Nicola Vandenberg – Manager
I started teaching at Kinderen in 1996. Kinderen’s philosophy of warmth and caring for all people, big and small resonates completely with my own beliefs about how to live, learn and teach alongside others. My role as manager sees me often in the office but I am privileged to still spend time teaching and learning alongside the children and teachers in the centres.
I believe our natural world provides grounding and a strong sense of belonging in children and adults, it teaches us to be respectful of ourselves, of others and our surroundings. I enjoy providing the children with experiences and knowledge about the world around them, including farm visits to see and care for animals as well as spending time learning and playing in the forest.
Shona Flannery – Administration Manager
Shona started working at Kinderen in 1992, she is the friendly voice on the end of the phone and has the answers to all the tricky questions!
“I enjoy my administration job! I enjoy watching the children grow and learn and knowing that it is our teachers nurturing and teaching that supports children to grow into kind, intelligent and self-confident people with the skills to make choices that make the best of what life can be.”
Daniel Vandenberg—Administration support
Daniel is our computer whiz—he can fix anything and is a quick and clever administration support team member. Daniel is constantly up-dating his knowledge regarding ECE programmes in New Zealand and keeps Kinderen’s technology running smoothly in both centres.
Eme Makatoa – Team Leader at the Preschool
Fakaalofa lahi atu my name is Eme Makatoa and I am the first person in contact as you walk through the door at the preschool. I welcome all parents/whānau and children into the centre. I believe that children should be in a caring and loving environment so they learn to their full potential. Play is how children learn and the “big centre” is where we play together. Play helps children develop social skills, build relationships, respect for self, each other and the environment. Having fun is essential for everyone’s growth, the tamariki, teachers, adults/parents/whānau. I see and teach with my heart. This is not just a job for me it is a place that I come to play with my family.
Judy Sharp – Registered Teacher
Kia ora my name is Judy Sharp and I have spent over 20 wonderful years at Kinderen. I have enjoyed working in both centres as both a teacher and a Team Leader during this time. It is important to me to provide a calm, positive, warm and safe environment for all of our children, parents/whānau and staff. I feel passionate about our children being comfortable, relaxed and happy while being involved in their learning through play. Dancing, laughing and having fun is what we are all about.
Wendy Julian—Registered Teacher
Kia ora. My name is Wendy. I work at both of the Kinderen Centres with children ranging from under one year old to four years old. I love teaching children about nature and the magic of language. I am always interested in the child’s point of view and enriching their experiences.
Sam Parli – Registered Teacher and Curriculum Facilitator at the Little Centre
Kia ora all! My name is Sam and I love working with young children and sharing their growths and accomplishments. Being able to see children form their own personalities and grow so much while they are in the centre is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I am passionate about music and love to share this with the children throughout the curriculum. I have completed a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education and have over 5 years of experience working with young children. Feel free to approach me with any questions or just to say hello, looking forward to meeting you and your children.
Stacey King- Registered Teacher and Curriculum Facilitator at the Preschool
Hello, my name is Stacey King and I have been teaching since 2007. I am passionate about helping children grow into the best people they can be and getting them excited about learning and discovering. I have a real interest in teaching children about the environment and sustainability and how the small things we do here and now can have an impact for the health of our environment. I look forward to meeting you and your children.
Jane Sapwell – Senior Teacher
Kia ora,
My name is Jane Sapwell, I teach in the over two centre.
I hold a Bachelor Degree in Early childhood, and have 18years experience educating preschoolers.
I look forward to meeting you all and being part of your child’s learning journey.
Fiona Blackburn – Registered Teacher
After a previous 15 years teaching in early childhood centres, followed by a break to raise my two children, I am very privileged to be welcomed into the Kinderen family to teach in the infants and toddlers centre.
I am looking forward to sharing the journey with all our lovely children and their families as they grow, learn and discover the joys or life.
Diane Parli – Teacher
Every day is – different – a fresh start – a new opportunity to…Learn * inspire * laugh * make somebody smile * try something new * look at something in a different way * follow your dreams * fight for what you believe in * bring out the best in someone * listen * talk * be creative * build bridges * heal wounds * solve a puzzle * hop, skip and jump and…Set it all to music.
Passion for teaching = passion for learning = passion for life
Lee Coward—Teacher
I enjoy the active opportunity to support children’s learning and watch their development. I feel this is a great privilege.
Sharon Aldworth—Teacher
I enjoy my job looking after children. I love seeing them grow and learn from experiencing the interaction with me and the other children. I respect their rights as ‘little people’. I encourage them to be independent, and to have fun whilst they are at Kinderen.
Sharn Webster – Domestic Support
Hi, my name is Sharn Webster, I’ve been in the role of a domestic support person for Kinderen since the 1st September 1996. I enjoy my role as I like to make good, nutritional food for the children, it’s also important to me to make sure the children have a clean and tidy environment to play and learn in. I am looking forward to meeting the new and old families to the centre.
Liz Evans – Domestic Support
I have been called the ‘behind the scenes fairy’ and think this is a lovely way to describe my role of serving lunches and cleaning indoors at the little centre. It is very important to me to make sure everything is in clean, working order for the children’s exploration and play. I also really enjoy interacting with the children as they show an interest in the jobs I am completing.
