Hi my name is Maria Johnson. I spent my childhood growing up on a farm with my parents, two brothers and three sisters.
I moved to Wellington after training as a Primary School teacher at Hamilton Teachers College and completing my Bachelor of Education at Waikato University. B.Ed, Dip. Tching Primary. In 2006 I studied full time and gained my Early Childhood qualifications from the New Zealand College of Early Childhood Education.
I have four beautiful boys - Mathew, Joshua, Benjamin and Jacob (twins). I love being with my children and watching them grow and develop as individuals! Being a Mum is the greatest job in the world (even though sometimes it tests our patience).
I really enjoy spending time with family and friends, relaxing in my garden and being creative. When there is any spare time I also like to exercise.
I established Little School in 2002 and since then our organisation has grown to continually meet the demand of our families.
I am passionate and ambitious about young children discovering their abilities and providing them with the knowledge, skills and values to make them lifelong learners. I continually aspire to be a leader in education and thoroughly enjoy this journey. I am extremely fortunate to work alongside a brilliant team of dedicated teachers at Little School. Together we aspire to be widely recognised leaders in preschool education.
I am on the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal, and a member of the Life Education National Board.
Awards:
2012; Wellington Supreme Business Woman of the year, Wellington Best Small to Medium Business, Finalist EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Next Education Finalist.
2017; Finalist Wellington Business Gold Awards, Finalist New Zealand Women of Influence Awards.