Sophie - Team Leader
Our Team
It takes a special group of people to create the environment we want for our children.
Our team brings together experience, knowledge, warmth and a genuine love of working with children.
Across our infant, toddler and preschool spaces, our kaiako take the time to get to know each child — their personality, interests, strengths and the things that help them feel happy and secure.
Together, we work closely with families to create a positive early learning experience and a place where every child feels they belong.
Meet the people behind G&G
We're Catherine and Steve, the owners of Gumboots & Grasshoppers.
G&G began in 2017 with a simple idea: to create the kind of early learning environment we would want for our own family.
As local Te Kowhai parents, we could see a need for quality childcare within our community. We also wanted to create something a little different — somewhere with space, nature and a genuine sense of belonging.
That idea became Gumboots & Grasshoppers.
Since then, we've been incredibly proud to see the community that has grown around G&G and the team who bring it to life every day.
Our rural setting gives children opportunities that aren't always possible in a traditional childcare environment — grass under their feet, gardens to explore, animals to care for and plenty of room for adventure.
Just as importantly, we want G&G to feel welcoming and familiar. A place where children are known, families feel comfortable and relationships matter.
As parents ourselves, we understand the trust involved in choosing someone to care for your child. It's a responsibility we never take for granted.
Thank you for considering Gumboots & Grasshoppers for your family.
Our Commitment
We are committed to ensuring Gumboots & Grasshoppers delivers the highest quality of education and care, as well as being a real ‘home away from home’ for your child. We believe it is a huge privilege to care for your precious little people, so thank you for considering us.
Our Centre Manager
Meet The Team
Heading about section
This is a short section of centred text as a rest break on the eyes from more photographic stacks. It would be best to be kept to not more than about four lines of text, as research shows long sections of text can become cumbersome to read without a tidy left margin.
Sandra
Kia ora, my name is Sandra and I’ve had the privilege of working in early childhood education for almost 30 years. My journey has taken me through a variety of roles, from teacher to owner, to professional development facilitator, and mentor. I've also had the opportunity to contribute to the education system through a secondment at the Ministry of Education. Throughout these experiences, one core belief has remained central to my practice: every child has their own special gifts, and it is our responsibility as kaiako and whānau to empower them to unwrap and celebrate their unique strengths.
I live in Eureka on a lifestyle block with my husband, where we share our space with some sheep, chickens, and our two beloved fur babies. Family is at the heart of my life—I have two married sons living in Thames with their families, and I am blessed with four grandchildren who bring me endless joy and inspiration.
My educational philosophy is grounded in the importance of positive relationships. I believe that strong, respectful connections between children, families, teachers, and the wider community are the foundation of a successful and nurturing learning environment. As the saying goes, "Children are made readers on the laps of their parents"—and I would add, "they are made successful through the love and respect of all who care for them."
I am deeply passionate about supporting the growth of both children and educators, and I’m always eager to continue learning and sharing the gift of early childhood education.
