Meet Melany and Ashley – the ‘magic elves’ of Johnathan Rhodes Kindy
Melany Baltar and Ashley Boorer have only been cleaning Johnathan Rhodes Kindy for six months, but you’d be forgiven for thinking the Dunedin pair have been part of the team for years, because they’re already treated like part of the family.
Always doing a little bit extra comes naturally to Melany and Ashley. Whether they’re picking up leaves from the front door or staying a little longer to get the space looking spotless, the humble cleaning team considers this simply part of their daily routine. But for kindy staff, it means the world.
Head Kaiako Ang Lund says the space has never been cleaner.
“They’re like magic little elves,” she says.
“They always go over and above and leave the kindy sparkling clean, ready for the Tamariki to come in like tornadoes the following day.”
Cleaning a kindy is no easy task. Playdoh, sand, and even cornflour activities mean Melany and Ashley never know what surprises each day will bring. While they admit it can be challenging, they’re always ready for whatever comes their way.
“Some days it’s a real mess,” laughs Ashley.
“But that’s all part and parcel with cleaning a kindy. We just make sure they’re walking into nice, clean carpets and floors the next day.”
Their thoughtfulness even extends beyond cleaning. When a mother duck and her three ducklings wandered into the kindy during cleaning hours, Melany and Ashley knew the children would have loved to see them, but they had all gone home. So, they captured a photo of the ducks exploring the play area for the kids to see the next day.
Ang and the team printed a copy to put on the wall, bringing smiles and plenty of joy to everyone.
“They knew the kids would love it – and they did! They’re extraordinary people for everything that they do for us,” says Ang.
Melany launched her CrestClean franchise in December 2020, right in the middle of COVID uncertainty. While many businesses struggled, Melany thrived. Starting small, she quickly showed her exceptional standards and just two years later was named Franchisee of the Year.
It’s no surprise the pair have such an eye for detail as they both previously worked in busy hotel environments. Melany was a housekeeper, and Ashley a chef, gaining skills that have carried over perfectly to the thorough cleaning they do every day. Almost a year ago, Ashley decided to leave his part-time chef job and help Melany with the franchise full-time. He loves the variety and challenges that each day brings.
“There’s a different mess and a different challenge each day,” he laughs.
Communication between Melany, Ashley, and the kindy team is simple but effective. Small notes keep everything running smoothly. Ang often leaves a note apologising for the mess at the end of a busy day, but Melany and Ashley are always just happy to hear the kids had lots of fun with the messy play. They’ll simply reply that the extra mess is no bother at all.
“They are so easy to communicate with. It’s refreshing to know our kindy is in such capable hands,” says Ang.
Being a kindy teacher is demanding work, but having Melany and Ashley on the team means staff can focus on the children without worrying about cleaning.
“It’s amazing to not have that pressure,” says Ang.
“They’re just such beautiful people. I feel so incredibly grateful to have them as part of our Johnathan Rhodes whānau!”
