The Orewa Team
This is our team of teachers and staff at Educare Orewa. Scroll through to find out more about our teaching team.
Samantha Ranwell
Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Sam and my family moved to beautiful Aotearoa from South Africa in 2007. We love living on the coast and being a part of this wonderful community. I am a registered kaiako (teacher) and I believe that strong, trusting relationships between tamariki, whānau and staff are at the heart of who we are as educators. My wish is to create an optimal learning environment for the tamariki we educate and care for to thrive. My personal journey with my son with Down Syndrome means that I am committed to creating inclusive environments for all and I have a passion for special needs education and the benefits of early intervention. I love working for Educare as their values and philosophies sit well alongside my own teaching with respect and empowering our tamariki.
Tracy Acott
Team Leader, Registered Teacher
I’m Tracy, and I have been part of the Educare Orewa team since 2018.
I have over 20 years of Early Childhood Education experience; firstly as a nanny overseas in my younger years then a home-based caregiver when my daughter was little and finally as a qualified teacher. I graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 2011.
I live in Hatfield’s Beach, and have one daughter who is also and Early Childhood Teacher. I enjoy socialising with friends and family, reading, swimming and gardening.
I believe children are naturally curious and capable and are able to lead their own learning with the guidance, nurturing, patience and respect of teachers.
I am passionate about promoting children’s connection and learning in nature and I believe nature is the best playground.
Jaimie Powdrell
Team Leader, Registered Teacher
Hi there, i’m Jaimie. I am a teacher in the Te Wheke room at Educare Orewa. I look forward to working with all the children and getting to know who they are as individuals. My emphasis as an educator would be to equip the children with fundamental skills that will allow them to have a successful school journey. I believe that we should be Life Long learners and I look forward to integrating the Te Whāriki into my practice as I work towards becoming a Fully Registered teacher.
I attended University in South Africa where I graduated with a Bachelor of Education: Early Childhood Development and Foundation Phase in 2021. My husband, Sheldon and I have recently moved to NZ from South Africa. We look forward to getting to know New Zealand and what it has to offer.
Kathleen Mendes
Registered Teacher
Kia Ora, I’m Kathleen, my children and I recently moved into the area from Manukau, where I was teaching at primary school level. Teaching to me is all about relationships, which involves communication, listening, collaboration, adaptability, empathy and patience, all of this together with reciprocal respect. I absolutely love the culture of our Educare centre and look forward to nurturing the learning and development of your children.
Amber Daley
Registered Teacher
Hi, my name is Amber Daley. I am passionate about early childhood development. I have a real desire to make a positive contribution. I will endeavour to work in partnership with the tamariki, whānau and the team at Educare Orewa. I have over ten years of work experience in early childhood education. I have a background in palliative care and diversional therapy. I enjoy art and music. I love being around nature and animals. My husband and I have a daughter who attends a local primary school.
Amanda Wang
Registered Teacher
My name is Amanda and I am new to the team here in Educare.
I have two children of my own and have many years experience within the ECE industry. Spent the last 13 months in the finance sector and have recently made the decision to return to teaching.
I am very passionate about my work and believe that all kids grow in their own pace and we need to support and scaffold their learning basing it on their interests. Children need warmth, love and care so they can reach their full potential.
Sri Latha Kotra
Teacher
I am Sri and I am from India. My family came to New Zealand in 2012. I enjoy spending time with my family and love to travel. I have level 4 certification in Early Childhood Education. I have been working as a teacher for four years. I have previously completed my Master’s in Applied Biosciences from India. I have a very simple core philosophy - be respectful to the children at all times. I am passionate about creating a safe, warm and welcoming environment for children and their family, a place they can call a home away from home.
Sheree Sullivan
Nutritionist
Hi, I’m Sheree, I grew up in Dargaville but have lived in Auckland for many years with my husband Sean and daughter Kayla. I am a qualified chef by trade. I have worked in childcare for many years cooking and have loved it. I look forward to serving up lots of delicious and nutritious meals for the children and getting to know our new families as they join Educare Orewa.
