Our People

Melissa Nicholas , Centre Manager

Talofa,

I’m Melissa and I am proudly the Centre Manager at Active Explorers Grey Street. I started here as a teacher in 2016, then a Team Leader in 2018, and now in my new role since 2022. I have a background in both business and Early Childhood education. I am a busy mum to four children, two of whom attend the centre. 

Grey Street has a wonderful culture and feel to it, and is my home away home. I am very proud of how hard my team works to create this vibe for our tamariki and their whānau.

Kate, Teacher - Kauri Room

I am Hui-Ting Cheng, but people call me Kate. I grew up in Taiwan and have lived in Palmerston North for many years before coming to work at Active Explorers. I speak Chinese, Taiwanese and English.

I like to spend  time with my dogs and cat. I enjoy participating in the daily activities of the children and I believe we can have fun while learning new things.

Kirsten, Teacher - Pohutukawa Room

Kia ora

My name is Kirsten and I have recently joined the team at Active Explorers Grey Street in January 2023. I am a registered teacher and qualified in 2009.

I live in Palmerston North with my husband and three children. My youngest sttends the centre too.

I look forward to continuing to build friendships with the tamariki and their whānau.

Phillippa, Teacher - Pohutukawa Room

Kia ora

My name is Phillippa and I started at Active Explorers Grey Street in January 2023. I have been teaching for over ten years and have a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. I am a mother to two beautiful boys, both under 5 , and a lovely 13 year old step daughter.

I am excited for the year ahead at Active Explorers and to get to know all the tamariki and their whānau.

Mia, Pohutukawa Room

Kia ora

Kō Manawatu rāua kō Taumarere ōku awa

Kō Tararua rāua kō Puketoahenoa ōku maunga

Kō Ngāti Te Au rāua kō Ngāti Mānu ōku hapu

Kō Ngāti Raukawa rāua kō Ngāti puhi ōku iwi

Kō Mia Shepherd tōku ingoa 

Regan, Teacher - Kauri Room

Kia ora

My name is Regan. I have been an Early Childhood teacher for many, many dinosaur years. My pasiion is working with young tamariki.

I have seven children and six moko whom keep me young and fit. I am lucky enough to have some of my mokopuna here at Grey Street with me .

In my spare time I love to hang out with my loveable mokopuna

Simran, Teacher - Kauri Room

Sat Sri Akal

My name is Simran and I am a qualified Early Childhood Teacher From India. I have been teaching since 2008 but have recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Education. I also have a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning. I am a mother to two beautiful children. I am passionate about young children, their families and love being a part of their learning journey.

Suchi, Teacher - Pohutukawa Room

Kia ora

My name is Suchi and I have worked here at Active Explorers since 2017. I am originally from India and I am a mum to two boys. I am thinking about studying to become an Early Childhood teacher soon.

I love to work with the babies in the Pohutukawa Room and watch them grow and develop.

Siobhan, Teacher - Pohutukawa Room

Hi, my name is Siobhan and I am currently a Teacher in Training here at Grey Street. I will finish my Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching at the end of this year.

I have been in early childhood for over eight years and love working with the Under 2’s. I really enjoy seeing the tamariki meeting their milestones and achieving their goals, be it small or large.

In my spare time I like to go to the gym.

Tayla, Team Leader - Kauri Room

Kia ora

My name is Tayla and I am the Team Leader in the Kauri Room (Over 2’s). I have been here at Grey Street for over six years after starting as a part time reliever. I then completed my Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education and am now a qualified and registered teacher.

Toni, Teacher- Kauri Room

Kia ora , my name is Toni.

I started my early Childhood career as a Playcentre Parent when my children were young as I am a mother of three daughters. I graduated from Te Rito Maioha in 2018 with Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education.

During my spare time, I enjoy getting creative through art and creativity.

Tracey, Team Leader - Pohutukawa room

Hi, I’m Tracey and I’m a qualified and fully registered teacher with over ten years experience in the Early Childhood Education community. I am the team leader in the Pohutukawa Room and enjoy being a part of children’s learning journeys here at Active Explorers Grey Street.