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Our People

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Anita Vohra , Centre Manager

What inspired you to become an early childhood teacher?

I have always loved children and when I came to New Zealand I relieved in a few centres and decided to study early childhood. I’ve been working in early childhood for over 15 years now. I think it is such a rewarding profession - the smile on a child’s face says it all.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love working with children and now that I am in a centre manager role, I also get to run the operations side of it.

What sets your centre apart?

The top thing that sets my centre apart is the staff. They are a group of very dedicated individuals who work as a team for the best outcomes for children. The planning and assessment of children is also high on the list and each team strives to portray the interests of the children. Our centre is also very multicultural which allows us to celebrate cultural diversity to its fullest.

What is your personal ECE philosophy?

I believe that each child is unique with their own strengths and abilities. I believe that children learn through hands on experience and our job as teachers is to facilitate children’s learning to reach their maximum potential. I believe in having a strong relationship with parents and whanau and building connections with them. I also support a bicultural approach to learning as well as believe in celebrating cultural diversity.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to go on long walks, play with my dog and read books.

Bachelor of Education – ECE (New Zealand)
Bachelor of Home Science, Bachelor of Education, Masters in English Literature (India)

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Mihiri Abeysundara, Preschool Team Leader

My name is Mihiri. I am fully qualified teacher and have been with Lollipop since 2013. I am passionate about working with pre-schoolers and was also privileged to teach in Dubai for 9 years and teaching in NZ since 2004. I feel very fortunate to be able to shape the future generations, helping them learn and grow and help prepare them with their next journey in life as they are getting ready for primary school. I look forward to being a  part of yours and your child’s journey within ECE.

Maria
Maria,

Kia ora, my name is Maria, and I am originally from India. My journey in education began in 2007 as a primary school teacher in India, and ever since, working with children has been my true passion. I have been in Early Childhood Education teacher at Lollipops since 2017. I feel proud to be a part of this incredible journey. In August 2024, I graduated from NZTC with a graduate diploma in Teaching, which has further enriched my understanding of early learning and child development. 

As an educator, I believe that the formative years are the most crucial in a child's life. Childhood should be a joyful experience, not a rush, and I approach teaching with the philosophy that early childhood education should be offered with love and care. I find great fulfillment in fostering environments where children can explore, grow, and enjoy the excitement of learning.

I am blessed with a beautiful family - my husband and our two children and I cherish the time we spend together. In my spare time, I love listening to music and dancing, which brings balance and joy to my life. 

Joy
Joy,

With over 17 years of teaching experience in China and 18 years in New Zealand, I have had the privilege of working with children across various age groups. My teaching career is supported by 3 years of professional study in New Zealand, where I got a bachelor's degree. I have a deep love for children, and this has always driven my approach to education. 

In addition to my expertise in math, I believe my greatest strengths lie in my kindness and ability to understand others. I am a compassionate teacher who takes the time to truly listen to the children and understand their needs. I value each child's individuality and work to build an environment where they feel safe, understood, and encouraged to grow. 

I am also a well-organized person, ensuring that my classroom runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing more time for meaningful learning experiences. My goal is to inspire a love for learning in the children and to help them develop as a confident, empathetic and resilient learner.