Our Team
We have a great team of dedicated teachers. Our programme will respect and reflect on the individual child’s interests, providing all children with equal opportunities to reach their full potential.
Kristal Heath - Centre Manager
- Bachelor of Arts ( Psychology)
- Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
- Full Registration
- First Aid Certificate
Kia ora whānau and families,
My name is Kristal Heath, and I’m truly honored to be part of your child’s early learning journey. I’ve been working in early childhood education since 2012 and have had the privilege of teaching in a range of centres that celebrate diverse cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs.
I hold a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) from the University of Canterbury, which I completed in 2012, as well as a degree in Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching. Before diving into the wonderful world of early childhood, I spent two years relieving across various primary schools in Christchurch — so I’ve seen everything from finger painting to fractions!
When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll probably find me with headphones in, going for a run, planning my next travel adventure, or spending time with my two young boys
I’m passionate about creating learning environments where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to grow. I believe that success looks different for every child, and it’s our role as educators to nurture their unique strengths, honour their cultural identity, and support them as whole people — not just tiny brains in development. I’m so looking forward to getting to know you and your tāmariki better. Let’s make this a fun, enriching, and meaningful chapter together!
Ngā mihi nui,
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Kirsten McKey - Team Leader Nursery Room
My name is Kirsten McKey, and I’ve been working in Early Childhood Education for nearly 20 years. I have a strong passion for working with infants and have spent many of those years in the nursery. However, I enjoy working across all rooms and love being part of the learning journey for children of all ages. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their growth and development as they learn, explore, and thrive. I live with my husband and our two children, and I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I’m also a big fan of sports and love staying active. Building strong, trusting relationships with tamariki and their whānau is something I value deeply, and I’m committed to creating a warm, supportive environment for all. Ngā mihi nui, |
Katelyn Reed - Totara room team leader
Diploma of Early Childhood Education
Kia ora, my name is Katelyn
I completed a Diploma of Teaching (ECE) at Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College in 2013, and prior to joining the team at Preston’s Preschool, I worked full time in a Nursery encouraging a love of learning and caring for children from three months to two years old. I have also previously spent many years working with children between the ages of 2-15 as a gymnastics coach, babysitter and nanny.
I have always had a passion for working with children and believe in building strong, meaningful relationships and creating strong connections between children’s experiences and adventures at home with their families and their learning during their time at preschool. I also particularly enjoy observing and supporting children in their play as they explore, discover and learn about the world around them, as well as providing a wide variety of experiences and resources to extend and build on interests and learning.
In my spare time, I enjoy mountain biking and riding different trails and tracks, water-skiing, wakeboarding, road cycling, baking, experimenting with healthy cooking recipes, growing a vegetable garden, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
I look forward to getting to know you, and working alongside you and your family
- Full Registration
- First Aid Certificate
Kia ora, my name is Katelyn
I completed a Diploma of Teaching (ECE) at Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College in 2013, and prior to joining the team at Preston’s Preschool, I worked full time in a Nursery encouraging a love of learning and caring for children from three months to two years old. I have also previously spent many years working with children between the ages of 2-15 as a gymnastics coach, babysitter and nanny.
I have always had a passion for working with children and believe in building strong, meaningful relationships and creating strong connections between children’s experiences and adventures at home with their families and their learning during their time at preschool. I also particularly enjoy observing and supporting children in their play as they explore, discover and learn about the world around them, as well as providing a wide variety of experiences and resources to extend and build on interests and learning.
In my spare time, I enjoy mountain biking and riding different trails and tracks, water-skiing, wakeboarding, road cycling, baking, experimenting with healthy cooking recipes, growing a vegetable garden, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
I look forward to getting to know you, and working alongside you and your family
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Aleisha McFadyen - Preschool Team Leader
Kia ora e te whānau, I would like to take a moment to introduce myself to you all. My name is Aleisha and I am excited to be joining you all here at Preston’s Preschool. I will be the team leader in the preschool room and will be working five days a week. "He oranga ngākau, he pikinga waiora. Positive feelings in your heart will raise a sense of self-worth" My teaching philosophy stems from establishing and nurturing positive relationships with tamariki and their whānau, to ensure they feel a sense of belonging within in the centre. Before relocating to Ōtautahi in September 2021 I lived in Whakatu (Nelson) where I grew up. My partner Luken and I have three tamariki; Luna, Noah and Hudson and a 3 year old lab dog called Nala. In my spare time you can find me enjoying my time with whānau and friends and exploring our backyard. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know you all. Aroha nui, Aleisha |
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Christine Abeykoon
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Sumari De Bruin - Nursery teacherKia ora tamariki mā and whānau, My name is Sumari de Bruin, and I am originally from South Africa. I have been proud to call Aotearoa home for over 20 years. In 2021, I graduated from the University of Waikato (Tauranga campus) with a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. I am deeply passionate about early childhood education and view each child as a unique taonga (treasure), full of potential and purpose. I believe that children are a gift from God, each carrying their own special talents. My teaching philosophy is centred around building strong, trusting relationships with tamariki, so they feel safe, valued, and free to explore their world with confidence. I strive to create a nurturing, inclusive environment that supports children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development through play-based learning. Outside of my professional role, I enjoy spending quality time with my daughter Hailei and our wider whānau. We love exploring the outdoors and discovering new places to play and connect with nature. At home, I find joy in baking and playing board games together as a family. I am excited to be part of your child’s learning journey and look forward to building strong partnerships with you and your whānau.
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Juwon Kno - Nursery Teacher Kia Ora. My name is Juwon Kno and I am from South Korea. I have moved to New Zealand in early 2020 with my twin sister, and recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education at NZTC. Before moving to New Zealand, I have spent about 6 years working with children between the ages of 6-15 as a teacher at the language school in Korea.
I believe children are a gift from God and every single child is a reward and blessing. I believe that building strong emotional ties with children is crucial as it is the central foundation for their learning and development. I will actively listen and positively respond to children so that they can feel that they are accepted and important. I live with my sister and our 6 year old dog. In my spare time, I love spending time with them exploring this beautiful country, hiking and walking my dog. I look forward to getting to know you and your children. |
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Iresha Nawarathne - Nursery teacherKia Ora whanau and families, My name is Iresha Nawarathna and I am originally from Sri Lanka. I recently completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and I am currently pursuing a degree at NZTC. Early Childhood Education has been my passion since childhood, and I thoroughly enjoy working with tamariki of all ages. This is an incredibly meaningful moment for me, and I feel deeply grateful to be a part of it. Establishing strong bonds with tamariki and their families is crucial to me, as it allows me to understand and foster their holistic development. I strive to design engaging and educational activities for children, boosting their confidence and understanding. Furthermore, I delight in observing and assisting children during their exploratory play, as they delve into and absorb knowledge about their surroundings. I also leverage my creativity and skills to provide meaningful experiences for them. Outside of work, my husband and I share a love for travel, hiking, and camping in this beautiful country, as well as spending time with family and friends. I'm excited to get to know you and your children.
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Harvey Del Rosario Francisco- Kauri Room teacher. Kia ora Preston’s whānau! I’m Harvey Del Rosario Francisco, but you can simply call me Harv’z. I’m absolutely buzzing with excitement to be joining the amazing Preston team! I can’t wait to meet our wonderful tamariki and whānau and share heaps of love as we nurture their early years together with fun and care. I’m originally from the beautiful Philippines and hold a Bachelor's degree in Education, majoring in Basic Education, plus I proudly have Level 7 NZQA accreditation and a provisional teacher registration. Teaching is truly in my blood—my siblings are all teachers too! I bring heaps of energy, joy, and a big warm heart to everything I do. Whether inside or outside the classroom, I love helping children grow, learn, and blossom while having a blast. I really believe Preston’s teaching philosophy beautifully supports children’s development, and I’m thrilled to see it aligns perfectly with my own passion for nurturing young learners. Let’s make learning an exciting adventure together!
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Devon Berryann - Totara TeacherKia ora whānau and families. My name is Devon Berryann and I am from the east coast of the United States. I came here to Christchurch a little over one year ago and completed my Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning for Early Childhood at the University of Canterbury. Prior to coming to New Zealand, I worked with children in early childhood centres and primary schools for about 13 years. I also hold a Bachelor's degree in Applied Behavioural Science and spent many years working to support children with disabilities and diverse learning needs. My experiences have taught me the importance of respectful relationships with children that empower and inspire them to reach their full potential, while feeling that they are loved and valued just as they are. I enjoy following children's curiosities so that together we can learn more about each other, as well as the world around us. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my partner, three children, and our little dog. I also enjoy hiking, spending time in nature, reading, cooking, baking, and different types of crafting. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone in the Preston's Preschool community, and I am so excited to be joining the team.
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Hasitha Abeywickrema - Chef
Kia Ora. My name is Hasitha Abeywickrema and I came to New Zealand very recently to work in this amazing preschool as a chef. Friends call me Hasi and I invite you to use that name as it is easier to pronounce than my full name.
This was one of my dreams realized. I am very thankful for this opportunity to work here and would love to use my culinary skills to create and serve more appealing nutritious food for our children together with our friendly teaching team. I have followed a professional course in hospitality and followed and apprenticeship in chef training. I have worked in many star class hotels in the middle east and Sri Lanka.
I have my family in Sri Lanka. My wife is currently looking after our son and I would love to see them migrate to New Zealand one day to be with me in this most beautiful country.
This was one of my dreams realized. I am very thankful for this opportunity to work here and would love to use my culinary skills to create and serve more appealing nutritious food for our children together with our friendly teaching team. I have followed a professional course in hospitality and followed and apprenticeship in chef training. I have worked in many star class hotels in the middle east and Sri Lanka.
I have my family in Sri Lanka. My wife is currently looking after our son and I would love to see them migrate to New Zealand one day to be with me in this most beautiful country.
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