OUR TEAM

  • Man with short hair smiling, leaning on a black metal railing outdoors under a shade, wearing a dark polo shirt and a watch.

    VINCE BRIERLY - CENTRE MANAGER

    "I love working alongside all of the staff as we strive for excellence through authentic relationships with people, places, and things. I believe our centre has a strong vision and that our team treat all people with respect and aroha." 

  • EMILY KNEALE - ADMINISTRATOR

    “As Administrator, I enjoy helping keep our preschool running smoothly while supporting our amazing teachers, children, and families every day. I am passionate about organisation, communication and creating a warm, welcoming environment where little learners can thrive.”

  • A woman with glasses and long hair leaning on a black railing outdoors, wearing a red shirt with 'Ashburton Baptist Preschool' logo, and a green long sleeve shirt underneath.

    JINLING WANG - DOMESTIC SUPPORT

    “I love fostering a nurturing home environment where children can engage in educational activities and grow.”

  • A woman with red hair wearing a red sports shirt, leaning on a black metal fence outdoors, smiling, with a pale sky and a blurred house in the background.

    MELISSA CARTER

    Melissa is the Head Teacher in the Mohi Kete room.

    “I am passionate about children and seeing them grow into independent learners where they can discover the world around them and be great explorers."

  • A smiling woman with glasses and a nose ring, wearing a red and navy jacket, standing outdoors with her arms resting on a black railing.

    VERONICA TOMPSETT

    “I am passionate about children's learning and development and enjoy fostering their interests through meaningful and engaging experiences. Working in partnership with children and their whānau is important to me, as together we can support each child to thrive and grow into competent, confident learners.”

  • Woman with blonde hair in a ponytail, wearing pearl earrings and a navy blue jacket with a logo reading Asheboro Bump Preschools, sitting at a wooden table with a beige paneled wall background.

    NIKITA HYDE

    “I am passionate about building strong, trusting relationships with tamariki and their whānau, creating a sense of belonging where children feel safe, valued, and supported. With a gentle, caring approach, I enjoy helping tamariki develop social and emotional skills as they grow and learn.”

  • KELLY TAUROA

    Ko Kelly Tauroa toku ingoa. Ko Waikato ahau.

    “I enjoy working alongside tamariki and love watching how they explore and make sense of the world around them. I feel privileged to be a part of their journey in becoming life long learners."

  • A woman with blonde hair smiling outdoors, wearing a red polo shirt with 'Ashburton Baptist Preschool' logo, leaning on a black and white fence, with a sunny sky and a covered area in the background.

    ANDREA CAIN


    “I believe all children are capable of great things with the right support and encouragement. Having that special connection that is trusting and nurturing all children can reach their full potential. I love being able to help all tamariki grow and learn and become confident in themselves to be able to reach their goals.”

  • TYLER LAXTON

  • A woman with glasses and shoulder-length hair, wearing a sporty vest, leaning on a railing outdoors with a slight smile.

    AYAKO TAYLOR

    Ayako is the Head Teacher in Te Ruma Ako.

    "I value relationships with tamariki and respectful teaching in a nurturing environment. My passion for teaching is to support children in finding their own strengths and to help develop their confidence in who they are. I love seeing each tamariki shine and blossom through their learning journeys!"

  • A woman with long brown hair, wearing a navy blue jacket, is smiling at the camera against a light-colored wall.

    MIA WARD

    “I embrace the uniqueness of every child, recognising their individual strengths, interests, and needs. My teaching philosophy is rooted in compassion, respect, and kindness, fostering an environment where children feel valued and safe. I am dedicated to creating fun and engaging learning experience by offering diverse activities that spark curiosity and exploration. By creating a peaceful and secure atmosphere, I strive to support tamariki to thrive by connecting them with the world around them through intentional and meaningful play. It is my passion to support each child to reach their full potential.”

  • A woman with glasses and earrings, wearing a red polo shirt with a logo that reads 'Bentonville Baptist Preschool,' stands outdoors on a sunny day, leaning on a black railing with her hands clasped.

    LOTE TOULI


    "My teaching philosophy is based strongly around creating a supportive and safe environment where the children can explore and grow.  I believe that by creating a supportive and safe environment for the children to grow they can reach their full potential with the help of their village and kaiako.”

  • A woman with tattoos on her arm, wearing a red polo shirt with 'Ashburton Baptist Preschool' logo, leaning on a black railing outdoors on a sunny day.

    PAIGE HAMILTON

    Paige is the Head Teacher in the Tuhura room.

    “I am passionate about fostering meaningful relationships and creating a sense of belonging where children feel valued, capable, and confident to be themselves. I love supporting children’s curiosity and celebrating the unique learning journey of each tamaiti.”

  • A smiling woman with blonde hair tied back, wearing a black vest with 'Ashburton Baptist Preschool' logo, leaning on a black railing outdoors with a blurred background of blue sky and green structures.

    LEANDRI VAN DER WESTHUIZEN

    Leandri is 2IC in the Tuhura room.

    “I believe in building strong, loving and caring relationships with children. I enjoy encouraging children to use different ways of thinking to help expand their own ideas. My goal is to inspire and motivate them to do the best of their abilities."

  • Portrait of a woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a red polo shirt with a logo that reads 'Ashland Baptist School,' sitting on a wooden surface against a light-colored wall.

    REBECCA STEER

    "I enjoy promoting strong social ethics that empower tamariki to play in harmony together. It is rewarding to build joy and wonder through modeling and discovery."

  • GURPREET KAUR

    Fixed Term Reliever

    “Every child is unique and my passion is to nurture their individuality through creativity, kindness and impactful learning experiences by fostering a warm and engaging environment that helps them build skills and confidence.”

  • Young woman with brown hair in a ponytail, wearing a navy sweatshirt with 'Ashburton Baptist Preschool' logo, smiling with arms crossed outdoors near a black railing.

    ZOE AYERS

    Fixed Term Reliever

    “I strive to create a fun and nurturing environment where children can grow and feel safe to explore. I am passionate about helping the tamariki build positive relationships and find their belonging within the room.”

  • LILY WILLS

    Fixed Term Reliever

    “I have a love for young tamariki and a love for Jesus and am a big supporter in helping young tamariki understand the unconditional love Jesus has for us and it is an honour to help shape them into the te tamaiti they will become. I roto ia Karaiti Ihu”

  • TOLANI OLAWALE

    Fixed Term Reliever

    “I believe in creating a safe and caring environment for all tamariki to grow and feel they have a place. My goal is to help build confidence and encourage their own ideas to help them reach their goals.”