083 234 4198
Meet the Team
Dedicated & Certified
Jeanie King
Principal
Jeanie King is the heart of Ladybird Preschool, leading with a vision to provide a nurturing and faith-infused environment for young learners. With a wealth of experience in early childhood education, Jeanie is dedicated to ensuring that every child at Ladybird Preschool receives the love, care, and educational foundation they deserve.
Jason Goadsby
Owner/ Finance Manager
With a sharp eye for numbers and a heart for little learners, Jason keeps Ladybird Preschool running smoothly behind the scenes. As the owner and finance manager, he’s the reason the lights stay on and the crayons keep coming. While he may not lead storytime, Jason’s passion for creating a nurturing, well-resourced environment is at the core of everything we do. Think of him as the calculator with a conscience—and maybe a few dad jokes up his sleeve.
Jessica King
Owner/ Marketing Manager
The creative force behind the Ladybird brand, Jessica blends big-picture thinking with a genuine love for early childhood education. As co-owner and marketing manager, she’s the voice behind the vibrant posts, the eye behind the cheerful design, and the energy behind our growing community. Whether she’s planning an open day or sharing a snap of messy play, Jessica ensures Ladybird Preschool always shines—on screen and in person. She’s basically the sparkle to our storytime.
Lauren Kriel
Green Group Teacher
Lauren leads our oldest group of Ladybirds with a perfect balance of warmth, structure, and a touch of magic. With her calm presence and creative flair, she prepares our Grade RR class for the big leap to “big school” while making every day fun, engaging, and full of discovery. Whether she’s guiding early writing skills or refereeing playground negotiations, Lauren brings patience, purpose, and just the right amount of glitter. She’s not just teaching the ABCs—she’s shaping confident, curious little humans.
Natalie Stewart
Red Group Teacher
With a heart as big as her imagination, Natalie brings energy, empathy, and endless creativity to our Red Group classroom. Teaching our 3–4-year-olds is no small task, but Natalie makes it look effortless—turning everyday moments into learning adventures filled with laughter and love. Whether she’s leading a singalong, comforting a wobbly morning drop-off, or helping tiny hands master new skills, Natalie is a guiding light in this important stage of early development.
Carlin Perros
Orange Group Teacher
Carlin is the master of the magical (and sometimes messy) world of toddlers. With endless patience and a great sense of humour, she gently guides our Orange Group through one of the most important developmental stages—with plenty of songs, stories, and cuddles along the way. Whether it’s encouraging first friendships, celebrating new words, or navigating the occasional tantrum, Carlin creates a space where each little learner feels seen, safe, and supported.
Julia Gouws
Yellow Group Teacher
Julia is the gentle heart of our Yellow Group, guiding our toddlers with warmth, patience, and a whole lot of love. This age is full of firsts—first words, first steps, first friendships—and Julia is there to cheer them all on. With her calm presence and nurturing nature, she helps our little ones feel safe, supported, and ready to explore the world around them. From cuddles to curiosity, her classroom is a place where trust grows and tiny personalities begin to shine.
Zinhle Phungula
Nursery (Rainbow Group) Teacher
Zee is the loving presence at the heart of our nursery, caring for our tiniest Ladybirds with incredible gentleness and dedication. With a deep understanding of infant development and an instinct for nurturing, Zee creates a calm, secure space where babies feel safe, soothed, and loved. From bottle feeds to lullabies, tummy time to tiny giggles, she’s there for every precious milestone. For many families, Zee is their very first experience of preschool—and with her at the helm, it couldn’t be a more reassuring start.
Ntombenhle Duma
Yellow Group Assistant
With a calm nature and a caring heart, Witness is a gentle guide through the toddler whirlwind of the Yellow Group. Always close by with a reassuring smile or helping hand, she supports our little learners as they begin to explore, express, and grow. From snack time to story time, Witness is a constant source of comfort and encouragement—helping each child feel safe, loved, and ready to take on the day. Her quiet strength and warm presence make her an invaluable part of our team.
Zanele Mtetwa
Rainbow Group Assistant
Zanele (Gogo) is a gentle and caring presence in our nursery, providing loving support to our tiniest Ladybirds during their very first steps outside the home. Always attentive and patient, she helps create a safe, comforting environment where babies can explore and grow at their own pace. From soothing cries to joyful coos, Zanele’s nurturing spirit and calm energy make her an essential part of our baby care team.
Mpumelelo Ngcobo
Orange Group Assistant
Phumi brings laughter, patience, and a whole lot of heart to the Orange Group classroom. Working alongside our toddlers during this energetic and curious stage, she’s always ready with a kind word, a helping hand, or a silly song to turn a wobble into a giggle. Whether it’s messy play, snack time, or settling little ones down for a nap, Phumi’s nurturing presence helps create a calm, happy space where children feel safe to explore and grow. She’s the quiet magic behind many big toddler milestones.
Ayanda Sibisi
Green Group Assistant
Ayanda is the steady, supportive presence every busy preschool classroom needs. As the assistant in our Green Group, she works hand-in-hand with our Grade RR teacher to ensure each child feels seen, supported, and ready to thrive. Whether she’s helping with handwriting practice, calming nerves, or encouraging independence, Ayanda brings patience, warmth, and a joyful energy to the classroom. Her quiet dedication helps lay the foundation for confident learners—and her smile makes every day a little brighter.
Linah Sikhakhane
Red Group Assistant
Linah wears two hats at Ladybird Preschool—and wears them both with heart and care. As the Yellow Group assistant, she brings comfort, kindness, and a helping hand to our curious toddlers, supporting them through their daily discoveries. But she’s also the magic behind the kitchen doors, preparing healthy, home-cooked lunches every day for all our little ones. From soothing a tear to stirring a pot, Linah’s nurturing touch is felt in every corner of the school (and every full tummy).
Mthobisi Cele
Groundsman
Mtho is the quiet hero of Ladybird Preschool—always one step ahead, ensuring our outdoor spaces are clean, safe, and ready for little feet to explore. From fixing jungle gyms to keeping the garden looking its best, his hard work and friendly smile never go unnoticed. Whether it’s a squeaky swing or a surprise ant invasion, Mtho is on it—usually before anyone even knows there’s a problem. Simply put, if Ladybird Preschool had a heartbeat, he’d be the rhythm keeping it steady.