Our People

I immigrated with my family to beautiful New Zealand in 2022 from South Africa. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Education specializing in Early Childhood Development & the Foundation Phase. I have 12 years of teaching experience in both ECE and Primary which includes Leadership roles providing curriculum and managerial support. I also have a strong education background and experience working in Emergency Care, Fire, Health & Safety and Quality Management Systems. 

I am a dedicated and positive person with strong family values and work ethics that are based on trust, transparency, and professionalism. As an early year’s educator, I believe that I have the responsibility to set a solid foundation for our young learners where they can freely express their creativity & individualism and explore the world around them. I believe that every child should be given the opportunity to learn in an unbiased and unprejudiced environment, irrespective of their background or socio-economic status.

As a leader my goals are to build strong nurturing relationships with our children, their families and our teachers. My vision is to always maintain a healthy teaching and learning environment in accordance with Te Whāriki, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Teaching Council codes and standards.                           As the Centre Manager I am committed to promoting teamwork, professionalism, honesty and to always strive towards continuous development and growth.                                                                                                                             

Away from work I enjoy spending time with my family the most. We are very close and spend our time cooking, reading, arts & crafts and exploring the outdoors.                                                                                                                            

I look forward to our journey together learning, growing & sharing.                                                         

I believe all children are special and unique regardless of their cultures and values and should feel empowered. I am from Auckland and am married and have a teenage son called Oliver. My husband is called Basil. We enjoy the outdoors, walking, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

I enjoy going for walks, travel, reading, gardening and spending time with my family and friends. My husband works in a manufacturing company.                                                           

My son just finished his bachelor's in architecture and will do a master's soon.

I am truly blessed to work in a centre where every day feels like you are at home.

Since research shows that play plays an important role in brain development for children aged 0-6 years, my passion is to help children develop through their learning journey at Lollipops Birkenhead as a play partner!

In my spare time, I like to do workouts, yoga, hiking, outdoor activities and water sports!

In 2017, I moved to Aotearoa as a student, where I pursued my Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education through New Zealand’s tertiary institutions.

With years of experience and a deep passion for fostering the growth and development of young children, my teaching philosophy is grounded in a holistic, nature-inspired approach. I believe in creating learning environments that nurture children’s curiosity, creativity, and connection to the natural world.

Outside of teaching, I am dedicated to expanding my knowledge of different cultures and natural medicine. I enjoy spending my free time on nature walks, swimming, and painting, all of which allow me to connect with the world around me and inspire my teaching practice.

I am excited to continue my journey in early childhood education, always learning and growing alongside the children I work with.

I have been working as an Early Childhood Education Teacher since I came to New Zealand in 2018. I am delighted to be part of the Over 2’s team and working alongside wonderful tamariki and their whānau.

I am with Lollipops Birkenhead for 7 years. I considered my centre as my second home and family since I started and I am enjoying all the opportunity to learn and grow each day.

Being a teacher for more than a decade (since 2010) is so rewarding and fulfilling, it is indeed one of my favourite life’s journey. I believe that as a teacher, I can make a difference on how children learn and grow to become confident, happy, kind and respectful individuals that will carry them throughout their lives.