Our Team

Every great celebration deserves a little magic behind the scenes - and that’s where our team comes in! The Wedding Sitter crew is full of caring, creative childcare professionals who know how to keep tamariki happy, safe, and entertained while the adults enjoy the party.

Our photos and bios are still being added (watch this space ✨), but we couldn’t wait to start introducing you to the wonderful people who help make wedding days run smoothly.

  • Deanna McKay

    Deanna is a career nanny with a creative heart, calm presence, and over five years of hands-on experience caring for children around the world. She has supported families with little ones from 6 months through to teens, specialising in neurodiverse tamariki, busy households, and everything in between.

    She brings a grounded, playful, and dependable energy into every situation. Whether soothing a restless baby, setting off on an imaginative adventure, or keeping snack time on track, Deanna tunes in to each child’s needs. She is especially passionate about supporting tamariki through big feelings with care, while keeping things flowing smoothly behind the scenes.

    Deanna loves helping kids feel safe, secure, and seen - often through crafts, Lego cities, and active games. Her approach is warm, respectful, and focused on creating a joyful, calm space where tamariki can thrive and parents can feel completely confident their little humans are in caring, capable hands.

  • Ariella Midwood

    Ariella has spent the past seven years babysitting across New Zealand, as well as working professionally at the Intercontinental Hayman Island on the Great Barrier Reef.

    With a patient and nurturing nature, she brings calm confidence to her care - supporting children with behavioural needs and heightened anxiety. Ariella focuses on creating environments where every child feels safe, understood, and valued.

    She loves providing a positive, relaxed space where tamariki can feel supported, allowing parents to enjoy their day knowing their children are in capable hands.

  • Hayley Kyle

    Hayley brings extensive experience supporting children and families across Wānaka, the United States, and Aotearoa. She began her career as a nanny in the U.S. before returning home to provide long-term care for a local doctor’s family for five years, as well as supporting her sister-in-law’s children.

    With a calm, nurturing, and highly reliable approach, Hayley creates warm, safe environments where tamariki feel settled and supported. Her background spans childcare, running a children’s store, managing Airbnb apartments, and working in retail - roles that strengthened her organisation, communication, and people skills.

    Alongside her childcare work, Hayley also supports a woman living with Parkinson’s, a role she finds meaningful and fulfilling. Outside of work, you’ll find her enjoying life in beautiful Wānaka with her three children and embracing the community she has always called home.

  • India Brown

    India has over 8 years of experience caring for children, including 5 years as a career nanny. She has supported families with children of all ages - from premature babies and multiples to teens - and brings a calm, nurturing presence to every role. Her approach is grounded in respectful relationships, creating safe and joyful spaces where tamariki can thrive through play, curiosity, and connection.

    Outside of nannying, India is a passionate creative, working in graphic design and even designing race car liveries and team apparel. A rally fan herself, she enjoys time on the track in her own car.

    On wedding days, parents can feel at ease knowing India brings both experience and warmth, ensuring children are well cared for while families relax and celebrate.

  • Keala Manderson

    Keala has over 6 years of experience caring for children of all ages through babysitting, ECE, and volunteering at an Outdoor School. Growing up in the Nelson–Tasman region, she developed a love for the outdoors and enjoys sharing that sense of adventure and curiosity with tamariki. She brings warmth, laughter, and calm to every booking, helping create a relaxed and stress-free day for families.