The Kaiapoi Team
This is our team of teachers and staff at Educare Kaiapoi. Scroll through to find out more about our teaching team.
Vanessa Mahaki
Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
Kia Ora, my name is Vanessa.
I live in North Canterbury and was raised in Central Otago.
I have been teaching for more than 17 years and I have a Diploma in Early Childhood.
I live with my husband, three boys and dog ruby. We like to spend lots of time outdoors, camping, fishing and traveling.
I love working with tamariki and providing a warm, nurturing, respectful environment.
Michelle Gleave
Registered Teacher
Kia Ora, Ko Michele toku ingoa.
I am originally from the North Island but class North Canterbury as my home, where I have lived since 2008 with my husband and daughter. I have being teaching for the past 15 years. During my spare time I enjoy taking photos of children and families, baking and spending time with my family. We love to get outdoors riding, walking, exploring and travelling our amazing country.
I feel that each child should be seen as an individual, as no one is the same they are all unique and amazing in their own way. I feel that communication with whānau and families is the key to developing an amazing whanaungatanga with tamariki.
Abby Tichbourne
Registered Teacher
Kia ora my name is Abby, I moved from Christchurch to North Canterbury in my adult life and became involved in playcentre when my children were young. Having a passion for Early Childhood, I very quickly became a Qualified Playcentre Supervisor, then moved onto getting my Diploma in Early Childhood.
I have four adult children; and we all I have a passion for mountain biking around our awesome local river tracks. Other hobbies of mine are horse treks, walking my dog, and I also enjoy playing my baritone uke.
Teaching young children is one of the most rewarding jobs of all, providing them a welcoming, calm an environment with rich learning opportunities empowers the tamariki to become curious and competent adventurous learners. I am looking forward to getting to know you all!
Mariam Alkaisi
Registered Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Mariam and I live in North Canterbury with my husband and our cat Nutmeg. My interests include horses, dancing, animals and nature. I also have a strong passion for science and looking after our environment. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching in 2019 and I am fully qualified. I have four nieces with another one on the way!!
I love the way children make their own imagination in their play and I love joining in as well.
Georgia May
Registered Teacher
My name is Georgia, I am excited to join the team at Educare Kaiapoi. I now live in Rangiora with my finance and dog. I love swimming, gymming, drinking
coffee, reading, spending time in nature as well as spending time with my family, friends and my dog.
I am passionate about the outdoors and love encouraging children to discover the world around them through the natural environment. I believe trusting,
reciprocal relationships are important for children to feel safe and secure, laying the foundations for successful learning journeys.
Maddie Peters
Teacher
Ko Maddie toku ingoa.
Hello everyone, I am Maddie! I have been working with children in various ECE settings over the past 15 years. This includes nannying overseas, home caring and preschool/nursery settings. My passion is all ages as I love watching babies grow into young children and find their own personalities through play and learning. Outside of work I enjoy a lot of cooking and crafting/art. I love using these hobbies within my job as I think they are great skills and passions to share with children.
Amanda Alexander
Teacher
Originally from Otago and High school years in Central Otago I moved to Christchurch in my early twenties and have called Rangiora home ever since. I am a wife and a mother to a teenage son and two amazing stepchildren in their twenties. I enjoy spending time with my family, travel, nature walks and movie nights in. I am new to early childhood teaching and am very excited for this new role. I look forward to getting to know you as parents and your tamariki and building relationships with you all. I am passionate about working with children and nurturing each individual child to become their best selves.
Anita Bell
Teacher
Kia ora my name is Anita. I live in Rangiora and I’m a Mum to 2 adult daughters and 1 teenage son. Also I’m a Nana to 2 beautiful grandchildren.
I’ve been working in ECE for over 20 years. I have a passion for working and playing alongside children. I get such enjoyment watching the children learn and develop through their play. Letting them be themselves with each of their unique personalities. I love to share my energy, enthusiasm, positivity and young at heart attitude.
My other passions and interests are dancing, singing, performing in musicals, mountain biking and spending time with family and friends. I’m also a Zumba instructor and I enjoy bringing those dance skills to preschool.
Amanda Flanagan
Nutritionist
Kia ora, my name is Amanda. I’m a mum of 3 boys. I am born and raised in Christchurch, and have lived in Woodend since 2014. My passion is cooking and baking, and I love to try out new delicious recipes. I can’t wait to share them all with the Educare Kaiapoi whānau.
