Our People

Sandy Wang , Centre Manager

Arunima Dasgupta, ECE Certified Teacher

Namaste, my name is Arunima. I joined the Pascals Family in April 2018.  I am from India.  I immigrated to New Zealand with my husband back in 2016. I live with my husband in New Market.  I have been in education and childcare since 2005 back in the country.  I have done my Bachelor in Teaching (Education) back in India and have done Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from New Zealand Tertiary College back in 2016.

My philosophy is underpinned by the fact that, play is an important aspect of how children learn and as educators we should endeavour to create learning environments that invite children to explore and get fully involved in wide variety of experiences because, quality early childhood experiences promote the development of the child and increase the opportunity for success through the child’s life.  I strongly believe that positive trusting relationships should be nurtured between teachers, children and their families. Hence, I always endeavour to develop collaborative partnership with whanau. I feel privileged to be a part of the learning journey of children at Pascals, St Johns.

Betty Shandil, ECE Certified Teacher

Fakalofa lahi atu and kia ora, my name is Betty Shandil.  I joined the Pascals Family in May 2018.  It is my pleasure and privilege to be part of the Pascals family.  I am Niuean born here and was fortunate to grow up in Niue for 11 years.  I live in Mangere Bridge with my Mum, my partner who is also Niuean and our little heartbeat baby girl June who is 17months old. 

I completed NCEA level 1-3 with a University Cert in 2004.  I have a Te Reo (Reo Rua) Level 1 which I did to embrace and learn more about Tikanga Maori.  I have looked after little cousins and have done babysitting over the years.  I have grown up around families, whanau and being family orientated.  I knew I have what it takes to teach and be a part of children's learning.  I believe in giving children love, respect and making them feel safe.  I believe they are all unique and I wanted to make a contribution to their learning and to empower them. 

I can’t wait to be part of your child’s learning journey at Pascals St Johns.

Joanna Mcloughlin, ECE Certified Teacher

Hi, my name is Joanna Mcloughlin.  Last year, I experienced the great thrill of graduating from AUT as an ECE teacher. I finished my studies in June 2019. At present, I am in the process of completing my full registration with the New Zealand Education Council.  I am delighted to have been given an opportunity to transfer to Pascals, St Johns in July 2020.  After enjoying 18 months as a graduate teacher at a Montessori Centre in Remuera (also part of the Evolve Education Group), I hope to now extend my teaching practice and experience by applying the distinct curricula and pedagogy adopted here at Pascals. 

Working with young children is my passion. To be part of an environment which is devoted to the care, education and holistic development of pre-school learners is an honour and a privilege which I will never take for granted. My family (my parents) come from South Africa.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to help care for and nurture your beautiful children here at Pascals. 

Mastaneh Rajestari (Masi), Centre Chef

Kia ora whanau, my name is Masi.  I was born and raised in Iran (Persia), and I have five siblings.  My husband and I have three children and six beautiful grandchildren.  We moved to New Zealand back in 1996 and I can speak fluent Farsi.

I graduated in Iran and my journey as a professional chef began here in New Zealand back in 1997.  I have always been passionate about food and have worked as a professional chef at cafes and restaurants.  I am passionate about the care and education of our young citizens and I pride myself on being a professional, kind and nurturing chef. My philosophy is based on respectful care practices.

I joined the Pascals Family in March 2017.

Naiereh Delkosh, ECE Teacher

Kia ora and hello, I'm Naya (Naier) from Iran and my first language is Turkish and Farsi.  I joined Pascals Family in February 2019.  I'm a mother of two boys.  I moved to New Zealand with my family in 2016.  I have Bachelor of Arts in literature from my country and my job was HR in a trading company.  I have caring and working with children of all ages, so you will find me working in all the rooms at Pascals St Johns.  I am flexible, energetic, caring and enjoy learning new things. 

It's a privilege to be part of the Evolve Education Group and Pascals St Johns.  I look forward to getting to know you all.

Qin (Quentin) Yue, ECE Certified Teacher

Kia ora, Ni hao, my name is Quentin, and I come from Beijing China. I joined the Pascals Family in November 2020.

I am holding a Bachelor of Commerce and Management degree from Lincoln University. I decided to become an Early Childhood Teacher a few years after I had worked in a legal publishing company. Therefore, I did a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) while working full time in a day care a few years back.

I enjoy working with children, and love to watch them play, learn, and grow. I started my teaching career in 2013 and worked with all age groups.  I believe the environment is the third teacher, children learn and develop through play. I believe respectful and meaningful practice as an Early Childhood Teacher.  I will do my best to assist you and your children and hope your children will enjoy their time in the centre.

Riga Farhat, ECE Teacher

Kia ora my name is Riga Farhat.  I joined the Pascals Family in February 2017.  I came to New Zealand in 2007 with my husband.  I live with my husband and my 12 years old son and 10 years old son in Glendowie.  My sons attend Glendowie Primary School. 

I completed a certificate of Inclusive Education (Teacher Aide) at MIT in 2016 and after finishing it, I got the opportunity to work at Pascals St Johns in 2017 and since then I am at this centre which I absolutely love. 

I enjoy working and teaching children here in Pascals and learning alongside them, watching their journeys and seeing them grow into beautiful little human beings gives me great pleasure.  I believe that the foundation of learning and interaction that a child receives at a young age greatly impacts their behaviour and learning in the future.  I base my teaching on building strong relationships with whanau and children and respectful practice.

I can't wait to be in your child's learning journey at Pascals St Johns.

Shani Ganegoda, ECE Certified Teacher

Ayubowan/ Kia ora, my name is Shani.  I joined the Pascals Family in July 2019.  I immigrated to New Zealand from Sri Lanka back in 2016.  I live with my husband Sachin.  He is a baker. 

I completed my diploma in Early Childhood Education at Whitireia Community Polytheistic.  Also I have successfully completed diploma in Montessori Education back in my home country.

I firmly believe that each child is unique.  I love to observe children’s development and growth in a secure, caring and stimulating atmosphere, emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially.  I started teaching since 2014 and I have worked with children from 0 to 6 years old.

I’m looking forward to getting to know all tamariki and whanau at Pascals St Johns.

Hazuki Shichijo, ECE Teacher

Hi, my name is Hazuki (You can call me "Zuki"). I am from Japan and I came to New Zealand in 2013.  I joined the Pascals Family in March 2021.  I have completed my Level 6 of Early Childhood Education early this year and I am going to study Level 7 soon.  I studied Primary Education back in Japan.  I have 5 years of teaching experience in NZ, as well as 6 years of primary school teaching experience aged from 6 to 12 in Japan. 

I enjoy watching children's development and their way of learning.  It is wonderful to see their growth step by step.  I believe each child is unique and competent, and that they learn from their play where they never stop learning and building confidence from different experiences.  I respect children individually, including their family/whanau and background. Children learn to respect and be respected by what they see and feel, therefore I always show my respect to children, their families and teachers.                                         

Wen-Lin Shih, ECE Certified Teacher

My name is Wen-Lin Shih. I joined the Pascals family in February 2021. I came from Taiwan where I was a registered nurse for 16 years.  I immigrated to New Zealand with my husband and our two children back in 1995 and I live with my family in Panmure ever since.  I started teaching in 2001 and in the same year, I have completed the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) from Auckland University of Technology.

I believe in empowering children and I strongly advocate the importance of collaborative practice based on mutual respect, empathy, communication and trust.  I love creating an inviting learning environment for the children.  I feel privileged to be a part of the learning journey of our children at Pascals St Johns.

Ye (Jasmine) Lu, ECE Certified Teacher

Ni hao!  My name is Jasmine Lu.  I grew up in Beijing, China and I used to be a registered high school teacher.  I have been in New Zealand for almost 10 years now, and I live with my husband and my 1-year-old son Jayden in Flat Bush. 

I found my passion for young children when I was a volunteer in a Christian Preschool. I graduated from Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) at New Zealand Tertiary College in 2019.  I am currently on my way to become a fully registered teacher.

I believe that children are God’s gift.  Every child is unique in their own way.  I value the children to direct their own learning and development, alongside with teachers’ support.  I also believe that respectful, caring bonds with tamariki and whānau are the vital foundation for a wonderful ECE experience.  As a teacher of the young, I share with parents the responsibility for teaching their child.

I feel very grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside such a passionate and fabulous team at Pascals St Johns since January 2021.  I look forward to meeting and getting to know all of our tamariki and whānau.