About Us

Kia ora, I’m Sonya Smith, Lead Coordinator of Building Blocks. I’m a passionate early childhood teacher with well over 20 years of experience, most of which has been in the home-based sector as both an educator and Coordinator.  

I have a strong belief in wholehearted parenting and teaching, which shows in the way I interact with everyone who enters my life.  I am passionate about children growing to be confident and self-driven lifelong learners through real life experiences, while having fun.

I am a proud Mum of four – Madison, Hannah, Alysha and Dominic, as well as my fur baby Timmy.

Kia ora koutou, ko Trix tōku ingoa, learning is a lifelong journey that starts in the home.  I started my formal training to become an Early Childhood Educator volunteering in a centre when I had two young children at home 16years ago.  Wanting the best of both worlds to gain a career in a field I was passionate about as well as having time with my children at home.

In today’s society we are racing around from one place to another not having the time to see the beauty our world offers.  Every day when I am in the company of children they remind me of the wonder, awe, and curiosity they have as they investigate their world mindfully, slowly, and repetitively.  

My personal philosophy revolves around viewing learning through a holistic lens, creating a nurturing space for the growth of connections between people, places and things fostering reciprocal and responsive relationships.  The journey a fellow colleague and I started last year, researching nature-based programmes, has me passionate about making connections to places in our communities with our children and educators.

Kia ora, ko Jacqui Reedy tōku ingoa, and I am a Coordinator for Building Blocks.

I began my career as a teacher in early childhood education in 2005 when I first started teaching in a local childcare centre. As I grew my roots there and in other ECE settings over time, my idea of what quality care and education looks like for our tamariki was formed. It was then strengthened when I found my heart in home-based education in 2017 when I returned to work after having my first-born. I now have 3 beautiful boys, all of whom are part of our home-based family at Building Blocks.

I believe that environments where whānau partnership and belonging is valued, where children’s identity is honoured, and where children’s natural curiosities and joy of play are the curriculum are essential elements of quality education - these can truly be found in home-based education. I have seen how a calm, loving and authentically child-led environment positively influences the early learning journey of tamariki, and as a Coordinator I feel privileged to work alongside Educators who offer these amazing places for tamariki to grow and thrive.

Kia Ora

My name is Renee and I have been working in Early Childhood Education for over 19 years, seven of which have been spent at Building Blocks. During this time, I have gained a lot of knowledge, grown as a teacher, embarked on a leadership journey, and developed a deeper understanding of child development. One thing that has remained constant in my teaching philosophy is the importance of building and maintaining strong, trusting relationships with children, parents, whānau, and colleagues.

These relationships underpin the essence of how we communicate and how we ensure that everyone can achieve educational success. Leading and supporting an inclusive environment where everyone within our community shines, is something that I am very passionate about. I value and uphold qualities of respect, trust, commitment, passion, and loyalty when working with children, whānau, and educators.

Part of my role in supporting educators is empowering their teaching practices so that they can deliver a high-quality, unique programme within our Building Blocks curriculum.

I am particularly passionate about Music and Movement, as I understand the amazing benefits and positive impacts they have on children's brain development, emotional well-being, and communication skills. I aim to implement a Music program each term to inspire and enrich the young minds within our Building Blocks community.

I feel honoured to work for Building Blocks, and I am grateful that as a team, we work hard to deliver quality Early Childhood Education. Each of us brings our own passions and strengths to ensure that diversity is not just a word we say, but something that is felt by all members of our community.

“Hapaitia te ara tika pumau ai te rangatiratanga mo nga uri whakatipu”

“Foster the pathway of knowledge, strength, independence and growth for future generations” -Maraea Hopa Cribb

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Hi, I'm Megan Greig. As the first point of contact for many, I seamlessly blend administrative expertise with a passion for nurturing children.  I embody our values, ensuring every interaction reflects our commitment to fostering confident lifelong learners. With a background in banking and customer service, I bring a wealth of skills and a keen eye for detail to support our team of staff, educators, and families.

My dedication extends beyond the office. As a mother of three children, I understand the importance of creating nurturing environments. My family inspires me to infuse love and magic into everything I do, both at work and at home.

Hey there, I'm Zivana – You'll often find me chasing after our adventurous toddler and our trusty dog, soaking up the beauty of rural living or at the front desk as you enter our building. We like to explore nature trails or just goof around in our backyard. I'm all about spreading kindness and making a difference in my village. Whether it's organising our social club events or lending a helping hand. I'm there with a smile and a willingness to help. My passion is bringing people together and making our corner of the world a little brighter. So if you ever want to join in on the fun or simply share a chat over coffee, I'm here 😊

Hi, I’m Jo.

Whether it's guiding you through office procedures or lending a listening ear, I'm here to offer support and assistance with a kind heart and a genuine smile. My role is not just about handling queries; it's about making your experience as pleasant and smooth as possible.

Beyond the office doors, my life is filled with the joys of family and community. I proudly embrace the title of Nana Jo to ten wonderful grandchildren, each one a treasure in my life. Interestingly, I'm not just "Jo" to everyone—I'm often affectionately called "Nan" by many of the children we care for. It's a term of endearment that warms my heart and connects me to them in a special way.

While my days may be filled with office tasks and assisting others, my roots are firmly planted in the serene landscapes of the Pohangina Valley. It's there, amidst nature's embrace, that I find solace and fulfilment. In addition to my professional responsibilities, I devote my time to volunteering at our local community centre, where I have the opportunity to give back to the place I call home.

So, whether you need assistance with office matters or simply want to share a friendly conversation, know that I'm here for you with a smile and a willingness to help.