About Us

Cassandra Wood

Kia ora, my name is Cassandra Wood and I am the centre manager/owner at Seeds and Sprouts Childcare.

I am a fully registered teacher with 13 years teaching experience and I have a strong passion for learning with and alongside tamariki, supporting them to be confident, capable beings in society. In my spare time I love going to the beach, playing footy and enjoying the company of family and friends.

Cheyenne Cottle

Kia ora, I'm Cheyenne. I'm a fully registered teacher with nearly 10 years of experience in the early childhood sector. I’m passionate about carpentry and Pokémon, and I love seeing the world through the eyes of tamariki. Learning alongside them and discovering the magic of wonder is at the heart of my teaching philosophy.

Chantel McDonald

Kia Ora! My name is Chantel, and I am a qualified Early Childhood Teacher. I obtained my degree in Early Childhood Teaching in 2016. I am currently residing in Whangarei, where I have been living since December 2016. I am a proud mother of three beautiful children - Kelsey, Summer, and Levi. I am committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where children can learn, play, and explore. By building strong relationships with each child and their whanau, I strive to create a sense of belonging and community within my early childhood education setting. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of the tamariki I work with.

Peta Walsh

Tēnā koutou e hoa ma,
I whānau mai ahau ki Whāingaroa, I tipu ake ahau ki te Hokianga nui a Kupe, engari e nohoana ahau kei Whangārei, ko te turangawaewae o tōku Māmā. Ko Te Uriroroi, ko Te Parawhaungā hapū. Ki te taha o tōku Pāpā, Ko Ngāti Maniapoto te Iwi, ko Ngati Kinohaku te hapū. Ko Peta ahau.

Having formally qualified as a kaiako in 2025, my haerenga within ECE spans over a decade of experience. I am deeply committed to the principles and values of Te Ao Māori, drawing upon mātauranga Māori to guide my approach to tamariki and whānau. In honouring the trust placed in me, I strive to whakakaha, whakatipu, and whakamana the mauri, mana, and wairuaof each tamaiti — for in their upliftment, my own is set alight.
If I am not studying, reading or at the beach. You will find me, travelling with my fiancé Jim, attending music festivals or helping out on our whānau land in the Hokianga.
Mauri ora!

Shevhan Nielsen

Kia ora, I’m Shevahn! I have been working in Early Childhood Education for six years and hold a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). My passion lies with our youngest tamariki, especially under 2s, and I love watching how their curious little minds explore and figure out the world around them. Building strong, trusting relationships with tamariki and their whānau is at the heart of my teaching philosophy. Outside of work, you’ll often find me at the beach, enjoying time with friends and whānau, or getting lost in a good book.

Vicki Jacobson

Kia Ora I'm Vicki. I have 2 beautiful girls Mya and Indiana.
I have been teaching here for 5 years now and love watching and learning along side the Tamariki here.  I am passionate about supporting Tamariki's needs and wants as they navigate through there first 5 years of life. 

Mikaela Hanham

Kia ora, I’m Mikaela – but to all the tamariki at Seeds and Sprouts, I’m simply Mikki! I’m an unqualified Kaiako with five years of hands-on experience in early childhood education. I have a deep passion for learning alongside tamariki, especially within the under 2s age group, where every little milestone is a big celebration. I value building strong, nurturing relationships and creating a space where our pēpi and tamariki feel safe, seen, and supported as they grow.
When I’m not at Seeds and Sprouts, you’ll likely find me enjoying time with friends and whānau, playing roller derby, or relaxing at home with a coffee and a good book.

Cassidy Tau

Kia ora, my name is Cassidy. I’m a proud Māori, born and bred here in Whangārei, and a mum to one cheeky 2-year-old boy who keeps me on my toes! I’m passionate about creating safe, fun, and nurturing environments where tamariki can grow, explore, and thrive. As an unqualified teacher, I’m committed to ongoing learning and aspire to gain my formal qualifications in early childhood education.