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Our People

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Shirley-Anne Taiaroa , Centre Manager

What inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood education?

My journey as a teacher began when I relieved at a Kohanga Reo back in the 90’s.  Back then I was a trained receptionist and that was all I knew at the time. From then until now, working with children has always been my destiny.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love every minute of every day. It is the most rewarding job ever and now that I have become a centre manager, I feel empowered to instil that passion for working with children in teachers.  

What is your personal ECE philosophy?

I bring with me a wealth of music, love of teaching and cultural identity. My teaching practice involves creating stimulating and fun environments, as well as fostering confidence and independence within children. I am also a trained Montessori teacher, so combining philosophies has been part of my lifelong mission.  The similarities, and possibilities, are amazing… Kaupapa Maori, Montessori philosophy and Te Whariki all woven together to create a mat of learning for children. 

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, specialising in Montessori Philosophy

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Pohutukawa Room - Preschoolers

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Shinsuke (Shin) Yoshimura, Team Leader for Preschoolers

Education has always been my greatest passion for more than 14 years since starting my bachelor's degree in teaching. In my teaching career, I have been working with children in early years (from 0- to 8-year-old).  

 

In the meanwhile, I pursued my academic interests, especially in the transition from preschool to school, and completed my postgraduate degrees at the University of Auckland. 

It is an honour and privilege for me to be part of this wonderful community. As a fully registered teacher, I do my utmost to contribute to its well-being and further growth through early childhood education. 

Relevant Qualifications:  

  • Master of Education (Research) 
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Education 
  • Bachelor of Teaching 
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Abi Yan, Certified Teacher

Kia Ora, I am Abi Yan! It is wonderful to collaborate with you for children’s holistic development!

I was born in China and did my master’s degree in the UK. Also, I was a primary school teacher for three years. Now, I am so happy to start a new journey in Active Explorers (St Lukes) to support all children to achieve their best as themselves!

As a registered teacher in New Zealand, I believe in children’s uniqueness and competence. Every child brings in their background to our centre, and each one has their own pace to develop. I am here all to empower them to become the best of themselves!

Therefore, I look forward to the journey as a Pohutukawa teacher empowering all children!

Mahuri Room - Toddlers

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Priti Sanghavi, Classroom Teacher for Toddlers

Kia ora and namaste, my name is Priti. I have been living in New Zealand for 17 years. I have studied certificate of ece level 6 and have been working as an ece teacher for 11 years.

I am very passionate about supporting children to develop at their best potential level in nurturing, stimulating and fun-loving environment. I believe that every child is unique, and the environment and the curriculum can enable them to develop their sense of identity, confidence, enjoyment and skills.

 In my leisure time I love listening to music. I love travelling and be with the nature. I also enjoy reading books.

 I have been married for 23 years now and blessed with two children who are the major reason for my happiness. I like to spemd quality time with them.

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Ava Li, Certified Teacher

Kia Ora, my name is Ava. I graduated from University of Auckland in 2023 with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education), and I am now a registered teacher in New Zealand.

My teaching career began in 2000, during which I witnessed countless examples that highlight the vital role of early childhood education in shaping a person’s holistic development.

As an Early Childhood Education teacher, my passion is to gain a profound understanding of each child, while creating an engaging yet tranquil learning environment to optimise each individual’s development and learning potential. I strongly believe that when children feel secure, appreciated and know that someone in genuinely interested in them, they gain confidence and positive energy which are essential for life.

I live in Epsom with my husband and two daughters. Together, our family shares a love for reading and travelling, which nurture our mind and bodies alike.

Relevant Qualifications:

* Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

* Bachelor of Education

* Master of Art in Translation

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Eliana , Certificated teacher

Kia Orana, tatou katoatoa

Respectful trust-based relationships are the core of my teaching practice I strongly believe that every child is capable and competent and provided with a safe and stimulating environment that considers their needs they will succeed and become lifelong learners.

I am very passionate about the under-fives age groups my niche is with the toddler age group. The growth and development that takes place for under-fives is incredible!

Poipoia te kakano, kia puawai.

Nurture the seed and it will blossom.

Kia Manuia,

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Kākano Room - Babies

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Moureen Ali, Team Leader for Babies

My journey as a teacher began after my daughter had turned 1.5 years old and seeing her achieving her milestones made me want to come into the early childhood sector and study to gain more knowledge as to how I might be able to help her achieve her goals as a toddler.

 

I did my certificate level 4 and then spent another year doing Diploma level 5. During this time, I used to work as a Relieving Teacher in the then called Lollipops, St Lukes. After I completed level 5, I decided to go to the University to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (Teaching).

 

I enjoy being with tamariki and every day for me is different and very rewarding. I get to see and experience different cultures, values, their funds of knowledge which each individual child brings with them and seeing their happiness and smiles just makes my day every day.

 

I believe that children learn best through experiential learning and play. I view myself to be open-minded as I provide children with the time and space that they need to work on their dispositions and working theories. As an early childhood teacher, I am strongly committed to Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum document and value a holistic approach to my teaching and learning through play and child-centeredness. My goal of “Kōrero I roto I te reo Māori anake” “Speaking Māori fluently” enhances my teaching philosophy and aims to fulfil my strong commitment towards the bicultural aspect of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

 

Relevant Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Teaching)
  • Diploma in Early Childhood Education - Level 5 (Teaching)
  • Certificate in Early Childhood Education - Level 4

 

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Farzana Firdose, Classroom Teacher for Toddlers

I'm Farzana Firdose. I'm originally from India and have been living in New Zealand for 11 years. I began my career in early childhood education in 2018 as a reliever and then became a part-time teacher. I have a Bachelor of Commerce from India.

 

 I have always had a passion for early childhood education. I love supporting and encouraging tamariki in their early years.  Building strong relationships with them is important to me. Seeing tamariki develop to their full potential and being part of their growth is worthwhile. I look forward to spending time with tamariki and whanau.

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