Our People — Kumeū | Oma Rapeti ELC

Our People — Kumeū

Shannon

Centre Manager
Kia ora, I’m Shannon Docherty. Originally from Scotland, I’ve called Helensville home since 2004. I’m a proud mum of three boys, with my youngest graduating from Oma Rāpeti in 2024. Oma Rāpeti isn’t just my workplace—it’s part of my whānau. I’ve worked in ECE for over 12 years and was the first staff member hired at Oma Rāpeti Kumeū back in 2019, when we operated as Hand and Hand. Since opening in 2020, I’ve never left—I love this place and the people in it.
I hold a Bachelor of Teaching and have a deep passion for RIE. Respecting children as equals is non-negotiable for me. Since Dean and Mandy took over in 2021, we’ve continued to grow a centre we’re all proud of—where children, whānau, and kaiako sit at the heart. As Centre Manager, I’m committed to leading a kind, capable team where tamariki thrive.

Poipoia te kakano Kia puwai, nurture the seed and it will blossom.

Jane

2IC
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

Burrow Team Leader (Under 2s)
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

Nimlesh

Poppy

Carmi

Rea

Stacey

Toddlers Team Leader (1-3yrs)
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

Cheena

Preschool Team Leader (3-5yrs)
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.