult, who is standing facing them. Toys and educational materials are on a wooden shelf and tables in the foreground.

Our teaching kaupapa

We strive to provide a place in which children are and feel valued, He taonga te tamaiti. As Kaiako we believe in assisting children to construct their own knowledge and understanding through learning at their own pace, building on their strengths, following their interests and collaborating with others.

​We believe in children developing an innate curiosity and love of learning. We value each child as a unique and capable individual with the right to be fully included.

We embrace identity, culture and language as essential ingredients to success for all children. Te Ao Māori, Tikanga Māori and Te Reo Māori are seen as taonga to be valued and promoted.  

As a teaching team, developing collaborative and holistic understandings of each child’s learning and our teaching practice is at the core of curriculum. Researching, self-reflection and intuition are seen as vital teaching tools. 

Trustful responsive relationships with whànau and tamariki inform teaching and learning, kaiako strive to co-construct solid foundations within each child to thrive as lifelong learners.

Our team

Meet our dedicated and passionate kaiako

  • A smiling woman with blonde braided hair, wearing a black cardigan with white trim over a pink dress with a geometric pattern, stands in a classroom with educational posters and shelves filled with supplies in the background.

    Bethany O'Hagan - Centre Manager & Kaiako/Teacher

    I am deeply committed to creating a learning environment where tamariki, whānau, and kaiako feel a genuine sense of belonging and empowerment. Having lived and worked in the Wellington all my life, I value the strong connections within our community and the opportunities these relationships provide for learning and growth.

    I am passionate about mentoring and see it as a privilege to walk alongside teachers on their professional journeys. I believe in ako - reciprocal learning - where we all have knowledge to share and wisdom to gain. For me, the environment is a powerful teacher. I strive to foster spaces that spark curiosity, creativity, and joy while reflecting the uniqueness of every child. I embrace diversity and see neurodiversity as a strength, recognising that every learner brings their own richness to our community. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that Crossways is a place where relationships thrive, children are inspired and everyone feels valued for who they are.

  • Smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a dark sweater and green scarf featuring leaf patterns, standing in front of a green display board with various pictures and informational materials.

    Yoko Farrow - Kaiako/Teacher

    ​I am passionate about providing an environment where children can explore – I love it when children try things out, make discoveries and establish working theories. Learning should be a fun and positive experience to encourage lifelong learning.

  • Smiling woman wearing a red hoodie and a headscarf, indoors near a bulletin board.

    Naomi Yuhara - Kaiako/Teacher

    I have been an early childhood teacher in Japan, Vanuatu, and Aotearoa/NZ for over 25 years. I am interested in different cultural values, beliefs, and practices in a learning and teaching environment. I love the creative aspect of working with young children, and I enjoy the challenge of finding activities to inspire creativity as they grow and learn.​

  • Smiling woman with curly red hair wearing a black quilted vest standing indoors near a wall with signs in Māori and English, background includes art, paintings, and supplies.

    Clover Lyall - Kaiako/Teacher

    Kia Ora! My teaching philosophy is built upon respect. Respect yourself, respect others and respect your environment. I am an advocate for quality, community-based education and love building relationships with children and their whanau to provide positive outcomes for learners. Creativity, fun and friendships are important to me. I look forward to working alongside you.

  • A young man with glasses and a mustache smiling in a room with shelves and windows in the background.

    Finbar O'Brien - Kaiako/Teacher in Training

    I am passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every tamaiti feels a strong sense of belonging. My teaching practice is deeply guided by the principles of whanaungatanga and a commitment to te reo Māori me ōna tikanga. I am a strong advocate for neurodiversity, believing that understanding and celebrating different ways of thinking and being empowers all tamariki to thrive. I find immense joy in following children’s passions, supporting their working theories, and rediscovering the world through their eyes.

  • Woman with dark hair tied back, smiling, wearing a black T-shirt with a graphic of mountains and the word 'Kalalau' in a room with photos and posters on the wall.

    Bhakti Dev - Āwhina Kaiako

    ​I have been working with children of varying age groups since 2011.  My philosophy is that in order to work with children you need to become one of them. I strive to make their day packed with fun and excitement while making sure they are independent enough to explore their surroundings as I guide them in the right direction.  ​

  • A woman with short dark hair wearing a blue and white plaid shirt, smiling in an office or craft room with shelves filled with supplies.

    Janine Tester - Volunteer / Māreikura

    I have been volunteering at Crossways Creche since 1991. I help oversee the kitchen, meals and housekeeping - helping making morning tea and lunch matching lunch boxes to their owners are some of my daily tasks. My arms are always open for anyone who needs a hug. I have become the keeper of the history about this place, remembering all who have passed through, the people of Crossways Creche make my day fun.

Careers

We are always on the look out for relief teachers, if this sounds like you please contact us.