Henderson Team | Risingstars

Dedicated

Qualifed

MEET OUR HENDERSON TEAM

We have a committed team of experience teachers who have served us for a long period of time. Our teachers value each child as an individual and provide many opportunities for them to learn. We are also committed to uphold a high percentage of qualified teachers. As a multi-cultural team, we bring with us a diversity, which has helped us design a rich teaching and learning programme, which is culturally rich and intellectually stimulating. A team that has put in years of experience into creating a home away from home, a place which fosters curiosity, a place of exploration, research and discovery. Developing meaningful relationships with children and families is something that is highly valued and what we strive to achieve.

Leah Boonzaaier

Centre Manager

Kia Ora

My name is Leah Boonzaaier and I am the Centre Manger of Rising Stars Henderson. I was born and raised in New Zealand, on the North Shore, but moved to the west after buying a house in Massey.

I hold a Bachelor Degree in ECE and I am fully registered. I have spent the last 13 years teaching and now am expanding my Leadership capabilities.

I am married and have two young children, Feenix and Daisy who are both enjoying their journey in Primary school. They keep me grounded and remind me why I love to do this job every day. I look forward to meeting you and your whānau.

My working years in Rising Stars Henderson: 12 years.

Siksha Prasad

Room Leader

Dear Parents/ Whānau

My name is Siksha Prasad and I am the Room Leader for the Pepe room. I was born in Fiji and I moved to Auckland when I was 10 years old. I have now been living in New Zealand for 20 years. I lived in Mt Roskill for most of my time here in Auckland, however I have recently moved to Weymouth.

I studied at the University of Auckland and I hold a bachelor’s degree in ECE, and I am a fully registered teacher. I have been working with children for about 8 years now.

I have always enjoyed being around children, and I mainly had a passion being around babies. Therefore, I chose this field and I really enjoy what I do with the babies.

I live with my husband and my daughter who will be 5 soon.

I look forward to getting to know you all more.

My working years in Rising Stars Henderson : 13 years.

Ngamey

Room Leader

Kia ora parents/whānau , ko Ngametua Tearii tōku ingoa.

I am one of the kaiako/teachers in the Tuakana room. I am also currently studying my Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) with Unitec. I am in my final year of my degree. I have been in the Early Childhood Education sector since I was 16 years old.

I am Cook Island Maori, Nz European and was born and raised in Auckland. I have three siblings and I am the second eldest out of my two brothers and one sister. I also have a three-year-old son name Kabriel that also attends Rising Stars.

I am very passionate when it comes to fostering children's learning and development. I love to tautoko/support tamariki with opportunities to engage in meaningful learning experiences where they are enabled to problem solve, communicate, express themselves and foster positive whanaungatanga / relationships. I am also excited to build and maintain partnerships with the parents and whānau in the Tuakana room.

I love to spend some quality time with my son, family and friends. It is really important to me to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

It is a privilege to work with and alongside the kaiako, tamariki and parents/whānau in the Tuakana room.

My working years in Rising Stars Henderson: 10 years.

Penny Zhang

ECE Qualified Teacher

Kia ora and Ni hao, my name is Penny (Meng Zhang).

I am one of the kaiako in the Tuakana room. I graduated from New Zealand Tertiary College with a graduate diploma of Early Childhood Education. I have a Master of International Business Management at Newcastle University in the UK and a Master of Tourism Management at Waikato University.

I was born and raised in China and moved to New Zealand in 2016. My favourite part of being an ECE teacher is being able to watch the tamariki learn and grow. I love the moments when a child learns something new or gains a new skill, and when they achieve a new level of independence and confidence to tackle problems on their own. Ever since I can remember, I have had young children follow me around, and have been repeatedly told that I am good with children. The people who know me best have often expressed how an ECE teacher would be the perfect career for me. My biggest goal as ECE teacher is to make the tamariki as happy as they make me.

In addition to my interest in children’s development, I also enjoy going for long walks, hiking, travelling and exploring new activities. It is a great privilege for me to work with and care for your little ones and to get to know your whānau. I look forward to meeting you in the Tuakana room.

Cara Yang

ECE Qualified Teacher

Kia Ora and Ni Hao Whānau!
My name is Cara Yang and I am the one of the teachers here in the Tuakana room. I come from China and graduated in 2013 with a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Shortly after, I began my teaching journey, spending ten wonderful years supporting young children’s growth and learning across early childhood settings in China.
In 2023, I moved to Aotearoa New Zealand to begin an exciting new chapter in both my life and career. Since arriving, I have completed a Master’s degree and an ECE Diploma, which have deepened my understanding of early childhood education here—especially the importance of bicultural practices and creating inclusive learning environments.
I feel very grateful to live in a country that values children's well-being and education, and I am excited to continue growing as a teacher within this supportive team. I am passionate about building warm, respectful relationships with tamariki and whānau, and I believe that strong, collaborative partnerships are key to nurturing children’s well-being and potential.

Lana Olivier

ECE Qualified Teacher

Kia Ora,

My name is Lana Olivier and I am one of the teachers here in the Pepe room. I was born in South Africa, moved here when I was 9, and grew up here in New Zealand and I am now a citizen of this amazing country. I am a provisionally registered teacher and I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education.

I am a mother of a little girl who inspires me to be the best teacher I can be, here at Rising Stars and at home.

I believe children are capable of doing things for themselves and confident in taking charge of their own learning. I am also passionate about being kind and respectful towards others and role modelling this in my teaching. I love working with this age group and all the fun things we get up to such as messy play and art, which I am quite passionate about.

Please come and say hello to me, I look forward to meeting you.

My working years in Henderson: 3 years.

Rechal Christian

ECE Qualified Teacher

Kia ora Parents/Whanau
My name is Rechal Nelson Christian and I am one of the kaiako in the Tuakana Room. I am
originally from India and moved to New Zealand in 2017. I hold a Bachelor of Education degree from Gujarat University, India. I completed the Teacher Education Refresh (TER) Programme and achieved New Zealand Teacher Registration. With nearly six years of experience working with tamariki in both New Zealand and India, I am passionate about creating a warm, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment where children feel safe, valued, and confident to explore and learn. I bring warmth, dedication, creativity, and professionalism to every learning environment.

I believe every child is a capable and curious learner, and I support their development through intentional teaching, play-based learning, and meaningful relationships. I thoughtfully observe children’s interests and strengths to design meaningful, developmentally appropriate experiences that foster confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. I value strong partnerships with whānau and collaborative teamwork, recognising that respectful relationships are central to children’s learning and wellbeing.

In the Tuakana Room, I focus on supporting our 4–5-year-olds as they build independence, confidence, social competence, and school readiness skills. I enjoy fostering children’s curiosity, encouraging problem-solving, and guiding them as they develop the foundations
needed for a successful transition to primary school.

I am excited to be part of the Tuakana Room, actively working alongside tamariki, whānau,
and my teaching team to support each child’s unique learning pathway every day.

Ella

Teacher

Kia Ora/Kumusta Parents/Whānau, my name is Ella, a new teacher Aid in Rising Stars
Henderson. I was born and raised in the Philippines. I have two siblings that are boys, I’m the only girl and the youngest. My journey in New Zealand starts when we decided to move in 2019 together with my 2 bundles of joy, my son and my daughter. I truly believe every child is unique and by allowing them to explore many experiences they can realize by
themselves what they are truly passionate about. Working in different rooms in Rising Stars helped me a lot. Through experiencing different age groups, different behaviours and
personalities has helped me to grow and become confident as a teacher. I loved my job andI loved being around the children. Seeing them growing up gives me a sense of joy and
fulfilment. I thanked the almighty for being part of this team.

Winnie Liu

ECE Qualified Teacher

Kia Ora

My name is Winnie Liu and I am one of the Kaiako in the Tuakana room. I was born in China and I moved to Auckland when I was 16 years old. I finished my high school and the University studies in New Zealand. I hold a bachelor of English and New Media Studies as well as a Graduate Diploma in ECE.

I believe children are capable of doing things by themselves and I am looking forward to supporting your tamariki through their learning journey towards primary school. I am excited by the prospect of my new position in my own growth as a new teacher. I am kind and respectful to others and excited to maintain partnerships with whanau and other Kaiako. I look forward to meeting everyone.

Deepika Ahuja

ECE Qualified Teacher

Kia Ora and Namaste whānau,

My name is Deepika and I am the new kaiako in the Tuakana room. I am a qualified kaiako with a graduate diploma in ECE and have been in this profession for more than 3 years.

I was born and raised in India and moved to New Zealand in 2016. I have a son who is 10 years old and goes to Hare Krishna school.

Being an ECE kaiako I love to work alongside tamariki focusing on their cultural, social and emotional competence.

I look forward to making wonderful working partnerships with whanau and other kaiako.

Michelle Polido

Cook

Kia Ora /Kumusta
My name is Michelle Polido and I am the new Centre Cook at Rising Stars. I was born in the Philippines and grew up in here in New Zealand. I have 2 daughters Teana and Terehia and 1 grandson his name is Mikaere.

I have been in the hospitality industry for over 13 years, I have worked in a Retirement Home, several cafes and an Early Childhood Centre. I cater a wide variety of healthy nutritionists meals for our Tamariki.
I ensure that our Tamariki with Food Allergies and Intolerance are given an alternative option that is suitable to their needs. I believe that encouraging our tamariki to healthy eating is imperative it contributes to their growth, health and development.

I have always enjoyed cooking and being around children, which is why I love my job the best of both world ! In my own time, I enjoy drawing or painting, gardening and listening to music. I am also a certified beautician.

I look forward to meeting you all !