City Team
This is our team of teachers and staff at Educare City. Scroll through to find out more about our teaching team.
Kim Maera
Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
My journey to become a qualified early childhood teacher began with training as a primary teacher in Waikato. After graduating I worked for 17 years in both Kaitaia and Whangarei. I loved being a teacher, learning and working with children, so I decided to have one of my own. With my son being born in 2009 I was fascinated with how amazing our little tamariki are, this led me to quit my senior teachers role and work in early childhood.
While I worked, I gained an early childhood diploma in 2014, and I still get amazed everyday as I observe, play and learn alongside children, our tamariki are miharo!
I look forward to getting to know all the whānau and tamariki at Educare City.
Lisa-Marie Cockroft
Assistant Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
Kia Ora Whānau, My name is Lisa-Marie. I have been working with our tamariki (children) for many years. I fell in love with the rewarding nature of being able to be a part of children's development and watching them achieve their goals while being supported by all those who care around them. The ability to be a part of children's lives is what led me to exploring a career in teaching. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching and have loved every minute of being able to help families and their children achieve their goals. I am currently experiencing these milestones with my own young children so I understand how important these early years are. I look forward to working alongside your children and your family.
Christine Colls
Registered Teacher
Kia ora. My name is Christine Colls and I am one of the teachers in the Teina space.
Over the years I have gained experience in several centres around Whangarei and have a passion for working with infants and toddlers.
I have full teacher registration and a degree in Early Childhood Teaching. I live on a lifestyle property with my horses, dogs and cats.
Rebecca Dickens
Registered Teacher
My name is Rebecca Dickens. I was born and mostly bred in Whangarei, although I moved to Auckland to study. I graduated with a Diploma of Teaching from Te Tauri Puna Aotearoa in 2012, then completed a Bachelor of Teacher in Early Childhood in 2017.
I enjoy spending time with my family and fiancé Mikey and in 2020 I became a mum to a beautiful little girl Aurora. I have a passion for travelling to different parts of the world, and I love Disney! I’ve worked in the early childhood industry on and off since 1999, where I have the passion to watch children grow and develop. I also believe children are confident and competent and have the freedom to pursue life to the fullest in whatever they choose to do. I’m there as a teacher to guide them throughout this journey.
Anna Hall
Registered Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Anna Hall, I live in Tikipunga with my two girls, Dawn and Alexis. I hold a Bachelor of education specialising in Primary Teaching and have been teaching in ECE with Educare since 2018.
I gained my full registration in 2021 while teaching at Educare Totara Park and after a few months of relief work, I have had the opportunity to join the Educare City team.
I am excited to walk alongside your tamariki as they begin their learning journey.
Vesta Bloomfield
Registered Teacher
Tena koutou, my name is Vesta. I come from the Kingdom of Tonga and Whāngarei has been my home since 2005. I am a registered early childhood teacher and am excited about the opportunity to work with the teaching team and contribute to supporting the development of your tamariki.
Joanne Gregory
Registered Teacher
Tena koutou, Tena koutou, Tena koutou katoa,
Ko Gregory tōku whānau
Ko Joanne tōku ingoa,
Kia ora! My name is Joanne, but everyone calls me Jo or Jojo. I have a Diploma of teaching and a Bachelor of Education.
I am an experienced Kaiako who has been in early childhood since 1991. I am a passionate Kaiako, who enjoys teaching and assisting Tamariki to reach their full potential.
I am enthusiastic and enjoy working with and alongside your tamariki, building up their strengths, abilities and curiosity. I believe in building strong relationships / Whanaungatanga with Kaiako, Tamariki, and whānau, supporting your aspirations and commitment to your children. I have a desire to discover, learn and play alongside your tamariki as we contribute to their learning, exploring and experimenting.
Saffron Schedewy-Johnson
Teacher in Training
Kia Ora, my name is Saffron Schedewy-Johnson and I’m from a small town north of Auckland called Warkworth, I moved to Maunu at the beginning of 2023 with my partner Angus.
I am currently studying to become a qualified ECE teacher.
I love watching the tamariki grow and learn new things. I'm really excited to be a part of the Educare City team and meet and get to know all the whānau and amazing tamariki here.
In my spare time you’ll find me walking my dogs Bailey and Honey, going on an adventure to the beach or cuddling up with my cat Tiva.
Gina Wood
Nutritionist
My name is Gina, Whangārei has been my home since birth. I am a parent/step parent to 5 tamariki and I enjoy being with the animals on our mini farm, breeding chickens and being in the kitchen.
I have extensive knowledge of food and dietaries due to my experience in cafes, school tuckshops, catering and the Ka Ora Ka Ako school lunch programme.
I look forward to creating and serving your tamariki healthy and nutritious kai.
Kelly Jensen
Administrator
My name is Kelly, I live in Maunu on a lifestyle property with my partner, our young son and our animals. We moved to Whangarei in 2019 to make the most of the outdoor adventure lifestyle. I come from an administration background and I will be supporting the Centre Manager at both Educare City centre and Educare Okara. I look forward to meeting you all.
