Our People — Kumeū | Oma Rapeti ELC

Our People — Kumeū

Jane

Centre Manager
Mabuhay, hello! I hold a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) and have worked in early childhood education for over a decade. With a background in biomedical and neurological sciences, I’m deeply passionate about the first five years of life—how early experiences shape the developing brain and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Becoming a mother to my baby boy, who now attends our centre, has brought a new depth to my understanding of respectful, responsive care. This new chapter in my life has given me a more personal perspective on the joys and challenges of raising young children, and it has strengthened my commitment to holistic development for children, families and other educators. My teaching philosophy can be summed up in two words: kindness and respect—for children, for families, and for each other as educators.

Robyn

Under-2's Team Leader (Nest & Burrow)
Kia Ora, my name is Robyn. I was born in Cape Town, South Africa and have two beautiful children; my daughter Skye and son Rome who you may see running around the centre. I hold a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, working with our young citizens since 2014. I value and view children as a community of competent, confident and active learners. I really enjoy working with children and have found a new passion working alongside our youngest ones. I am looking forward to getting to know your little ones and whānau in the Burrow.

Basia

Crishani

Nicole

Carmi

Holly

Rea

Stacey

Toddlers Team Leader (Hutch & Rabbit Hole)
Kia Ora, my name is Stacey and I am Lead Kaiako in the Rabbit Hole. I graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching in 2016 and have been in ECE for over 10 years spending most of these years working alongside 3-5 year olds. I have a passion for the Reggio Emilia Approach which has helped to guide my philosophy over the years alongside respect and kindness towards all learners. I understand that our children learn in different ways and at different speeds and aim to find the best ways to support each individual learner during their time with us in the Willow Tree. I also have a strong love for art and messy play, I enjoy finding new and exciting ways to explore and learn through both these mediums and you will often find me alongside the children getting messy.

Cass

Navneet

Michelle

Bex

Rania

Jessica

Jess

Kim

Calyssa

Sarah

Willow Tree Team Leader
My name is Sarah. I feel a deep sense of connection to our centre both professionally and personally. I am 29 years old, grew up in Auckland, and am a proud mum to my two girls who have also attended the centre. Experiencing Oma Rāpeti as both a parent and a teacher has strengthened my passion for early childhood education and my commitment to our community. I love working here because of the strong values, supportive team, and genuine focus on children’s wellbeing and learning. In my role, I am dedicated to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment and working in partnership with parents and caregivers to support each child to feel safe, confident, and supported as they grow and learn.

Bayleigh

Daniel

Amy

Cheena

Meadow Team Leader
I have been fortunate enough to be teaching whilst also being taught alongside our most precious Taonga for the past 15 years. Yes, you heard right! As an educator we are always learning too. I love the outdoors, especially the country life and am a firm believer in being present! This invites trust, communication, time which in turn creates a healthy educational relationship that carries on throughout our children’s learning journey. No day is the same, everyday rises with its challenges and accomplishments then were reflect and embrace the journey, we reset and start again! I look forward to working with your tamaiti and being apart of their Oma Rapeti Journey.

Kaitlyn

Linda

Nadia

Tyler

Tash

Office Manager
Hi, I’m Tash, the Office Manager here at Oma Rāpeti, I’ve been in this role for three years and absolutely love being part of this amazing centre and working alongside our amazing Centre Manager, Jane, and dedicated and supportive team of teachers. My favourite part of the day is greeting our beautiful families every morning and, of course, sneaking a few chats and cuddles in with the children when I visit the rooms. Outside of work, I’m a mum of two and live locally in Huapai. My children keep me very busy with their love of sports and dancing.