Meet Our Kaiako
Our kaiako are passionate, caring educators who bring warmth, creativity, and deep respect for tamariki and whānau. We value strong relationships, reflective practice, and ongoing professional learning.
Each kaiako contributes unique strengths - whether in music, art, storytelling, nature exploration, literacy, or supporting social and emotional development.
Together, we create a nurturing, collaborative environment where children feel safe, confident, and empowered.
Haley Mercer
Centre Manager/ Senior Teacher
Kia ora! My name is Haley Mercer. I was born and raised in Wellington. I completed my bachelor of education in early childhood from Victoria University. Since then, I have gained lots of experience working with all age groups in the classroom and have loved watching our tamariki grow and develop. I am passionate about preparing tamariki for school to ensure they have the skills to succeed in their transition and journey. I am also passionate about music and movement and see the real benefit of this in children's learning and development. A little bit about me: I have three children and two stepchildren that keep me very busy in my free time. They are all heading towards adulthood, which has its challenges and keeps me on my toes. In my downtime (when I have some time), I love to play football, which I have done since I was a young child. I also have a passion for the great outdoors. My dream would be to campervan around our beautiful country of ours. I am very privileged to be able to come and work with the tamariki here, and I love the community feel of the centre. I look forward to getting to know you, your whānau and your tamariki.
Gillian Vincent
Assistant Head Teacher
Kia Ora! My name is Gillian. I have been a kaiako at KCC since 2020. In 2023 I took on the role of Asst. head teacher. I grew up in Mumbai, India, and moved to Auckland to study ECE in 2013. I completed my B.Ed (Steiner Education) at AUT in 2016. I am a fully registered and qualified kaiako. I have worked in various centers with different age groups across Auckland and Wellington. I bring a wealth of knowledge, passion, and experience to educating young tamariki and encouraging and supporting them to shine through play and imagination-based learning. I moved to Wellington in 2019 and worked as a relieving teacher before moving to KCC as a full-time kaiako in May 2020.
When I am not teaching, you can find me on the football pitch or baking up a storm in the kitchen! I am fluent in English and Hindi and am developing my Te reo Māori ngā Tikanga Māori. I have loved working at KCC and getting to know our whānau and tamariki within our KCC community!
Sophie Cohen
Fully Registered Kaiako
Kia ora! My name is Sophie. I am originally from Whanganui, which is where I spent my childhood & teenage years before heading off to University. I now live here in Karori with my partner Madalyn (who is also an ECE kaiako here in Karori) and absolutely love it, but Whanganui will always be home! I began my studies at Massey University, where I studied psychology & sociology, focusing on childhood development and social psychology. This has always been my passion, as I strongly advocate for the importance of quality care and education for tamariki. After completing my studies to become a qualified kaiako, I joined the team here at KCC at the end of 2023. It has been a wonderful journey, and I am excited to grow as a kaiako here, alongside the team and our wonderful KCC whānau.
Wills Toon- Lister
Fully Registered Kaiako
Kia ora! My name is Wills, I’m originally from Gisborne and moved here in 2020 to study a Bachelor of Arts at Te Herenga Waka. I’ve been here at KCC since February 2023. I started as an unqualified kaiako, but thanks to KCC I fell in love with this job & career! I finished a graduate diploma in ECE at Te Rito Maioha at the end of 2024. As a kaiako, I’m really big on the concept of ako - learning and teaching at the same time, and I let this guide my teaching philosophy! I love being able to get down on the same level as the tamariki and working to see things from their perspective and understand them as unique, capable individuals. I live here in Karori with my partner. I’m super grateful for being able to walk to work everyday. Staying active is a huge part of my life, I love Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, and weightlifting. I also love theatre! creating & watching :)
Sam Pardo
Fully Registered Kaiako
Kia Ora! My name is Sam and I am a full Wellingtonian born and bred. I have been at KCC since February 27th 2023. I have a background in broadcast journalism and teaching. I have 10 years of ECE experience working with all different age groups and in leadership roles in an infant and preschool room. I took a year off from May 2024- May 2025 to have my baby boy, Sebastian, who also attends KCC. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband, son and two cats. I love dancing and
enjoy participating with “Shut Up and Dance” similar to Zumba to keep up with my passion of dance. I love being part of the KCC community and I look forward to continuing to be a part of your tamariki learning journey.
Robbie Lowe
Fully Registered Kaiako
Kia Ora whānau! My name is Robbie Lowe and I have lived in Wellington my whole life, other than a few years traveling on my O.E through The U.K and attending summer camps in America. I have worked in education for over 25 years, starting my journey working at Inverlochy Art School here in Wellington, teaching art classes for Primary aged tamariki. I also worked in primary schools, working in many different areas of the sector building and strengthening my love for education.I started my journey in ECE 14 years ago and I am now fully registered and qualified and have worked in different centres around Wellington, including being team leader in an under twos room. Throughout my time in ECE I have loved building my mōhio around te reo me tikanga Māori and enjoy integrating this throughout my daily practice. I am also passionate in bringing all areas of the arts into our ako and supporting each taitamaiti in creative ways.
Amy Kaur
Kaitunu Kai
My name is Amy, and I have been the Kaitunu kai (chef) at KCC since 2025. I grew up in Chandigarh, India, and my passion for hospitality led me to Singapore in 2013, where I studied hospitality and completed my Diploma in Food and Beverage (2014–2016).In 2017, I moved to Aotearoa New Zealand to continue my journey in hospitality. Over the years I have worked in a range of roles across Singapore and New Zealand, gaining valuable knowledge and experience in preparing and serving food. In 2021, I moved to Wellington. As a qualified tunu kai, I feel privileged to prepare nourishing meals for our tamariki, supporting their growth, wellbeing, and healthy development. I truly enjoy being part of the KCC community and connecting with our whānau and tamariki each day. When I am not at work, I still love cooking at home and exploring new flavours and recipes. I am fluent in English and several Indian languages, and I am currently learning Te Reo Māori and tikanga Māori, which I enjoy incorporating into my daily life.
Aly Pfister
Permanent Reliever
Kia ora, my name is Aly. I was born in Wellington and grew up in Karori. I have been at KCC since the 27th of April, 2023.
Growing up my mum did in-home childcare. This meant the house always had extra children in it, who I would sometimes help out with. When I turned 14 I started babysitting, and then after leaving high school I nannied for a year, embracing my love for caring for babies and children. I especially enjoy working with neurodiverse children.
In my spare time I enjoy a variety of arts and crafts, bouldering and going on camping and tramping adventures.