The Taupiri Team
This is our team of teachers and staff at Educare Taupiri. Scroll through to find out more about our teaching team.
Elise Gerrits
Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
I am a qualified and registered teacher with 19 years teaching experience and I have had the privilege of being in a management role for 10 of those years. I am a proud Mama to two boys, Oaklin and Tyden and we live in Ngaaruawaahia where I have lived for most of my life.
I love building relationships with people and being a part of offering quality care and education. I am passionate about ensuring we provide care where all are nurtured and empowered, and ensuring we provide the most responsive and respectful care for the Tamariki. The time we spend and the work we do during the younger years is so important.
Cris Tao
Registered Teacher
Ko Cris taku ingoa
Ko China te Whenua
Ko PanShan te Maunga
Ko Haihe te awa
Tena Kautou
Kia ora, my name is Xuejun Tao and my English name is Cris. I am an easy-going person who likes to talk to others and participate in lots of activities. I really look forward to building reciprocal relationships with all tamariki, parents and whānau.
I am very happy to share with you about myself and my Chinese culture. Please do not hesitate to ask me anything.
Bethany Jakhu
Registered Teacher
My whaanau live in Ngaruwahia but my hometown is Whatatutu outside of Gisborne. I am married and have two sons. I have been teaching since 2016.
In my personal time, I enjoy gardening, sewing and exploring our beautiful country.
I am a firm believer that children should be given opportunities to take risks as capable and confident learners and explore the natural world. I strive to empower children and their interests through inquiry based learning and am looking forward to getting to know you and your whaanau.
Taylar Freeman
Registered Teacher
Kia ora, My name is Taylar. I am a fully registered teacher and have been teaching at Educare Taupiri since 2019. I have lived in Taupiri most of my life and my Husband and I have recently moved to Ngāruawāhia. I am an under 2s kaiako , and this age group is my passion. I love watching our babies learn and grow and enjoy guiding them in their development. I am passionate about quality education for our young tamariki and believe that children need to feel safe, have a sense of belonging and feel heard to be able to explore and learn about themselves.I look forward to getting to know you and your whaanau.
Tammy Skinner
Registered Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Tammy. I’m a registered teacher and have been teaching since 2016. My passion for teaching came from working in local schools in South Auckland region as a sports coach. I believe that every child brings their own Kete of knowledge with them. As a teacher I’m here to nurture and develop that knowledge as they grow. I’m originally from a little town in the far north called Kaikohe and now I live down in Orini on a dairy farm with my husband and 4 legged baby. It is my first time on a farm so have been enjoying learning different aspects of farming life in my spare time. I look forward to getting to know you and your whānau.
Maria Ilogon
Registered Teacher
Kia Ora, Kamusta?
I’m a Filipina, born and raised in the Philippines, and I graduated in 2016 with a degree in Elementary Education, majoring in Early Childhood. I was a primary trained teacher for 6 years in the Philippines. And in 2024, I made the exciting decision to pursue my teaching career here in Aotearoa New Zealand to explore new opportunities for growth. I’m a committed and experienced teacher who loves working with children and being part of their learning journey. I’m truly excited to be here and to grow alongside our curious, fun, and lifelong learners.
Shanae Jennett
Teacher in Training
My name is Shanae, and I’m a proud mum to two young children, Amelia Rose and Boston. My husband, Jordan, and I live in Ngaaruawahia. I’ve just begun studying towards my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, and I’m so excited to begin this new journey with the Educare Taupiri team.
Alex Henson
Teacher
Hey I’m Alex, I have been at Educare Taupiri for a little over a year now along with my boys. I have taken great joy in been able to care and nurture your tamariki and look forward to many more years to come as I grow and learn along side the tamariki at Educare Taupiri.
Jax Goss
Administrator
I’m Jax. I’m the administrator here at Educare Taupiri.
I’ve worked with children in a range of environments, and thoroughly enjoy the way they see the world!
My goal here is to make the logistics and admin as efficient as possible so that we can all focus on the wellbeing and growth of your tamariki.
