Our Exceptional Teaching Team
At Premier Preschool, we take pride in our highly qualified and passionate educators who are committed to nurturing your child's growth and development. Our dedicated team looks forward to welcoming you and your child into our learning community.
Jiana Lyu
Full Registered Teacher Centre Manager/Owner
Kia Ora! Ni Hao(你好)
I am Jiana Lyu (known as 佳佳 JiaJia), a certified early childhood teacher holding a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Victoria University of Wellington. Born and raised in Inner Mongolia, China, I bring a rich multicultural perspective and genuine passion to children’s learning and development. My parents and I moved to New Zealand in 2015, where I completed both my high school and university education.
As the Owner of Premier Preschool Johnsonville, I uphold an educational philosophy centred on nurturing children with love and respect. I advocate for child-led, play-based learning approaches, with a strong focus on fostering children’s emotional regulation, social competence, and resilience.
Beyond early childhood education, I have over 8 years of teaching experience. I work as a dance instructor and teach Chinese at Wellington Chinese Language School. I am passionate about sharing my enthusiasm through arts and education within the community.
I am committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where tamariki can grow and thrive. I look forward to partnering with whānau to support and celebrate every child’s learning journey and holistic development.
Wennie Li
ECE Registered Teacher
Kia Ora！
My name is Wenxuan Li (Wennie), and I hold a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Education from the University of Auckland, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy working and spending time with children, while supporting their learning and development.
I really value the power of relationships in an ECE setting. I believe that building strong, respectful, and responsive relationships with tamariki and whānau, creates a foundation for meaningful learning. Through these connections, children feel a sense of belonging and security, which supports their confidence, wellbeing, and engagement in learning.
I am really excited to join Premier Preschool Johnsonville and look forward to building meaningful relationships and having a wonderful time learning alongside our tamariki.
Belinda Diao
ECE Registered Teacher
Kia Ora! NiHao!
My name is Yanning Diao (Belinda), a qualified teacher with a Graduate Diploma in Primary Education from Victoria University of Wellington. With a background in New Zealand education, I am passionate about incorporating play-based learning and cultural diversity into my teaching, creating a safe, respectful, and joyful environment where every child can thrive.
I believe that a child’s cultural background and language are integral to their identity and provide a meaningful foundation for their learning journey. I strive to weave each child’s language, culture, and interests into daily activities—supporting them to build confidence, develop a strong sense of self, and grow their social and communication skills through rich interactions with others. I also deeply value open communication and collaboration with whānau, recognizing that strong home-school partnerships are essential in supporting every child’s holistic development.
I look forward to joining you and your tamariki at Premier Preschool Johnsonville and walking alongside you as we nurture their journey to becoming brave, confident, and joyful learners.
Suki Su
ECE Teacher
Kia Ora!
I am Suki, a passionate early childhood educator. My husband and I have been living in New Zealand for more than 11 years, and we have a lovely daughter and a happy family. I am currently studying towards my New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Level 3) at Training For You, with a strong focus on supporting children’s holistic growth and development.
My teaching philosophy is centred on creating a safe, warm, and inspiring environment where every child’s unique potential is respected and nurtured. I focus on supporting children’s social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development, helping them build confidence, curiosity, and kindness.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading and singing, which inspire my creativity and help me connect more deeply with children. My family is my greatest support, and they inspire me to practise patience, empathy, and joy in my teaching every day.
I look forward to working in partnership with whānau to support each child’s unique learning journey, and to growing together with your family.
Crinissa Olango
ECE Teacher
Kia Ora! Mabuhay!
I’m Crinissa Olango, an experienced educator from the Philippines now contributing to New Zealand’s early childhood sector at Premier Preschool Johnsonville. With a BA in Psychology, Certified Teaching credentials, and 33 units toward a Master’s in Educational Administration, I bring nearly 20 years of specialized experience—including owning a therapy center and teaching diverse learners.
Currently pursuing a Level 3 Health and Wellbeing qualification (Careerforce NZ), I champion inclusive, relationship-based learning. My approach blends cultural responsiveness with individualized strategies to nurture each child’s confidence and curiosity.
Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful community. I look forward to contributing to the growth and development of our tamariki (children) and working alongside their whānau (families).