Meet our incredible team
Owner Operators: Cameron and Shenaye Green
Cameron and Shenaye, a devoted married couple and long-time locals to Matamata, took the leap of faith in 2018 and decided to purchase an early childhood centre. Both being deeply rooted in Matamata with a young child of their own (Piper) they bring a wealth of local knowledge and professional expertise to guide them on this journey
Shenaye, an enthusiastic registered early childhood educator, boasts extensive experience in nurturing young minds since being in the industry after leaving Matamata college. Cameron, being an Operations Manager for a local directional drilling company, has had to leave the runnings of the day up to Shenaye and be the support behind the scenes.
However their vision is shared when it comes to the driven successes of Small Steps. The dream to provide quality education which nurtures our smallest minds and allows tamariki to thrive from the strong sense of manākitanga (kindness), aroha (love), and whanaungatanga. This extends beyond each individual and embeds into every whānau and our local community.
Shenaye
Shenaye is a dedicated advocate for quality early childhood education, driven by a passion to create an enriching and nurturing environment for young learners. Her vision is to establish a thriving early childhood center where children can flourish, develop critical skills, and build a strong foundation for their future education.
Shenaye understands that the heart of any successful early childhood center lies in its educators. She highly values the importance of her teaching staff, recognising that their expertise, dedication, and compassion are essential to providing the highest standard of care and education. Shenaye is committed to supporting her educators through ongoing professional development, fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace, and ensuring they have the resources they need to excel in their roles.
Shenaye cherishes the moments she spends with children, finding joy and fulfillment in their company. Whether she's playing ukulele, reading stories, or simply listening to their imaginative tales, each interaction brings a smile to her face and warmth to her heart.
Ash G
Ash G is a remarkable individual whose wealth of knowledge in early childhood education sets them apart as a true expert in the field. Her understanding of the developmental stages and educational needs of young children is profound, making her a trusted resource for parents, educators, and caregivers alike.
What truly distinguishes Ash is her unwavering passion for supporting others. This passion is evident in every aspect of her work, as she continuously strives to create nurturing and enriching environments for children to thrive in. Whether it's through innovative teaching methods, engaging activities, or providing guidance to fellow educators, Ash's dedication is both inspiring and impactful.
Ash's genuine care for children shines through in all her interactions. She possess an innate ability to connect with young minds, fostering a sense of trust and security that is essential for effective learning and development. Ash's empathetic approach ensures that each child feels valued and understood, promoting not only academic growth but also emotional well-being.
Jacqui
Jacqui is an experienced professional in the field of early childhood education. With a wealth of experience accumulated over many years, she has developed a deep passion for fostering early literacy among young learners. Her dedication to nurturing a love for reading and writing in children is evident in every aspect of her work.
As an organised team leader, Jacqui excels in managing and coordinating her team to create a supportive and effective learning environment. Her leadership skills ensure that her team members are motivated, well-prepared, and aligned with the educational goals she sets. Jacqui's commitment to early literacy is not just about teaching children to read and write; it's about inspiring a lifelong love for learning and curiosity.
Her ability to blend passion with organisation makes her an invaluable asset in the field of early childhood education. Whether she is developing new learning opportunities, mentoring her team, or engaging with children and their families, Jacqui's impact is profound and far-reaching. Through her work, she continues to make a significant difference in the lives of young learners, setting them on a path to success and lifelong learning.
Jaide
Jaide is the type of person who brings joy and laughter to any room. With a keen sense of humor and a playful spirit, Jaide knows exactly how to lighten the mood and make people smile. But there's more to Jaide than just jokes and fun. Passionate about supporting those with additional learning needs, Jaide dedicates time and energy to creating inclusive and supportive environments for everyone.
Jaide's enthusiasm for helping others extends beyond mere interest; it is a genuine commitment to making a positive impact. Jaide strives to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed and feel valued.
Balancing a fun-loving nature with a deep sense of purpose, Jaide exemplifies how one can combine joy with meaningful contributions to society.
Louise
Louise is a remarkable individual, driven by a deep passion for fostering independence in children. She firmly believes that empowering young minds to think and act for themselves is crucial for their development and future success. Her dedication to this cause is evident in everything she does, as she always strives to do her best in every endeavor.
Louise's enthusiasm is contagious, making her a ball of fun to be around. Whether she's engaging with tamariki in creative activities, organising games, or simply sharing a laugh, her vibrant energy lights up any room. Her unique blend of dedication and joy makes her a beloved figure among the children and adults alike, as she continues to inspire and nurture independence in the next generation.
Katherine
Sam
Sam is a vibrant and engaging individual who has a natural talent for interacting with tamariki. Bubbly and full of energy, Sam knows how to create a fun and welcoming environment that instantly puts kids at ease. Whether it's through playful games, animated dancing, or simply offering a listening ear, Sam's free-spirited nature shines through, making every interaction memorable and enjoyable for the tamarki she engages with.
Sam’s enthusiasm is contagious, and her ability to connect with tamariki on a meaningful level makes them a cherished presence in any setting. Sam understands the importance of fostering creativity and curiosity in young minds, and does so with a genuine passion that is both inspiring and heartwarming. Sam’s free-spirited approach encourages tamariki to express themselves freely and explore the world with open hearts and minds.
Andrea
Andrea possesses a loving and gentle nature, effortlessly nurturing the needs of tamariki with her compassionate approach. Her calm and quiet demeanour makes her an invaluable team player, always contributing positively to any environment she is part of. Andrea's warmth and dedication leave a lasting impact on everyone she encounters.
Her colleagues often describe her as always ready with a kind word or a helping hand. Andrea's ability to listen and empathise allows her to connect with people on a deep level, fostering a sense of trust and camaraderie.
Nicole
Nicole is a kind and caring early childhood educator who embodies the essence of nurturing young minds. Her dedication to tamariki is evident in every interaction, as she approaches each day with enthusiasm and a genuine passion for teaching. Nicole is an active listener, always attentive to the needs and concerns of tamariki, their whānau, and her colleagues. This skill enables her to build strong, trusting relationships and to provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Nicole is always at the forefront, making things happen. Her proactive nature and hands-on approach inspire those around her and make a significant impact on the lives of the tamariki she educates.
In essence, Nicole is a remarkable educator whose kindness, active listening, and calm gentle mindset makes her an invaluable asset to the tamariki, whānau and team.
Reta
Hannah
Ashley P
Ashley has dedicated a significant part of her life to early childhood education, a field that requires immense patience, creativity, and a genuine love for nurturing young minds. Over the years, Ashley has honed her skills in creating engaging and educational activities that captivate children's imaginations and foster a love for learning.
In the classroom, Ashley is known for her innovative art projects and messy play that encourages self-expression, Ashley ensures that each child finds joy in the learning process.
Beyond her creativity, Ashley is incredibly helpful. She is always willing to lend a hand to fellow educators, share resources, and offer support to parents navigating the challenges of early childhood development. Her dedication to the well-being and growth of each child is evident in everything she does, from designing personalised learning plans to providing a comforting presence in times of need.
Ashley’s long-standing commitment to early childhood education has made a lasting impact on countless young lives, setting a strong foundation for their future success.
Maisie
Maisie is a delightful individual who brings a sense of fun, care, and aroha to everything she does. Recently, she has embarked on an exciting journey into the field of early childhood studies. Despite being new to this area, Maisie’s natural enthusiasm and genuine affection for children make her a perfect fit for this path.
Her fun-loving nature ensures that she can create an engaging and joyful learning environment for young minds. Maisie knows how to make learning enjoyable, incorporating games, waiata, and creative activities that captivate and inspire children.
Maisie’s loving personality shines through in her interactions with both tamariki and colleagues. She is always ready with a warm smile, a kind word, or a comforting hug, making those around her feel cherished and respected.
As she continues her studies in early childhood education, Maisie is eager to expand her knowledge and skills. She is committed to becoming the best educator she can be.
Abby
Abby is a fun-loving educator who brings a world of joy and energy to her classroom. Her vibrant personality and active approach to getting things done make her a beloved figure among tamariki, whānau and her team. Abby's days are filled with laughter, learning, and a lot of movement, as she believes in keeping her little ones engaged through a mix of play and educational activities.
Abby's loving and kind nature shines through in everything she does. She has a special talent for making each child feel valued and understood, creating a nurturing environment where infants can thrive. Whether she's leading a playful sing-along, guiding a creative art project, or simply offering a comforting hug, Abby's warmth and enthusiasm are truly infectious.
Pam
Pam is our fantastic center cook for our tamariki, known for her vibrant presence and enthusiasm in the kitchen. Her voice can often be heard singing cheerful tunes as she prepares meals, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for everyone around.
Pam's willingness to try new things in her cooking ensures that the children are always excited for kai time, as she introduces them to a variety of delicious and nutritious dishes.
Her creativity and passion for cooking not only feed the children's bodies but also enrich their overall experience at the center.
Pam provides a large community presence with her meals, as she supports many events outside of the centre either cooking, baking or cleaning.
Erin
Erin is a dedicated professional with a deep understanding of child development, making her an invaluable asset to any team focused on nurturing young minds. Her gentle approach, combined with a genuine love and care for tamariki, sets her apart in her field.
Erin's expertise allows her to create enriching and supportive environments where tamariki can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Her ability to connect with tamariki on a meaningful level ensures that they feel valued and understood, fostering a sense of security and confidence that is crucial for their growth. Whether she is guiding whānau, collaborating with educators, or directly interacting with tamariki, Erin's passion and knowledge shine through, making a positive impact on everyone she works with.
Erin is going on maternity leave in the middle of 2025 to welcome her second child.
Evelynne
Evelynne is someone who embodies a calm and nurturing presence, especially when it comes to children. Always patient and understanding, Ev has a natural talent for making kids feel safe and valued. She knows how to connect with children on their level and create a positive, supportive environment.
In addition to these qualities, Ev is incredibly flexible in various environments. Regardless of the environment Ev adapts with ease, ensuring that every child feels comfortable and engaged. This adaptability makes Evelynne a reliable and comforting figure, no matter the setting or situation.
Ev's lighthearted nature brings joy and laughter to any room. Her combination of calmness, flexibility, and light-heartedness makes Ev a truly remarkable person, especially in the eyes of tamariki, whānau and teaching team.
Ev is currently on maternity leave, about to welcome her baby girl into the world in early 2025.
Liv
Liv our important reliever is someone who embodies the essence of compassion and kindness, especially when it comes to children. Her love for children is evident in the way she interacts with them, always ensuring they feel valued and understood. Liv's caring nature means she goes out of her way to provide comfort and support, whether it's through a gentle word, a warm hug, or simply being there to listen.
Her considerate demeanor extends beyond just children; she is thoughtful and attentive to the needs of those around her. Liv has an innate ability to sense when someone needs a little extra care and is always ready to offer a helping hand. Her actions inspire others to be more empathetic and considerate, making the world a better place one kind gesture at a time.
Holly
Holly another important reliever is a quiet and patient individual who has recently embarked on a journey in Early Childhood Education. Her calm demeanor and nurturing nature make her a natural fit for this field. As someone who is new to this profession, Holly is eager to learn and grow, both professionally and personally.
She understands the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment for young children, and she is dedicated to helping them develop their foundational skills. Holly's patience allows her to handle the challenges that come with working with young children, and her quiet nature helps create a serene and welcoming atmosphere in the classroom. Through her dedication and passion, Holly is well on her way to making a significant impact in the lives of the children she teaches.
Karen
Karen is our versatile and invaluable support staff member. Karen's role includes a variety of essential tasks, such as cleaning, washing, and making the windows sparkle. Her dedication and attention to detail ensure that our environment is always pristine and welcoming.
But there's more to Karen than just her work ethic. She brings a unique flair to her job with her sharp sense of humour. Whether she's cracking a joke while scrubbing floors or lightening the mood with a witty comment as she cleans the windows, Karen's humour is a breath of fresh air.
