Treasured Team

At Treasured Tamariki, our team reflects the heart of Aotearoa — grounded in our bicultural commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and enriched by the diverse cultural identities of our community.

Guided by Founder and CEO of Mums4Mums, CJ Dafoe, and Deputy CEO, Sukhwant Kaur Malhi, we are united in our mission to provide inclusive, whānau-centred care where all tamariki can thrive.

Our passionate team includes fully registered kaiako who uphold the principles of Te Whāriki while embracing the unique cultures, languages, and values of the whānau we serve. They are supported by dedicated support staff who bring warmth, skill, and manaakitanga to every aspect of daily life in our centre.

We are also proud to include an on-site Occupational Therapist, whose work supports the neurodiverse and disability communities with culturally responsive, strength-based approaches.

Together, we weave a learning environment where tamariki are seen, heard, and valued — as individuals, as whānau members, and as cherished treasures of our multicultural community.

CJ Dafoe

CJ Dafoe is the visionary founder of Mums4Mums Charitable Trust, a volunteer-powered organisation that supports new and expectant mums in the Bay of Plenty. A Canadian-born Kiwi, CJ returned to Aotearoa — her mother’s homeland — in 2017, where her personal experience as a solo mum to her neurodiverse son inspired her to address the urgent needs of isolated, vulnerable mothers.

With a background in counselling, human resources, and community development, CJ launched Mums4Mums in 2021 after responding to a social worker’s call to support a struggling family. Since then, she has grown the Trust into a region-wide service that mobilises volunteers to provide in-home support, connection, and practical care for hundreds of families annually.

CJ’s leadership is grounded in equity, bicultural practice, and inclusive service delivery. She is also the founder of Treasured Tamariki Foundation Ltd, a charitable ECE and childcare centre that offers wraparound care for tamariki and whānau, including on-site occupational therapy and school transition programs.

Her work has been recognised with the ASB Good as Gold Award and the Heart of the Community Award. She is a regular contributor to regional media and a sought-after voice in maternal mental health and neurodiversity advocacy.

CJ believes that by empowering mums, we strengthen communities — and that it truly takes a village to raise a child.

Sukhwant Kaur Malhi

Deputy CEO – Mums4Mums Charitable Trust
Founding Mum | Volunteer Champion | Future Leader

Sukhwant Kaur Malhi is a founding mother of Mums4Mums and now serves as our Deputy CEO — a remarkable journey that began with her own lived experience of receiving support and has evolved into a leadership role shaping the future of the organisation.

Originally from Punjab, India, Sukhwant settled in New Zealand with her husband, Deep, and is a proud mum to twin boys. She was one of the very first mums supported by Mums4Mums, and her personal story of resilience, strength, and grace is at the heart of our kaupapa.

With a background in business and hospitality management, and extensive experience as a motel manager, Sukhwant brought excellent organisational, communication, and people skills to her role as our Volunteer Coordinator, where she matched families with trusted volunteers, provided emotional support to new mums, and ensured the right wraparound services were in place.

Now, as Deputy CEO, Sukhwant plays a key role in overseeing operations, mentoring new coordinators, and supporting the growth and sustainability of Mums4Mums. She is being mentored by Founder CJ Dafoe to eventually lead the organisation, ensuring continuity and community-led leadership for the future.

Sukhwant’s journey is a living example of our mission: that by empowering and walking alongside one mum, we uplift many. She leads with humility, compassion, and deep understanding of what it means to turn vulnerability into strength.

Tamra Steens

Tamra Steens – Administrator & Future Centre Manager

Tamra Steens is the part-time Administrator at Treasured Tamariki ECE and Childcare Centre, where she brings a strong background in administration, data analysis, and community engagement to support the day-to-day operations of the centre. Currently completing her Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), Tamra is deeply passionate about fostering nurturing environments where tamariki can thrive.

With a rich and varied professional background—including roles in the health sector, GIS and data analysis, and executive support—Tamra combines practical expertise with a heart for service. Her attention to detail, project management skills, and ability to build strong relationships make her a vital part of the Treasured Tamariki team.

Tamra is excited to step into the role of Centre Manager in the near future, where she will continue to champion high-quality care, inclusive practice, and meaningful connections with whānau and the wider community.

Rebecca Douglas

Head Teacher, Under Twos

Rebecca Douglas is the Head Teacher for our Under Twos at Treasured Tamariki ECE and Childcare Centre, where her calm, nurturing presence and deep respect for tamariki and their whānau shine through in all she does. With a Bachelor of Early Childhood Care and Education and current certifications in First Aid, Incredible Years, and Autism training, Rebecca brings both heart and expertise to her teaching practice.

At the core of Rebecca’s philosophy is the belief that respectful, responsive relationships are the foundation of quality early childhood education. She is committed to creating a peaceful, inclusive environment where our youngest learners feel safe, seen, and supported as they explore the world around them.

Rebecca’s approach is grounded in collaboration—with tamariki, whānau, and her teaching team—and she continually seeks to reflect Aotearoa’s diverse cultures within her curriculum, with a strong commitment to integrating te ao Māori.

Her love for messy play, nature, and building connections makes her a treasured part of the Treasured Tamariki whānau.

Diksha Ahuja

Head Teacher, Over Twos

Diksha Ahuja is our dedicated Head Teacher for the Over Twos at Treasured Tamariki ECE and Childcare Centre. With a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) from New Zealand Tertiary College and a wealth of experience across early childhood, primary, and secondary education settings, Diksha brings both depth and versatility to her teaching practice.

Passionate about creating inclusive, engaging, and developmentally responsive learning environments, Diksha is known for her thoughtful planning, strong relationships with tamariki and whānau, and commitment to cultural diversity. She skilfully integrates Te Whāriki into daily practice, planning meaningful experiences that foster creativity, exploration, and social connection.

Diksha’s calm presence and clear communication style support a collaborative team culture. She is committed to continuous professional growth and leads with kindness, curiosity, and a love for learning that inspires those around her.

Illa Tucci

Illa Tucci – Teacher, Over Twos

Illa Tucci is a valued teacher in the Over Twos room at Treasured Tamariki ECE and Childcare Centre. Originally from Brazil, Illa brings a rich cultural perspective and over a decade of experience in early childhood education. She is a qualified and registered teacher, holding a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and a current practising certificate.

As a dedicated mother of two and a passionate educator, Illa believes deeply in creating a warm, respectful, and inclusive environment where tamariki feel safe, empowered, and inspired to explore. Her love for teaching is rooted in the joy of witnessing children’s growth and curiosity in everyday moments.

Illa’s approach blends professional insight with heartfelt care. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, she is committed to supporting cultural diversity and celebrating the unique identities of every child and whānau she works with. Her global outlook, compassionate nature, and strong relationships with families make her a trusted and nurturing presence in our centre.

Leigh-Anne Pretorius

Occupational Therapist, BSc OT, MSc OT I Registered Occupational Therapist I Sensory + Neurodiversity Specialist OTBNZ Registration #50-07769

With over 20 years of experience across New Zealand and South Africa, Leigh-Anne brings a depth of expertise, warmth, and cultural sensitivity to her work with tamariki and their whānau.

Leigh-Anne has supported:

Neurodiverse children (ASD, ADHD, GDD, FASD, ODD, OCD)
Children with physical and intellectual disabilities (CP, Down Syndrome, Hydrocephalus, spina bifida)
Families navigating anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation challenges
ECE teachers and caregivers with practical strategies and training

Leigh-Anne’s Toolkit Includes:

· Sensory assessments and personalized reports for home, school, and ECE

· Zones of regulation, emotional literacy, mindfulness and body awareness techniques

· Therapy sessions to support executive function, attention, fine motor skills, and social-emotional development

· Parent coaching and family partnership planning

· Culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and neuro-affirming approaches

· Hands-on collaboration with kaiako (teachers) and caregivers to ensure inclusive participation in daily life