Shona Flannery – 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.
Trina Murray – Head Teacher at the Big Centre
Kia ora koutou, my name is Trina Murray and I am the head teacher at Kinderen
Preschool. I have recently returned to my ‘home centre’ after five years away
gaining knowledge and experience elsewhere in other centres, and I am excited and proud to be coming back to lead the team here at preschool, and know that I have big shoes to fill in Eme’s role.
I have a love of the environment and learning through a background in horticulture and landscape design, and are passionate about children taking agency over their future – te rangatiratanga – to grow our future generations to continue to look after and nurture our world.
I have been married for 24 years to Wayne and have two children Liam – 20, and
Briar, 18 who live independently. Wayne and I enjoy our wonderful four acre garden and bush sanctuary on the outskirts of New Plymouth where we spend most of our weekends.
Wendy Julian—Certified 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 – Certified Teacher
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- Little Centre Head Teacher
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.
Erin Tate- Certified Teacher
I always knew I was going to teach, and when I began my journey to become a teacher, I soon realised I had a passion for caring for infants and toddlers. I obtained my Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE) in 2016, and soon made my way back to Kinderen where I had previously done a placement- it felt like coming home. I also work for my own business Ako Infant Massage as an Infant Massage Instructor. I feel privileged to care for and nurture our babies, and love working alongside and supporting families.
Fiona Blackburn – Certified 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
Sharon Aldworth—Teacher (Big centre)
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.
Claudia Fleming- Certified Teacher (Big centre)
Kia ora! My name is Claudia and I work at Kinderen Preschool.
I believe that children should learn in a fun early childhood setting where there is a variety of stimulating resources. Learning should be fun and teachers should provide a quality programme that enhances children’s learning and development in a caring environment.
I look forward to meeting you and working alongside your child.
Shahla Francis – Certified Teacher (Big centre)
I believe that we are all born noble, so each of us must be treated with kindness, compassion, dignity and honour. Every one of us has something unique and wonderful to contribute to the betterment of the world. Each of us is as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education is the key to unlocking that mine, discovering all those treasures, and allowing mankind to benefit therefrom.
Nikita Wildbore – Teacher Aide
Louise Butler – Teacher Aide
Sarah Niederberger – Teacher in Training
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.
