| Our Team
Falguni (Falu) Bhansari - Owner/Manager
Namaste Kia Ora!
I have a Masters in Early Childhood Education and am a proud Mum of two daughters. I believe that learning is a lifelong journey and we never stop, therefore why not learn from our tamariki who are expert learners! I believe in Tuakana-Teina relationships in which learners become teachers and teachers become learners. I thrive on the opportunity to learn and teach.
I have been teaching for more than 20 years and this is such a great opportunity to own a kindergarten that aligns with my philosophy. I look forward to meeting all our existing tamariki and their whanau as well as welcoming newcomers!
Valerie (Val) Fletcher - Kaiako Matua
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
Valerie is our Lead Teacher & Kaiako extraordinaire with 30 years’ experience in early learning with roles spanning the areas of teaching, Head Teaching and as Centre Director.
During her time in ECE she has taken on a host of roles including Kaiako and Centre Director, until she made the decision to return to her passion of being on the floor building responsive, reciprocal and respectful relationships with tamariki, kaiako and whānau.
Janine Eagles - Kindergarten Administrator
Kia Ora!
I am originally from Taupo but settled in West Auckland more than 30 years ago. I have two grown sons and have spent the past three decades working with children. I love watching our little learners experience new things and watching them grow.
I am out in my garden every chance I get and I also enjoy cooking, music and my dog Coffee.
My motto is “a clean kid is not a happy kid” - the more mess the better! :)
Sela Tamatoa
Sela began working at her first childcare centre in 2021 and found it a very rewarding and fulfilling experience.
She grew up around a lot of children and found her passion for working with children came from those early experiences.
Sela plans to begin her studies towards a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Teaching early next year and is looking forward to becoming a fully qualified Kaiako.
In her spare time, Sela enjoys delving into the world of crystals and herbal teas and learning about their healing properties and benefits.
Louisa Mohan-Druce
Louisa (Lou) is of Cook Island and British descent and lives with her husband and son on their farm in Waitakere.
She is a nurturing and passionate teacher with more than 12 years working in Early Childhood Education.
When she enrolled her son into Seven Stars, she says she fell in love with the centre, its values and, of course, the amazing teachers … she started working for us not long after!
Carmen (Ka Wai) Leung
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
Kia Ora!
I am originally from Hong Kong and have been in Aotearoa since secondary school. I have a Bachelor or Teaching in ECE and speak Mandarin, English & Cantonese. I enjoy building responsive relationships with tamariki, Kaiako and whanau.
In my free time I love to sing and spend time with my puppy and cat.
Kanitta Sirkham
Kanitta was born in Thailand and raised in Kaitaia in the Far North.
Mum to two beautiful daughters, Kanitta has developed her passion for ECE working at the local play centre and she currently runs the SPACE programme when she’s not with us at Seven Stars.
Kanitta started with us as a reliever in 2023 and has since developed strong bonds with the tamariki and their whānau and is excited to continue building these relationships in her permanent role.
Jana Labuscagne
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Development)
Kia Ora! I am so excited to be part of the Seven Stars Kindergarten family!
I recently moved from South Africa where I gained my ECE teaching qualification. As a Mum of two, I understand the challenges of parenthood and am passionate about fostering a nurturing and engaging environment for our young learners.
I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Kaiako and our wider whanau to support the growth and development of your children while they are with us.
Lea Delanto
Lea was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to New Zealand in 2015. She previously worked as a full-time Kaiako Assistant with us in 2021 and is now back as one of our Casuals team.
The eldest of five, Lea has always been interested in teaching and began assisting her Aunt with Sunday school when she was just 12 years old.
Lea is inspired by her two grandmothers who were both strong and talented women who had a significant influence on her life.
In 2024, Lea is studying ECE at Unitech.