Meet the Team
Clinton and Leona Moore
My husband and I became the proud owners of Footprints Early Learning Centre in October 2023. We are a small, family-run childcare and education service that is focused on providing a unique space for children and their families to call a home away from home. Clinton is 100% local and a current senior volunteer firefighter. You will see him from time to time at family events such as Matariki, Christmas and doing the odd maintenance job around the place. I am mostly local and after a 23-year career working in town as a hairdresser, I found my true calling as an ECE teacher.
As we are a boutique centre, you will find me both in the office and on the floor teaching. We look forward to meeting new families and inviting them to join our extended whanau here at Footprints ELC.
We have excellent support from highly qualified staff; you can read more about them below.
Leona
BTchg (ECE), First aid
For over 20 years, I have been inspired by Pennie Brownlee's work at the Pikler Institute. During this time, I worked within the Waihi community and surrounding districts, supporting children and their families through parent classes. This is where I realised that, to make a real difference, we must start with our youngest members of society.
My understanding of children's development and learning puts the child at the heart of the matter, focusing on what the child truly needs to grow and learn. I am passionate about creating environments that are stable and supportive so children can play out their intelligence to their highest potential.
Endorsed by: 
Shelly
BTchg (ECE), First aid
Kia ora, my name is Shelly Murch and I live in Waihi Beach. I have a bachelor's in ECE and have over 20 years in the early childhood sector. I’m dedicated to and passionate about early childhood education. Supporting children to grow, develop and become themselves, for me, is the most precious gift to be a part of in a child’s life.
Natasha
BTchg (ECE), First aid
Kia ora tātou.
My name is Natasha, but everyone calls me Tasha or Tash.
Firstly, I am a mother of three nearly grown children and one grandbaby. I started my journey in teaching ECE over twenty years ago and my passion and interests within teaching have grown and changed in many areas, but one thing has always remained at the core of my practice and that is that relationships are the magical glue that holds everything together and sets the foundation for our learning.
My relationship with my son, who was born with Down Syndrome, has provided me with a different outlook on life and a variety of life lessons that I have brought into my practice. This has also cemented my belief that relationships are key, especially supporting children’s relationships with themselves to see that they are capable and confident learners in whatever form that might be.
Kerrilee
BTchg (ECE), First aid
Kia ora koutou Nō Kaikohe ahau, Kei Karangahake toku kainga inaianei.
Ko Kerrilee Wright toku ingoa.
I have always enjoyed working with tamariki and am passionate about enhancing the lives of our future generations. It is a privilege and honor to spend time with little people every day and to know I am making a difference. I have worked at Footprints since 2020 and enjoy gardening, reading and renovating my whare.
Kia pai tō rā
Ngā mihi
Kerrilee.
Kayla
First aid
I have been a full-time Kaiako here at Footprints since early 2019. I love working with children and seeing their little faces light up with excitement and joy while exploring their environment. I have two children of my own who also attend Footprints.
Brooke
First aid
I have been a part of the Footprints whānau since 2018. Working alongside my Mum (Leona). I have developed a greater understanding of respectful care and practice with the youngest children within our centre. I enjoy watching their natural development and learning unfold.
Suzy
B.Ed (Tchg) Primary, PGDip (ECE)
My name is Suzy and I have been working with children for many years in both primary schools and early childhood centres. I have been working at Footprints since 2020. I love working here and have been able to build lovely relationships with the tamariki and whānau.