Lincoln Village Team
This is our team of teachers and staff at Educare Lincoln Village. Scroll through to find out more about our teaching team.
Jo Cullen
Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Jo and I am honoured to join Educare Lincoln Village as Centre Manager. I started my journey in education 15 years ago, and have since gained my Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE,) Diploma in Montessori Education and hold full teacher certification.
I have had the privilege of working in leadership for the past 5 years, and love working alongside colleagues to collaboratively create a welcoming and successful learning environment for all ākonga, whānau and the learning community. Relationships are at the heart of my practice and having strong relationships with the learning community, whānau and colleagues allows the provision of a safe, stimulating and welcoming environment, which is reflective of each learner and their whānau.
Emma Giles
Assistant Centre Manager
Kia ora, my name is Emma. I completed my Diploma if Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood in 2013, and while in ECE I continued my study to upgrade my Diploma to a Batchelor of Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood in 2015. I have two boys of my own, which has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding and importance of communication with parents and building a strong relationship with children and their families. I understand the impact and importance of continuity between the Centre and home environment. I enjoy being at the children’s level and spending the time getting to know them in their space utilising their interests from home.
Tyler Rogers
Registered Teacher
Kia Ora, my name is Tyler and I am a Kaiako in the Piwakwaka room here at Educare Lincoln Village. In 2021 I graduated from Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha with a Bachelor in teaching (early childhood). Through my degree I have worked with all ages of tamariki but love the mauri and discoveries 2-3 year olds bring. Amanda and I offer a calm environment in the Piwakwaka room where children can expand their interests in a safe and nurturing space.
I am a heart based teacher, so I care deeply for and about your tamariki and their wellbeing. I most enjoy watching nga tamariki expand their knowledge through exploration and discovery of their natural world.
Chrissy Gowans
Registered Teacher
Kia ora I'm Chrissy. I'm a full time Kaiako in the Tui room at Educare Lincoln Village. I have been here since 2013.
I attended Canterbury University. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your whānau while building meaningful and reciprocal relationships. Together we will build lifelong skills that will set you up for life. We will build on your curiosity, using active exploration and your willingness to learn through trial and error. This will set you up as a competent, confident communicator within your group of peers.
My philosophy is - every child has the right to learn in a safe and quiet environment.
Shaina Mehta
Registered Teacher
Hi My name is Shaina Mehta.
I have done my teaching degree from India and post graduate diploma in ECE. I have been teaching preschool aged children since 2021.
I believe that a child's early years are the most crucial years in their life and I aim to create a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters social, emotional, and physical growth through play-based approaches.
Zoe Davies
Registered Teacher
Kia Ora, my name is Zoe. I am a mother to Ruby and Henry who I love, adore and enjoy spending time playing with and seeing them learn and grow. I graduated from the New Zealand Early Childhood college in 2011 with a Diploma of Teaching ECE. I have worked at Lincoln Village since 2017 and live locally in Lincoln. I believe and value relationships, and providing a fun and exciting environment, making sure that all children have equal opportunities to explore and develop a love of learning.
Nicki Roberts
Registered Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Nicki Roberts. I completed my Diploma of Teacher and Learning in 2011. I have spent the majority of my time as an Under 2’s teacher, with heart based teaching and response and reciprocal relationships with children and whānau at the core of my teaching values. I have also spent time in the older age groups and value empowering children in their play and learning. I live in West Melton with my husband , have 3 adult sons and enjoy my border terriers and staying fit.
Karlee Crawley
Registered Teacher
Kia ora, I’m Karlee and I have been working mainly with the under two’s. I have my Bachelor’s degree in teaching and learning.
I have my two daughters and understand the importance of building strong relationships with the parents and children. I’m excited to see the children and help them grow and having a strong connection with the parents.
Sophie Moore
Teacher in Training
Kia ora, my name is Sophie. I started as a support teacher/teacher in training in July 2023 and I am studying towards a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) at Te Rito Maioha. I am so passionate about teaching and looking after children and have been from a young age, as I have many younger family members who I have looked after. I help in the children’s ministry and volunteer as a youth leader at my church so I am experienced with all ages.
In my spare time, I love to perform in community theatre and have just recently finished work as a drama teacher for PLAY drama workshops. I love getting to know your tamariki and building relationships with them, assisting them in their learning journey and personal growth!
Pip Giles
Teacher
My name is Pip Giles, I have been a support teacher for the last 7 years. I am married to Rodger and have three adult children, Emma (Kiwi Teacher), Will and Sarah, and my two grandsons Colton and Beauden who attended here.
I work on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and spend my Tuesdays and Thursdays with my grandsons and parents.
I love that I can help support other parents by caring for their children, I love being able to nurture and settle your children, happy children, happy environment. I love watching the children develop their own personalities and see them thrive through the centre.
Tracy Gummer
Teacher
My name is Tracy and I am Canterbury born but I spent 20 years living in Singapore. Thirteen of those years I owned , managed and taught in the Foreign System preschool. In 2022 my family and I moved to Lincoln, which we love. I have a Certificate in Early Years Education. I love working with children and I am very passionate about inspiring their play, creativity, learning and development.
Amanda Swale
Teacher
Kia ora, I'm Amanda. I currently teach in the Piwakwaka room with the two and three year old children. This is such a fun age as there is so much learning happening and the children are so ready to have fun and share their excitement and interests with the Kaiako.
I studied and gained my Diploma of Teaching Early Childhood Education way back in the 90's. I'm married and have a teenage daughter. My career has always involved children here in New Zealand, America and the UK.
Lisa Neho-Smith
Administrator
Kia Ora, my name is Lisa and you will find me on reception to greet you and your tamariki in the mornings.
I am new to the ECE system and am so happy I have found my place where my nurturing side can shine.
I am so grateful to be a part of this wonderful work whānau, and get to watch your tamariki grow with confidence.
I am married with 4 grown children and 3 beautiful grandkids, with one of my granddaughters attending here at our centre.
