The Okara Team
This is our team of teachers and staff at Educare Okara. Scroll through to find out more about our teaching team.
Taylor Ball
Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
My name is Taylor Ball and I am lucky enough to be one the Centre Manager here at Educare Okara.
I was born and raised in Whangarei and started my teaching journey through Auckland University where I have completed year one of a Bachelor of Education (Primary), later realising that my passion was with the younger children. In 2019, I got a job at Educare as a reliever before securing a permanent position. In July 2019 I started to study towards my Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood, which I completed in 2022.
I look forward to getting to know you all as we continue to work alongside your tamariki and your whānau.
Karla Macken
Team Leader Registered Teacher
My name is Karla. I have been lucky enough to have worked in the Educare Okara team for the past several years, and have now become a permanent member of the team working full time as I have recently graduated with my Early Childhood Degree.
I look forward to getting to know you all and work alongside you and your tamariki and continuing to work alongside a great team.
Lisa Cunningham
Registered Teacher
Kia ora my name is Lisa Cunningham and I am a kaiako in the over twos at Educare Okara.
I hold a Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching, and graduated in 2014. I’ve enjoyed working in both the primary and early childhood sector of education and am excited to continue learning and growing alongside your tamariki. Lisa is currently on maternity leave.
Claire Tuff
Registered Teacher
Kia ora whānau, my name is Claire Tuff.
I’m originally from the North East of England and moved to Whangarei in August 2017 with my husband, Richie, and daughter, Rosie.
I completed my Graduate Diploma in ECE Teaching and came back to Educare following this. I am passionate about quality care experiences and developing nurturing relationships with nga tamariki. Under 3’s is my passion and I am excited to have the opportunity to work with this age group here at Okara. I’m excited to get to know your tamariki and be a part of their learning journey.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, I love all things Disney and to travel as often as I can.
Sharon Harding
Registered Teacher
Hi my name is Sharon and have been living in Whangarei with my NZ husband after moving here from Sydney Australia.
I am a mother of 4 children now adults with 3 beautiful grandchildren to date. I have a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood 0-8 years and have been working with children over the last 30 years from home based care, centres and in schools. I look forward to working with and alongside each of your children as we explore the learning environment.
Briony Crawford
Teacher in Training
Kia ora whānau! My name is Briony. I was born and raised in Whangarei, and have lived here my whole life. I’m currently studying to become an early childhood teacher through open polytechnic. I'm excited to be here at Educare Okara to see how the flow works and most importantly help, watch and care for your tamariki. I can’t wait to meet all of you.
Holly Knox
Teacher in Training
Kia Ora my name is Holly Knox. I was born in Taupo but have lived in Whangarei most of my life. I live here with my Husband Cory and our three children. I love being outdoors in the garden and am a real farm girl. My biggest hobby is arts and crafts. I have always felt passionately about Early Childhood Education and working with tamariki. I first started as a reliever teacher at Educare in February 2022 and aim to become a registered teacher through study. It is wonderful to join the Educare Okara whānau and community.
Mozmin Ali
Teacher in Training
Kia Ora, my name is Mozmin Ali and I am a kaiako in our tuakana space. I have lived in Whangārei for the majority of my life but I was born in Fiji and moved here in 2007 with my mum and little sister. I am currently working towards getting my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education at Te Rito Maioha and have one more year left until I graduate (currently 2024). I have been working in ECE since 2022 and look forward to working in ECE for many years to come. I look forward to getting to know all the tamariki and their whānau and I am honored to be a part of their learning journey.
Giovanne Harvey
Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Giovanne and I have been working for Educare since 2022 and I am loving it! I plan to study the year of 2024 to become a qualified teacher as that is my passion. I have a daughter Ella, and having her has shown me an interest in teaching. I am looking forward to work alongside your tamariki and continue to further my career as an ECE teacher.
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.
Briony Crawford
Teacher in Training
Kia ora whānau!
My name is Briony. I was born and raised in Whangarei, and have lived here my whole life. I’m currently doing my first year of study to become and early childhood teacher through open polytechnic. This is my first centre that i have worked in and i’m excited to see how the flow of it all works. Most importantly help, watch and care for your tamariki. I can’t wait to meet all of you.
