Our People — Kumeū | Oma Rapeti ELC

Our People — Kumeū

Shannon Docherty

Centre Manager
My name is Shannon Docherty, I have been working at the centre since it’s opening in January 2020 and have been a part of the ECE sector for the last 8 years. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching and encompass a huge passion for the Montessori approach to learning. I believe the role of Early Childhood Education is to provide our youngest citizens with strategies that foster the development of the whole child. If nurtured emerging skills such as emotional, social, and cognitive development provide our tamariki with a kete of knowledge which will enable them to become lifelong learners.

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

Jane Pintucan

2IC
My name is Jane, I have a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE); and have been in the sector for nearly a decade.Coming from a biomedical and neurological sciences background, I believe in the importance of the first five years of children’s lives - how their early experiences impacts brain development and therefore their later years - and this continuously strengthens my resolve to keep learning to be able to contribute towards positive outcomes for the youngest children and their families. Over the years, I find my teaching philosophy becoming simpler and simpler - today, it can be summed up in two words: kindness and respect.

Michelle Grogan

Nest Team Leader (Under 2s)
“I am a proud mother of two high school aged children with 20 years experience working in Early Childhood Education and learning. I am Kiwi born and raised in Waitakere.
I believe my role as a teacher is to provide positive learning opportunities and experiences for tamariki so they can become confident, capable learners in a supportive environment to promote their holistic development. To support children’s learning, I believe in following their interests to further maximise their experience. I am very passionate about building strong and genuine relationships with children and their whanau. Communication and respect to all is a must!”

Carmi

Poppy

Alicia

Miranda Hoskin

Burrow Team Leader (Under 2s)
Kia ora! My name is Mandy, I am the lead teacher of the The Burrow. I graduated with a diploma of Early Childhood Education at New Zealand Tertiary College. Growing up in New Zealand I respect our diverse cultures and appreciate the wide variety of cultures that we have in our country. I believe that every child is unique and individual, growing and learning at their own pace. I believe every child should be treated with respect, given love and encouragement to feel supported on their ongoing journey through life. I will provide children with a fun and exciting environment where they are free to explore and challenge themselves. I look forward to creating wonderful memories and experiences with everyone at Oma Rapeti.

Nimlesh

Basia

Linda

Crishani

Paige Edgar

Hutch Team Leader (1-3yrs)
Kia ora, my name is Paige and I am a proud mum of two children: Jasper who is in the Meadow class and Juno who is in the Burrow. I believe in respectful practices towards the children, parents and teachers. I like to communicate well, give children time and space and create an environment as a third teacher so our children can freely explore, create their own learning with their own theories and ideas. It is really important for me to support our children during the good times and the more challenging times. I am looking forward to being a part of the Hutch whānau and to see all your children flourish as they become capable and competent learners.

Sarah

Jess

Holly

Albert Samuel

Rabbit Hole Team Leader (2-3yrs)
“My name is Albert Samuel and it is a privilege to be working with our tamariki, whanau and friends. After gaining my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) in 2011, I have loved being part of the learning journey for tamariki. I believe it is important as we share knowledge, experience, and skills with them; and by working together we can empower our youngest and precious tamariki as they learn new skills, acquire more experience through play, and share their love with people, places, and things. I love meeting new children and their family and learning about what makes their family special.”

Cass

Patrick

Jasmine

Kelsey

Stacey Haughey

Willow Tree Team Leader (3-5yrs)
Kia Ora, my name is Stacey and I am Lead Kaiako in the Willow Tree. 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.

Daniel

Cheena

Cheyne Marelich

Meadow Team Leader (3-5yrs)
“Kia ora. My name is Cheyne and I was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. I am fully registered and qualified teacher. I studied at Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Education (ECE). I am very passionate about teaching and supporting our tamariki to grow and become lifelong learners. I particularly have a passion for supporting children who are preapring for Kura (school) and I oversee the school-readiness programme at Oma Rāpeti Kumeū, which has a big focus on social competency. I look forward to learning alongside your tamaiti and helping to scaffold their learning asthey prepare to continue on their way to success.”

Rania

Amie

Kaitlyn

Amy

Tyler

Sarah Tree

Head Chef
My name is Sarah Tree and I am really enjoying my role as Head Chef in our busy kitchen. I am a keen gardener and look forward to helping establish the children's veggie garden, teaching them the importance of good nutrition through healthy eating. I have three teenage children and in my spare time I enjoy exercising, gardening and catching up with friends and family.