The Pokeno Team
This is our team of teachers and staff at Educare Pokeno. Scroll through to find out more about our teaching team.
Linzi Gummer
Assistant Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
Hi I'm Linzi, born and bred in Bombay, now living in Waiuku. My mother was a primary school teacher turned early years teacher and I have followed her legacy. I am passionate about education. I have taught months old to decades old. I know that the seeds we plant in our youngest rangatira are the most important. Tamariki first and foremost need to feel loved and secure, from that base they can play and create theories about the world around them. I look forward to learning and growing in this new environment.
Rajwant Kaur
Team Leader, Registered Teacher
Kia ora, My name is Rajwant Kaur. I am from India and came to New Zealand in 2013 with my family. I am a qualified ECE teacher. I love this job and I have always wanted to be a teacher. I live with my husband and three children.
I believe that we learn everyday from each other. I believe in treating children with love, respect and care which will teach me to listen carefully to the children and give respect to their choices. I believe in working together with whānau to learn more about cultures and languages and to share our experiences. During this learning journey with Educare, I will try to create the best way to learn for your children by sharing information with one another about your child’s interests, areas of concerns and strengths. Rajwant is currently on maternity leave.
Elaine De Vera
Acting Team Leader, Registered Teacher
Kia ora! Hello! Kumusta! I'm originally from the Philippines and in 2010, I came to New Zealand to continue my passion as an Early Childhood teacher. As a kaiako, I firmly believe in the power of play in teaching our tamariki and empowering them to make independent choices. Creating a positive impact on their learning and development is always my heartfelt aspiration. My teaching practice is centred on respect, compassion, kindness and building meaningful connections and trusting relationships with children and their whānau.
Outside of work, I cherish moments with my family and take pleasure in exploring the great outdoors. Baking, cooking, gardening, travelling and photography are some of my favourite pastimes.
Maninder Kaur
Registered Teacher
Kia Ora koutou, Namaste sab ko, Hello everyone! I am from Punjab, India, and have lived in New Zealand since 2020. I am a qualified ECE teacher working in the toddler room. I completed a Graduate Diploma in ECE Level 7 from ICL Business School. I have had a passion for being a teacher from an early age and I like to spend time with children, these things motivated me towards Early Childhood Education. My goal in teaching is to provide a safe, secure, and healthy environment for children for their holistic development. I am used to sharing my knowledge with others for better learning outcomes. I look forward to meeting you and your family and hearing your stories. This is my story.
‘Stories are great, they help us make connections and
form relationships.’ Let the story begin!
Shikha Nayyar
Registered Teacher
Namaste! Kia Ora!
My name is Shikha Nayyar, I was born and brought up in Punjab, India. I came here in New Zealand in 2019. I am working in the Fantails room as a Qualified Teacher. In my philosophy, a child is like a precious metal that needs to be grown properly and needs to flourish and be nurtured. As a baby teacher my passion is to provide a child with a loving, caring and secure environment where they can play and learn together.
In my viewpoint, every child has the potential to be a champion, and he or she deserves to grow up to be an adult who also never stops on them. At last, my strength to build positive relationship with my tamariki, parents and my whole Educare team.
Naval Kaur
Teacher
Kia Ora and Sat Shri Akaal. My name is Naval Preet Kaur. I am from India and have been living in New Zealand since 2019. I am currently working in our fantails room at Educare Pokeno.
As a mother of a toddler, it always makes me feel great to be around kids and watch their learning journey. I believe that children’s enthusiasm and excitement is something to be valued and treasured. I am looking forward to giving them my best support and guidance.
Lauren MacLean
Teacher
Hi I’m Lauren, I’m 20 years old and have lived in the Franklin area my whole life. I have always had a passion for looking after children and have taught babies through to 5 years old. I love watching babies grow, express their emotions and learn about the things they enjoy doing that makes them happy. Most importantly building those beautiful relationships with not only our babies but with their family. I also have a big passion for health and fitness as well, I love going to the gym and learning about nutrition.
Jachai Cobb
Teacher
Kia Ora e te Whānau! I’m Jachai, you might see me hanging out with the tamariki in our Pūkeko room here at the centre. I was born in New Zealand and raised in Australia but made my way back to New Zealand in 2019. I am currently an unqualified Kaiako here at the Pōkeno centre. I became interested in working with children after having my own. I am excited to be apart of the learning journeys of the tamariki as they grow and prepare for school.
Teresa Whitaker
Nutritionist
Kia ora, I’m Teresa. Ive lived in Franklin for most of my life and currently live in Pukekohe with my three children. I have always loved food and creating healthy meals, I completed my studies in 2012 and have worked in restaurants all over Auckland. I am very excited to be apart of the Educare team, bringing healthy meals to our tamariki!
Riana Rossouw
Administrator
Hi, I'm Riana, the cheerful Administrator. Originally from the stunning South Africa, I bring a sunny spirit and loads of love for what I do. Being a parent to three amazing kids, I totally get the magic of watching children learn and grow. I love the outdoors and sunshine, so you'll often find me soaking up the warmth of the sun.
With years of admin experience in various industries, having recently made the change to early childhood education I absolutely love witnessing the incredible journey of children as they explore the world of learning. Seeing their eyes light up with curiosity and experiencing their growth firsthand is super rewarding! I love being part of creating a nurturing and inclusive space where every child feels cherished and valued.
