Hello Little Steps Family,
I’m Melissa, Principal and Owner of Little Steps Pre-Schools and Little Steps Baby — though most of our little people know me as Teacher Lissa or Teacher Mel (and they all know just how much I love my tea!).
I’ve been teaching for 28 years and feel incredibly grateful to do what I love every day. I hold an N6 Diploma in Early Childhood Development and have completed training in Integrated Learning Therapy (Level 1), Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and the Key to Learning workshops. Sixteen years ago, Little Steps began with just three special little people, and it has grown into the heart-filled community it is today.
I am deeply passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that spark excitement, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. I believe wholeheartedly in learning through play, where children are free to explore, imagine, ask questions, and discover the world in their own unique way. Through inquiry-based and child-led learning, we nurture confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills — helping each child grow and thrive.
At home, I’m incredibly blessed. I’m newly married to my wonderfully supportive husband, Nick, and a proud mom to three beautiful girls, all at different stages of life — each one reminding me daily of the magic and challenges of childhood. As a family, we treasure creating core memories together and placing connection at the centre of everything we do.
My wish for 2026 is that every child, parent, and teacher at Little Steps feels deeply connected — to one another and to our school community. Connection is at the heart of Little Steps, and I hope it fills every day with love, learning, and a true sense of belonging.
Hello Beautiful Little Steps Family,
I’m Teacher Alex — the “crazy red-head teacher” — and I’ve been part of the Little Steps family for over a decade. With 25 years of teaching experience, I’m in my element preparing our Grade R rock stars for Grade 1, and more importantly, helping them grow into confident, curious little humans who are excited to learn.
As Grade R teacher and Deputy Principal, I work closely with our incredible staff and children to ensure our curriculum remains child-centred, inclusive, and engaging — where every day feels like an adventure. I believe deeply that relationships matter just as much as learning, and when children are treated as the architects of their own education, they continually amaze us.
With qualifications in Education, Counselling, and Inclusive Education, I strive to support each child’s unique needs while fostering strong partnerships with families. I’m a lifelong learner who loves evolving alongside today’s children, blending language arts, STEM, imagineering, sensory play, and hands-on learning. Our Grade Rs are gently introduced to reading, writing, maths, isiZulu, Afrikaans, coding, and robotics so they enter Grade 1 confident and curious.
Outside the classroom, I’m a proud mom, animal-loving adventurer, volunteer, book-hoarder, and firm believer in magic. In 2026, I hope to share my love for all creatures, help children see the magic in the world and in themselves, and make learning feel like chocolate ice-cream — with fun, challenge, silliness, and always a touch of Teacher Alex magic.
I can’t wait to get to know you and your precious little humans.
With love and unicorn magic,
Teacher Alex 💖
Hello Little Steps Family,
My name is Jeanine, but my little people know me as Teacher Nini. I’m the Meerkat Class teacher (4–5 years) and also serve as Deputy Head of Operations. I’ve been part of the Little Steps family since July 2017, and it truly is my happy place.
I hold a Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching and have completed further training in Integrated Learning Therapies (Level 1), Child-Centred Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, and Sensory Processing and Learning. While I’ve learned so much through my studies, I believe wholeheartedly that learning never stops — for teachers or children.
In my classroom, I strive to create a fun, nurturing, and magical learning environment where every child feels supported and excited to learn. There is nothing I love more than watching each little person grow, gain confidence, and truly thrive.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family (including my precious fur babies) and love crafting, photography, puzzles, baking, and cooking — all the things that bring me joy and creativity.
I’m so excited to share a year filled with love, laughter, and learning with you and your little people in 2026.
Lots of love,
Teacher Nini 🌸💖
Hello to our wonderful Moms and Dads of 2026,
Whether this is your first year with us or you’re returning to the Little Steps family, I’m so excited to walk this magical journey with you. It’s truly an honour to be part of such a special community.
I’m Teacher Dani — a childhood core-memory maker, creative chaos co-ordinator, and movement coach to our littlest learners. Under the incredible leadership of Principal Savage, I’ll be serving as Deputy Principal of the Baby and Toddler Centre from January 2026, a role I’m deeply grateful for.
My love for learning began in my own Grade RRR year right here at Little Steps, where I learned to see the world through a lens of wonder — and I’ve been a lifelong learner ever since. I’ve now been an educator for six years and hold a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Development and Foundation Phase Teaching (Cum Laude), along with additional training in exercise for childhood development, Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and I’m completing my TEFL Level 5 Diploma.
In the classroom, I feel privileged to be part of your toddler’s village. I believe deeply in learning through play, movement, creativity, and connection, and I love creating sentimental moments and joyful learning experiences every day. While I have so much to share with my little Lion Cubs, they teach me just as much — and I treasure learning alongside them in our child-led environment.
Outside of school, I’m an animal lover, nature explorer, and home-sanctuary creator, sharing life with my long-term partner, Jason, and a very full house of furry, feathered, and scaly family members.
My dream for 2026 is that together we create a nurturing, supportive Baby and Toddler Centre where curiosity, kindness, and a love for learning can flourish — and where our children are shown just how beautiful the world can be.
I cannot wait to welcome my Lion Cubs of 2026 with open arms and begin creating a legacy of lifelong learners.
With love and magic,
Teacher Dani 🌈✨
