Kia Ora

I’m a registered Early Childhood Teacher, Wife and Mum to two daughters.  I am passionate about Early Childhood Education and firmly believe that we are building a greater future when we invest in our children.

I have lived in Cromwell since 2003 after moving down from the Kapiti Coast.  I graduated with distinction from The New Zealand College of Early Childhood Education in 2014 whilst working at Arrowtown Montessori for 8 years, moving from Teacher, to Head Teacher and then Centre Manager.

I feel the energy and positive efforts I put into teaching help to create a happy and safe classroom environment, where there is a love of learning.  I enjoy working with the team, planning opportunities and setting attainable expectations for tamariki, encouraging them to do their best and to explore new and interesting possibilities.  It is my belief as a teacher that the learning program should embrace each child’s unique dispositions and interests.  Teaching opportunities open up through observing and listening, so as a teacher I recognise it is important to remain adaptable and open.

I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this valuable time within children’s lives.  I recognise, as does the latest brain research, that the early childhood years are some of the most crucial in our development.  I look forward to meeting you, your children and your families, and welcome your ideas on what you would like to see included within our programme.

Hi I’m Robyn.

I became involved in Educare as a committee member when my children attended and then moved into the administrator position.

I enjoy building the relationships with the children and their families and being able to support the teaching team by helping out with the outings and transition to school.  It is very rewarding watching the children grow up and gain confidence and independence before moving onto their next stage in life.

Tena koutou.

I moved to Cromwell in 2014 with my partner Sam.  I am originally from Dunedin, then moved to Twizel for 3 years where my mum still lives.  I have 3 children (Hannah 28, Georgina 22, and Conor 21) who all live in Dunedin.  I also have a grandson Campbell 6.

Kia ora.  Ko Helen Wekking ahau.

Originally a secondary school teacher, teaching Geography and English, I so enjoyed my three children’s preschool years that I retrained and gained my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.  I worked for many years at one centre in Dunedin, and last year my husband and I decided to move back to Central Otago; we had previously lived in Omarama for many years while my children were at preschool and primary school.  We love living in Cromwell, enjoying the weather and you may often see me out walking with my little dog, Lily.

Young preschool children never cease to amaze me with their searching questions as they seek to make sense of their world.  I value and respect children as unique individuals, empowering them to believe in their abilities, and in nurturing and encouraging self esteem and independence.

Kia Ora I’m Nic McNamara.  I am a graduate of Christchurch College of Education and have a Diploma of Teaching & Learning in Early Childhood Education (2004).

I am the proud mum of Kobe and Lane and I am privileged to have Lane here as part of the Molyneux Educare family.  I enjoy working alongside children learning and discovering as we go.  I love my job here at Educare and am passionate about providing children with exciting learning opportunities to build them up for their future to be confident, unique individuals who believe highly in themselves and their abilities.  One of my favourite parts of the program is the introduction of The Educare’s Explorers Club – I thoroughly enjoy the conversations and discoveries that go on in the wider community.  It’s awesome to see the children gain confidence and skills with different people, places and the new environments as we explore.

Kia Ora,

My name is Mandy Pollard.  I have just completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education through New Zealand Tertiary Collage.  My Partner Hayden and I moved to Cromwell from Christchurch with our two cats Nyloa, and Mo two years ago.  We have a daughter Emelia.

I believe that every child is unique, incredible, wonderful and a special human being who deserves to receive a professional and quality education.

I believe that parents/whanau are a child’s first teacher.  Early Childhood teachers play a role to support the parents/whanau to ensure that the child grows up to be a confident and competent individual. I welcome and value your input and feedback and encourage you to read and add information to your Child’s profile book, such as adding comments, stories and photographs.

Kia Ora, my name is Kara Cradock.

I am a 3rd year teacher in training, working towards graduating with a Bachelor of Teaching ECE, later this year.

I have worked in early childhood environments off and on for the past 25 years.  I love teaching and spending my days alongside our young tamariki, while they play, explore, learn and grow in learning environments which allow time and space for them. I enjoy getting to know the children (and their families) so that I am able to support the children in their personalised learning journey. I am passionate about being part of a teaching team who create inspiring learning spaces and who foster a philosophy of kindness, respect, aroha and a love of learning for all.

I live in Alexandra with my husband Pete. Pete is a builder with Breen Construction, we both grew up Central Otago. We have raised our 3 children Brit (23), Nathan (21) and Alisha (19) in Alexandra. They have all left home following their own dreams and aspirations. Pete and I share our home with two Labrador dogs, Toby and Sage and two Birman cats Kymba and Toya. We enjoy getting away in our caravan, we can often be found on the side-line of local rugby games, fishing up near Twizel or whitebaiting on the West Coast.

Kia ora, my name is Marketa O’Connell.  I am originally from the Czech Republic.  I lived in the UK from 2006 to 2008 before moving to New Zealand with my 2 children and my husband.  I’ve been part of the Educare Family since 2011 and love working here.  I have always had a passion for children and have dedicated my energy towards children and their well-being, both as a mother and as a Teacher Aide at Educare.  I have also been a part of the Buddy Programme with my husband for the last 4 years.  I enjoy empowering children through gentle encouragement and I am very proud to have the opportunity to be a member of such a loving family here at Educare.  Its a pleasure getting to know the children and their families.

I’m Sharron Walker, married to Neven, and together be have two beautiful children, Corry who currently lives in Dunedin and Haylea who works at Kiwibank in Cromwell.  We moved to Cromwell from Dunedin 9 years ago for the lifestyle and enjoy anything outdoors, camping, hunting & fishing.

I have a background in Play Centre and enjoy my role within the Educare family and love spending time and getting to know the children, teachers and their families.

One way I like to sum up my days is “frantically fabulous.”

Kia ora My name is Kathleen Wilde. I moved to Cromwell from Wellington with my husband and our teenage son to embrace the Central Otago lifestyle as we enjoy skiing and motor biking as a family.

My background has been in Playcentre Association as a session supervisor to support families that enjoy the Playcentre learning environments.  I have completed the Open Polytech certification as a Teacher Aide and worked in numerous primary schools in Upper Hutt.  Last year I started training for SPACE, where I was part of a team supporting new parents and their first child.

I am excited with my new role with the Educare family where I am enjoying spending time and getting to know the children, teachers and their families.

Hi, my name is Isabella Foster.  My husband Phil and I moved to Cromwell in 2012 from the Otago Peninsula.  Between us we have 6 children and 15 adorable grandchildren.

I began my Early Childhood career 27 years ago, training as a playcentre supervisor.  A few years later I completed my Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education.  On the Otago Peninsula I set up two Early Childhood Learning Centres, one at Portobello and the other at Macandrew Bay.  I taught between both centres full-time until five years ago.  Since then I have been working part-time.

Because of my years of teaching it has become most evident to me, that in order for the child to reach their full potential, they need to be happy, feel good about themselves, confident, inquisitive and challenged.  This is what I really enjoy about teaching – helping a child to achieve these goals.