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
Kia Ora, my name is Elise, I have had the privilege of teaching in Ngaaruawaahia since 2009 and I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else! I have lived in Ngaaruawaahia most of my life, I love our community and I feel blessed to work and be part of the town that I live in. Within the community I love building relationships with the people, and being a part of offering quality care and education, making a difference in children's and families lives by doing what we do well. Within my management role I stand side by side with all those in our village ensuring that all are nurtured and empowered to shine. I am a proud Māmā to two boys, Oaklin and Tyden. We love spending time with our very big family, creating memories in Whangamatā or spending time with family in Northland.
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 Whānau live in Ngaruwahia area but my hometown in Whatatutu outside of Gisbourne. I have been teaching since 2016. I have two young boys Adi and Zayn. I am married to Aman who is Punjabi, so I bring with me knowledge of the Punjabi culture and language. In my personal time, I enjoy history, gardening, skating and exporting our country with my family. I am a firm believer that children should be given opportunities to take risks as capable and confident learners and explore the natural world. strive to empower children and their interests through inquiry based learning and am looking forward to getting to know you and your whānau.
Taylar Freeman
Registered Teacher
Kia ora, My name is Taylar. I am a fully registered teacher and have been at Educare Taupiri since 2019.
I have lived in Taupiri most of my life and was brought up with all the animals on my farm. I recently moved outside of Hamilton with my Husband, Tadyn. 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, comfortable and have a sense of belonging to be able to explore and learn about themselves.
I look forward to getting to know you and your whanau.
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 Ilogan
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 a 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.
Alex Henson
Teacher
Hi I’m Alex, I have two little boys who join me at Educare Taupiri. I have joined the team and entered the world of early childhood to turn my passion of teaching the next generation into a career. I hope to begin my studies to gain my bachelors of early childhood in the near future, but for now I will take great joy in having the privilege to nurture and care for your tamariki.
Shanae Jennett
Teacher
Hi my name is Shanae I have a young daughter called Amelia Rose, I grew up in Auckland but have relocated to Ngaruawahia where my husband is from. I spend my weekends at the park with my daughter and at the local pools. I have a passion for working with children and I’m really looking forward to being in the Educare Taupiri team.
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.
