The Kitchener Road Team
This is our team of teachers and staff at Educare Kitchener Road. Scroll through to find out more about our teaching team.
Paula Hutchings
Centre Manager
I was born in West Auckland but came to Pukekohe when I was 2 and have spent the majority of my time in the Franklin area. My passion for teaching developed when I volunteered at my children’s kindergartens and schools, and I made the move to teaching in 2016. I believe every child has so much to offer and through my teaching practice I like to make all tamariki feel they have the power to achieve anything they set their minds to.
I have two adult children, I am a classic car enthusiast, enjoy spending time outdoors exploring Aotearoa and love spending my days working alongside passionate teachers and fabulous young learners.
Jessica Finau-Baas
Registered Teacher
Hi my name Jessica Finau-Baas! But I am known as Jess. I am half European/Tongan and can speak Tongan fluently. I am married and have two girls, Amaya who is 10 years old and Kalea who is 8 years old. We have lived in Patumahoe for about seven years and love it.
I graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching, which covered both Montessori and mainstream education as well. I have thirteen years experience teaching in Early Childhood and I have worked with all ages, but I am passionate and love working with babies.
Richa Sharma
Registered Teacher
I am Richa Sharma and I have been teaching for the last fifteen years. I have a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Post Graduate Diploma in Education. Also, I have a Bachelor of Education (from India).
My mother was a teacher and has been teaching throughout her life for over 35 years (now retired). Since childhood I have been watching her and that’s how I made my decision to have a career in teaching.
For me, working with children constantly reminds me to enjoy life's simple pleasures and it’s always good to take risks and try something new, have fun and not worry about what others think of you.
I love working with young people and a smile of their face always make my day.
Christa Mulder
Registered Teacher
Kia Ora, I began teaching in 2008 and I absolutely love working with young children.
I am happily married to my husband Johan, and are blessed with three children, a son-in-law and granddaughter who mean the world to me. I enjoy long walks along the beach as well as reading, painting, and creating.
I am excited about getting to know all the children, as well as their families. I am passionate about providing a safe, fun, and happy environment that will encourage your child to grow and develop into an inquisitive, competent lifelong learner.
I believe that every child needs the opportunity to develop socially through peer interactions, boosting their self-esteem and developing problem-solving skills, creativity and concentration whilst developing their language to express themselves.
Christianne Lamb-Livesey
Teacher in Training
My Name is Christianne Lamb-Livesey (call me Christi) and I emigrated from England in 2005. I have 3 sons and 1 daughter who keep me busy.
I love travelling, experiencing new things and meeting new people.
In my spare time I love spending time with my family, watching my children play sport and going to the beach.
Im currently studying towards my Bach of ECE at NZTC. I worked in ECE in England and a few years ago decided to pursue a career in a field Iove.
I love being a part of children's learning and development and interacting and forming relationships with them and their families - and going home covered in paint, glue and sand, that always puts a smile on my face.
Kellie Paul
Nutritionist
Kia Ora I’m Kellie, he proud mum of 2 grown sons and 5 step children, with my husband Anthony. We have 18 grandchildren in total so I’m totally within my element amongst a busy centre.
For my quiet or down time I love any form of motorsport (the louder the better), Baking, walks on the beach and listening to music, but most precious of all is spending time with my Husband and whānau.
We recently moved to Waiuku from the Waikatio and I have to say it is a move I don’t regret.
Margaret May
Administrator
Hi, my name is Margaret May, I have been working as an Administrator in the ECE sector since 2016. I’m enjoying being an integral part of the Educare Kitchener Road team.
My husband and I have recently moved to Patumahoe. We have 2 adult children, our son is an Electrician and our daughter is a Qualified ECE Teacher.
I love spending time in the outdoors, gardening, boating, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
