ST ALBANS COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL TEAM
We have a great team of educators committed to ongoing learning and working together to create a fun, reactive and empowering environment. Our teachers embody our vision of creating life long learners, continually evaluating the latest in early childhood and seeking to apply them in practical and fun ways.
SUZY - CENTRE MANAGER
Suzy has been qualified with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) since 2007. She has worked at a privately owned Preschool for 15 years before venturing into a role as a Visiting Teacher in the homebased sector. A short stint in this field cemented Suzy’s passion for working in a preschool environment, and she found her next home at St Albans Community Preschool.
Suzy has a strong interest in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, even spending three weeks learning about the philosophy in Italy on an in-depth study tour.
Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tatou mahi
Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.
BECKY - KAIAKO
Becky is dedicated to providing a stimulating, nurturing, and trusting environment where tamariki feel safe to be themselves, build mana, develop self-identity, and, most importantly, know they are valued. Child-led teaching plays a key role in their personal teaching philosophy, believing that teachers should work alongside children to achieve the best learning outcomes. Becky's practice is influenced by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, where teaching is co-constructed through respectful and student-centred learning. They also weave aspects of the curriculum, te ao Māori, and children’s individual interests into everyday learning. Upholding bi-cultural practice and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi are central to their values, emphasizing aroha and manaakitanga within the preschool community. As a Kaiako in Aotearoa, Becky believes it is HER responsibility to practice and normalize the use of te reo, te ao, and tikanga practices.
Outside of preschool, Becky teaches classes at the gym and enjoys spending time with their two spoilt and adorable golden retrievers, Lincoln and Liberty.
Mā te ako ngātahi, ka tūtuki ngātahi.
Learning together, achieving together.
LYNETTE - KAIAKO
Lynette’s teaching philosophy centers on nurturing tamariki to become confident and competent learners. She believes this is best achieved through establishing safe, supportive relationships with both the tamariki and their whānau. Lynette encourages play and learning while emphasizing the importance of strong social and emotional skills for children's growth and resilience.
Lynette graduated from the Wellington College of Education in 1994 with a Diploma in Teaching Early Childhood Education and has been a valued member of our teaching team since 2015.
Ka whāngaia, ka tupu, ka puāwai.
That which is nurtured blossoms and grows.
CHERYL - KAIAKO
Kia ora, Cheryl is a wife to Craig and a mum to Isabella (14), Benjamin (13), and their dog Eli (9). Her family inspires the way she teaches and learns alongside children.
Cheryl believes all children are confident, capable learners. She sees the role of teachers as taking time to truly understand each child and to support their individual learning journeys. She especially enjoys spending time in the art room, where children are encouraged to explore, design, and express themselves through creative work.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!
GEORGIE - KAIAKO
At the heart of Georgie's teaching philosophy is the belief that nurturing, supportive relationships create an environment where tamariki feel safe and valued, which helps them thrive. Georgie is committed to building genuine connections with each child, believing that a strong foundation in emotional and social development leads to a more meaningful and enriching learning journey for tamariki.
Georgie has been a member of the St Albans Community Preschool teaching team since 2016. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Me te wai korari / Like the nectar of the flax flower:
Take joy from the small things in life.
Greer firmly believes in the importance of allowing children autonomy over their bodies, gender, social lives, and hobbies. She understands that respecting these choices is crucial for a child's developing mental health. The value of Manaakitanga guides her practice, emphasizing respect, care, and kindness. For Greer, Manaakitanga means nurturing relationships with fellow educators and families, ensuring that the early childhood environment feels welcoming and warm for everyone.
We are all in this canoe together
Daniel is currently pursuing his bachelors degree in Early Childhood education. He is studying with the college Te Rito Maioha and began his learning journey after discovering his passion for teaching (ECE) whilst working as a part time nanny in 2021.
Daniel’s personal teaching philosophy is about building confidence in tamariki and their capability as learners although it is still in the developmental process as he is learning more about becoming a kaiako.
In his personal life he has a love for cooking, reading and most of all spending time with his niece and nephew.
DANIEL- KAIAKO IN TRAINING
GREER - KAIAKO
EMILY - ADMINISTRATOR
Emily joined the preschool as the administrator in 2023, but her journey with our preschool community began 18 years ago prior as all four of her boys attended St Albans Community Preschool. Emily has a love for op-shopping, discovering hidden treasures and unique finds.