The Pokeno Team
This is our team of teachers and staff at Educare Pokeno. Scroll through to find out more about our teaching team.
Di Mitchell
Acting Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Taupiri te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Tainui te iwi
Ko Ngati Wairere te hapū
Ko Hukanui te marae
Ko Di toku ingoa.
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.
I have the privilege of leading a wonderful team of inspirational and passionate teachers as we work alongside you and guide your child and whānau through the early childhood years. I believe all tamariki are independent, confident and resilient learners. I have a strong interest in everything outdoors, being close to the bush and water and keeping active. I look forward to sharing this unique journey alongside you all.
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!
Savannah Morris
Registered Teacher
Kia Ora, I’m Savannah. I am married and the proud mother of two boys. I love the outdoors, sunshine and water. I am a trained primary teacher but since having my two sons, have an interest in early childhood education. I love learning and helping children learn through play and experiences. I firmly believe children learn the best when connection and positivity is surrounding them.
Maria Ilogon
Registered Teacher
Kia Ora, Kamusta? I am a Filipina, born and raised in the Philippines. I graduated in 2016 as an Elementary Educator Majoring in Early Childhood Education. In 2024, I decided to pursue my teaching career here in New Zealand to explore more opportunities that can help me grow as an teacher. I am a committed and experienced teacher and I love working with children and contributing to their development. I am excited about this journey with our lifelong learners filled with curiosity and fun.
Arvina Singh
Registered Teacher
Bula Tamariki & whānau, my name is Arvina , I live in Pokeno with my husband, two beautiful children and my mother-in-law. I hold a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) from Massey University in 2010 and have 10 years experience working with children from all age groups. I strongly believe building relationships with children and their families plays an integral part in children's learning and development.
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.
Tyra Reeves
Administrator
Kia Ora! I’m Tyra, I’m the administrator here at Educare Pokeno. While I’m not often in the classroom, my role is to support our wonderful whānau and tamariki. From organising schedules to assisting whānau and helping with day to day tasks. I’m here to ensure everything is in place for our little learners and the wonderful Kaiako that works with them. I believe in the power of kindness and laughter, I try to bring that into everything I do. I’m so excited to be part of this amazing community and help make a positive impact on the lives of the children and families we assist!
