Our People — Kumeu | Oma Rapeti ELC

Our People — Kumeu

Shannon Docherty

Centre Manager
Kia Ora,
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.

Nadia Shirley

2IC
My name is Nadia Shirley and I grew up in a small town called Riverton in the South Island. I completed my Bachelor of Education at The University of Otago in Dunedin.
I live with my partner Zane and my two children Oakley and Lake. Nature play is at the core of my teaching philosophy. I hold a strong passion for exposing children to a wide range of educational experiences, while also empowering them to take a key role in their own education as we encourage and provoke their strengths and capabilities to emerge.

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.

Alicia Jones

Lead Teacher Infants
Kia Ora, my name is Alicia Jones and I have been in early Early Childhood for over 15 years. I am a qualified teacher with a Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood. Throughout my years of experience I have worked with all age groups and have also been Head Teacher for a large period of this time. I am married and have a beautiful daughter who attends primary school. In my free time I like to go for walks along the beach and spending quality time with family. I am passionate about Early Childhood as I believe that children in the early years are unique individuals who are investigators and explorers. My purpose is to create a challenging and stimulating environment for them, so they can be encouraged to learn through purposeful play.

Miranda Hoskin

Lead Teacher - Infants
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.

Carmi
Burrow Teacher

Nimlesh
Burrow Teacher

Grace George

Lead Teacher Toddlers
My name is Grace and I completed my Bachelor of Education Teaching specialising in Early Childhood Education at the University of Auckland 2020. I have been part of Oma Rāpeti Whānau for over year. I have had a passion for Early Childhood for many years. The first few years are fundamental in terms of emotional growth and also their physical growth and development. A highlight of working as an Early Childhood educator is supporting each individual child to discover their unique personalities. Outside of teaching I enjoy dance, reading and spending time with my family and friends.

Kelsey
Willow Teacher

Lauren
Meadow Teacher

Kayla
Hutch Teacher

Tyler
Meadow Teacher

Tanja
Nest Teacher

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.