Our People

Gwendalyn, Centre Manager

Kia ora, I have been working in ECE for over 20 years.

I am hands on and enjoy teaching and learning alongside tamariki and supporting my team through role modelling, professional dialog and ensuring Kaiako are equipped with the right tools and resources for best practice and strong learning outcomes for our tamariki. During our journey together I look forward to developing nurturing positive whanaungatanga/relationships with the tamariki, whanau/parents and Kaiako alike. I am passionate about creating a collaborative inclusive team environment where everyone is heard, seen and valued, and are happy to contribute to growing together. This paired with my heart centered approach to teaching is the secret recipe for our tamariki to develop and flourish into independent, confident, and capable lifelong learners. Outside of teaching I am a Mum to four adult children three girls and a boy and a lucky Kuia/Grandma to three beautiful grandpepe. Living on the coast means I spend a lot of time at the many different beautiful beaches that the coast has to offer.

Janine, Team Leader - Nursery

Kia ora

My name is Janine and I have been a teacher in the Nursery at Lollipops Orewa since 2017. I was born and raised in Auckland and then went to Waikato University and gained a Bachelor of Teaching in ECE. I began working with preschoolers for a few years until I fell into an under 2s role and absolutely loved it. I am still blown away with the developmental milestones that infants and toddlers constantly achieve and I love being a part of their journey as they discover their world. I am a proud mother of two boys and my husband and I just love being coasties!

Gloria, Teacher - Nursery

Kia ora, my name is Gloria. I’m from China, and I’ve studied here in New Zealand since 2014. I enjoy being an Early Childhood teacher because I love to work alongside children, to help and support children in discovering and making sense of the world. I also love that I am able to facilitate their growth in their learning journey as well as to learn so much from them.

Sarah, Team Leader - Preschool

Kia ora e te whanau, ko Sarah toku ingoa. I have been working in the education sector since 2006 which has seen me travel to America and England. I am now honoured to be here at Lollipops in the Preschool and look forward to meeting you all. I believe that following our tamariki in their urges and interest as well as setting up the environment to extend these, is the best way for our tamariki to learn and grow. Giving children opportunities to try new things, to take risks and build their confidence is very important. I have a passion for play-based learning and building trusting relationships with tamariki and their whanau. I feel extremely

 privileged to be part of building the foundations of our tamariki to grow into capable, confident and competent learners for our future. In my spare time I enjoy spending time outdoors, camping, gardening, boating, going to the beach and most of all spending time with my family.

Fiona, Teacher - Preschool

My name is Fiona, I was born in Ledston in England. Our family immigrated to NZ in 1974 and I am the oldest of 3 siblings. I married my husband in 1989 and we have 1 son who’s recently graduated Auckland University.

I have worked in ECE since 2011. I have a real passion in encouraging children to explore new things. I love arts, crafts and messy play of many sorts. I also enjoy mat time, sharing news, stories and dancing to music. My interests are sewing, quilting, long walks and spending time with family and friends.

Desiree, Teacher - Preschool

Kia ora, my name is Desiree. We immigrated from South Africa in 2015, since then I have been fortunate in that I have relieved and worked on a permanent basis in numerous centres around Auckland as well as the South Island. I am passionate about nurturing and developing tamariki of various ages.  Being a grandmother to 3 grandsons, I regard the tamariki in my care as an extension of my family and display the same due diligence and care to the tamariki as I would my own family.

Sandra, Teacher - Float

Kia ora, my name is Sandra. I have lived on the coast since 2014 with my husband, Drew and our puppy, Benji. We live close to the beach and enjoy walking every day along the sand with our dog. We love the Coast lifestyle and the friendliness of the locals.

I am passionate about teaching our Tamariki and future generations. I believe it takes a community to guide and nurture our tamariki and provide opportunities and learning experiences for their future development, learning through play and with their peers. I had the opportunity to volunteer for 12 months at the children’s play therapy room, for sick children within Whangarei hospital and found this to be very rewarding. I look forward to working in the Centre and meeting everyone.

Kirsty, Centre Admin

Kia ora, I'm Kirsty and I am the Centre Administrator.  I have a Bachelor in Business, and over 14 years admin experience.  I work across Lollipops Orewa, Warkworth and Pascals Albany.  In my spare time, my daughter keeps me busy with not only netball and volleyball, but she also dances competitively. 

You can contact me on admin.orewa@ledu.co.nz for any invoice enquiries or enrolment changes.

Tina, Centre Cook

Kia ora, my name is Tina. I’ve been living up on the coast with my daughter for the passed 18 years and absolutely love it. I’ve been working in hospitality with the last 5 years in childcare centre cook roles. I enjoy working alongside the children preparing their meals which I find helps them become interested in healthy eating and keen to try new flavours.