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.

  • Carson Benesh

    Carson brings over 11 years of childcare experience, supporting children of all ages (from babies to teens) in Colorado, United States. She specializes in supporting diverse needs, including GI tube feeding and speech therapy, and is skilled in managing households and day-to-day routines for children.

    With a positive, playful, and adaptable approach, Carson thrives in both fun and high-demand situations. She loves creating crafts and memorable experiences that children will cherish for a lifetime, always finding ways to make each child feel comfortable and supported.

    When she’s not caring for children, Carson has spent four years working as a mountain operator manager on ski fields across Colorado - and now you’ll find her exploring the slopes all over Wanaka in her free time.

  • Dahlia Chrosinski

    Dahlia’s childcare journey began at YMCA Camp Hi-Rock in Massachusetts, where she spent three consecutive summers as a camp counsellor and outdoor instructor. Since moving to Aotearoa in 2019, she has continued working with tamariki through school holiday programmes like Wānaka Kids Club, several part-time nannying roles, and as a lifeguard at the Wānaka Rec Centre. Dahlia now works at Mount Aspiring College as a teacher aide, which has given her a whole new perspective on youth development and education.

    When she’s not working, you’ll likely find Dahlia adventuring in the Otago mountains, playing soccer, or catching up with friends. She loves supporting tamariki of all ages, especially helping them grow through physical activity, play, and nature experiences. Dahlia is excited to be part of The Wedding Sitter team and to create safe, fun, and engaging spaces for your little ones while the adults celebrate.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Natalie Astin

    Natalie lives in Albert Town with her husband, two teenage children, and their dog. She works therapeutically with children and families as a child-centred play therapist in private practice. With an earlier background in science and conservation, Natalie discovered her passion for play therapy after becoming a parent and learning parenting skills from a local play therapist. She quickly found that these skills felt natural, effective, and deeply rewarding.

    Through child-centred play therapy, Natalie helps tamariki build secure relationships, express themselves through play, and develop self-awareness, resilience, and healthy coping strategies. We feel very lucky to have her on The Wedding Sitter team, bringing such in-depth understanding of children and their needs.

    Outside of work, Natalie enjoys being in nature with her family, swimming in the lake, singing in a choir, and Zumba dancing. She is excited to create safe, supportive, and playful spaces for tamariki while the adults celebrate.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Alice Rose

    Coming soon…