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Meet our Kelburn team
Meet our Newlands team
Craig Johnson, Owner
“It is a privilege to work with our amazing team of early childhood educators led by Megan Watson but also to be part of the day to day journey of learning and discovery for our tamariki. As a parent myself, I know just how quickly these early childhood years go and I am honoured that our team have an opportunity to be a part of each and every family’s journey.”
Craig is the owner of Aurea Preschool & Nursery. He has been involved with Early Childhood Education for the past 20 years and understands the importance of quality early education to create and nurture inquisitive minds. In the last few years he has also opened a sister school in Wuxi, China and looks forward to fostering this relationship to allow the children of Aurea Preschool and Nursery to create new friendships internationally.
Craig is the owner of Aurea Preschool & Nursery. He has been involved with Early Childhood Education for the past 20 years and understands the importance of quality early education to create and nurture inquisitive minds. In the last few years he has also opened a sister school in Wuxi, China and looks forward to fostering this relationship to allow the children of Aurea Preschool and Nursery to create new friendships internationally.
Megan Watson, Manager
“I am passionate about Early Childhood education because it provides the foundation in curiosity and confidence that children will need as they learn and develop valuable social, mental, emotional and physical skills and knowledge in preparation for their next challenge in life.”
Megan is our Manager and licensee of Aurea Preschool & Nursery. She has been working in early childhood education for over 20 years and values relationships while being committed to building reciprocal, responsive and meaningful connections with tamariki, their families/whānau and teachers. She is a mother to a son and enjoys spending time with her family and going on bike rides.
Megan is our Manager and licensee of Aurea Preschool & Nursery. She has been working in early childhood education for over 20 years and values relationships while being committed to building reciprocal, responsive and meaningful connections with tamariki, their families/whānau and teachers. She is a mother to a son and enjoys spending time with her family and going on bike rides.
Aude, Team Leader
“I believe in treating children with respect and providing warm loving interactions. I aim to provide children with a safe, fun and stimulating environment in which they can learn new skills and develop their interests. Et voilà!”
Aude moved to New Zealand from the beautiful region of Champagne, France and has been calling Wellington home since 2008. She has spent the last 12 years teaching French while raising her daughter in the windy city. In 2020 she compelled to complete her postgraduate diploma in early childhood education as she enjoyed engaging with children and is passionate about understanding what truly interests them to support their curiosity.
Aude moved to New Zealand from the beautiful region of Champagne, France and has been calling Wellington home since 2008. She has spent the last 12 years teaching French while raising her daughter in the windy city. In 2020 she compelled to complete her postgraduate diploma in early childhood education as she enjoyed engaging with children and is passionate about understanding what truly interests them to support their curiosity.
Spring, Teacher
“As a mother to a bilingual daughter, I appreciate the richness that language and culture bring to learning. My diverse cultural background and professional experience help me connect with children and families in meaningful ways, and I am committed to supporting every child to grow, explore, and thrive. I believe that a caring and dedicated teacher can have a lasting, positive impact on a child's life.”
Originally from China, I spent 20 wonderful years living in Los Angeles, USA, before moving to New Zealand in 2022 with my Kiwi husband. Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats — most recently as a Chief Financial Officer for US-listed companies and joint ventures in China — but my true passion has always been early childhood education. In 2024, I followed my lifelong dream and completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood. In my teaching practice, I aim to create a nurturing, engaging environment that balances focused learning with joyful, open-ended play, while honouring and celebrating each child's unique cultural background.
Originally from China, I spent 20 wonderful years living in Los Angeles, USA, before moving to New Zealand in 2022 with my Kiwi husband. Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats — most recently as a Chief Financial Officer for US-listed companies and joint ventures in China — but my true passion has always been early childhood education. In 2024, I followed my lifelong dream and completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood. In my teaching practice, I aim to create a nurturing, engaging environment that balances focused learning with joyful, open-ended play, while honouring and celebrating each child's unique cultural background.
Lily, Teacher
“I believe in nurturing the unique potential within each child, providing them with a safe and stimulating environment that fosters holistic development and empowers them to become confident and competent individuals.”
Lily was born in Nanchang, China. She has previously studied and worked in China, Thailand, and the United States. She worked with various age groups of students, ranging from early childhood to primary school, in China for three years. She completed her Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) this May in Auckland and relocated to Wellington afterward.
Lily was born in Nanchang, China. She has previously studied and worked in China, Thailand, and the United States. She worked with various age groups of students, ranging from early childhood to primary school, in China for three years. She completed her Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) this May in Auckland and relocated to Wellington afterward.
Srilatha, Teacher
“I believe that children thrive in a calm, nurturing environment where they feel safe and supported to explore, learn, and grow.”
Hi, I’m Srilatha — but most people call me Latha. I’m originally from Hyderabad, India and moved to New Zealand in 2013. Before moving here, I graduated with a degree in IT in India. I have a wonderful son who was born and raised here in Aotearoa, and my journey into early childhood education began through Playcentre with him. That hands-on experience sparked my appreciation for the importance of the early years, and once my son started primary school, I began relieving in early childhood centres. This eventually led me to a full-time teaching role — something I truly enjoy and am passionate about.
Hi, I’m Srilatha — but most people call me Latha. I’m originally from Hyderabad, India and moved to New Zealand in 2013. Before moving here, I graduated with a degree in IT in India. I have a wonderful son who was born and raised here in Aotearoa, and my journey into early childhood education began through Playcentre with him. That hands-on experience sparked my appreciation for the importance of the early years, and once my son started primary school, I began relieving in early childhood centres. This eventually led me to a full-time teaching role — something I truly enjoy and am passionate about.
Mabel, Teacher
“I truly cherish the privilege of being part of the children’s formative years, whereby they are so eager to learn, grow and explore the world around them. I take joy in the small moments – whether it’s a child proudly sharing their creation, asking an inquisitive question, or grooving with the music. I also find it important to create an environment where our tamariki feel safe, seen and valued.”
Mabel came from Singapore to New Zealand with her husband and two daughters to be closer to nature and seek a slower pace of life. Before moving to New Zealand, she spent 10 years teaching in the special education sector. Mabel is passionate towards teaching, and genuinely loves being around children. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, and particularly enjoys a good hike or bike ride.
Mabel came from Singapore to New Zealand with her husband and two daughters to be closer to nature and seek a slower pace of life. Before moving to New Zealand, she spent 10 years teaching in the special education sector. Mabel is passionate towards teaching, and genuinely loves being around children. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, and particularly enjoys a good hike or bike ride.
Krissa, Teacher
"As an early childhood teacher, I am passionate about nurturing young, curious minds and inspiring creativity in every child. I love creating, engaging, hands-on learning experiences that encourage exploration, imagination and discovery. Seeing children express their ideas, ask questions and grow in confidence brings me so much joy. I am happy to be part of their learning journey - guiding, supporting and celebrating each milestone they achieve along the way."
Krissa is a graduate of the Bachelors of Elementary Education from the Phillipines. With nine years of teaching experience, she brings creativity and dedication to her work with children. She enjoys singing and playing the guitar. Krissa moved to New Zealand with her husband and their daughter, where they plan to build their future and call it home.
Krissa is a graduate of the Bachelors of Elementary Education from the Phillipines. With nine years of teaching experience, she brings creativity and dedication to her work with children. She enjoys singing and playing the guitar. Krissa moved to New Zealand with her husband and their daughter, where they plan to build their future and call it home.
Karlene, Teacher
“As an educator, I value respect for every child, giving them the space to explore, play, and express themselves with confidence. By working closely with parents, I support each child’s interests and strengths while celebrating the diverse cultures and backgrounds they bring. I aim to create meaningful and enjoyable experiences that nurture curiosity, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.”
Karlene is originally from the Philippines, and moved to New Zealand with her son in October 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education, majoring in Preschool, from Ateneo de Davao University, Philippines. She has two years of teaching experience in the Philippines and five years in Singapore. She's excited to create fun and meaningful learning experiences here in New Zealand!
Karlene is originally from the Philippines, and moved to New Zealand with her son in October 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education, majoring in Preschool, from Ateneo de Davao University, Philippines. She has two years of teaching experience in the Philippines and five years in Singapore. She's excited to create fun and meaningful learning experiences here in New Zealand!
Grace, Teacher
“I firmly believe that they are naturally curious learners and that it is my responsibility as an educator to give them opportunities to explore, discover, and solve problems by working with families and various organisations, in order for children to achieve holistic development.”
Grace is a graduate of Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in Preschool from Ateneo de Davao University, Philippines. She has 2 years experiences teaching in the Philippines and 8 years in Singapore. She just arrived in Wellington with her husband in May 2024. They are planning to grow their family here in the windy city.
Grace is a graduate of Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in Preschool from Ateneo de Davao University, Philippines. She has 2 years experiences teaching in the Philippines and 8 years in Singapore. She just arrived in Wellington with her husband in May 2024. They are planning to grow their family here in the windy city.
Czarina, Teacher
“It is a great privilege to be called to teach. Each day, I step out in faith, challenging myself to make a difference. I always pray that I will have a positive impact on the lives of the children under my care. After all, teaching is not just a job—it's an adventure filled with laughter, learning, and lots of little surprises!”
I am Maria Czarina B. Vergara, and I hail from the Philippines. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, specializing in Early Childhood Education. Most of my professional experience has been in Singapore, and I’m thrilled to have moved to New Zealand, where I can continue sharing my passion for teaching.
I am Maria Czarina B. Vergara, and I hail from the Philippines. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, specializing in Early Childhood Education. Most of my professional experience has been in Singapore, and I’m thrilled to have moved to New Zealand, where I can continue sharing my passion for teaching.
Bea, Teacher
“I always believe that young children should be well cared for and treated with respect even at a very young age. As ECE teachers, we not only take care of their well-being but we are also tasked with a big responsibility aiding in the holistic development of the child. Working hand in hand with the parents or entire whanau and having that strong home-school collaboration is important to me because our end goal is for the child's best interests. Teaching for me is more than just a job. It is my passion and one that gives me my purpose in life.”
I am originally from the Philippines; I moved to New Zealand in 2024 with my husband and three school aged children. Outside of work time I enjoy exploring Wellington with my family and meeting new people, cooking meals from all different cultures and reading. I want to instill 5Cs in the tamariki that I teach or interact with: Character, Collaboration, Competence, Creativity, and Commitment to Achieve. I am proud to say that all these values are found in Aurea Preschool.
I am originally from the Philippines; I moved to New Zealand in 2024 with my husband and three school aged children. Outside of work time I enjoy exploring Wellington with my family and meeting new people, cooking meals from all different cultures and reading. I want to instill 5Cs in the tamariki that I teach or interact with: Character, Collaboration, Competence, Creativity, and Commitment to Achieve. I am proud to say that all these values are found in Aurea Preschool.
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