The Tree Town Team
This is our team of teachers and staff at Educare Tree Town. Scroll through to find out more about our teaching team.
Michaela Smith
Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
Kia ora I'm Michaela,
I am a qualified registered early childhood teacher. I have been working in a variety of early childhood environments over the last twenty five years. My husband and I have three beautiful daughters who we enjoy spending time out on the lake or supporting their sporting interests.
I have a passion for working and playing alongside children and supporting their social and emotional competence and their innate sense of joy and wonder in learning.
I love working at Educare Tree Town, it's my home away from home. I look forward to meeting and welcoming you.
Alice Bronswijk
Assistant Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
Kia Ora, ko Alice taku ingoa. I have been part of the Tree Town whanau for many years and have a passion for working with our beautiful tamariki. I have enjoyed working in our preschool environment for 10 years, before moving to our toddler area in 2017. I have had the privilege to have worked with so many different aged children, which has allowed me to gain so much experience within a range of different skills and development of our tamariki. My Dutch heritage has allowed me to use my bi-lingual ability to speak with some of our parents and with their tamariki, which I thoroughly enjoy. I am married to Mike and together we have 3 grown up sons, all of whom were born in The Netherlands. I really enjoy developing respectful and caring relationships with our tamariki and their whānau.
Kellie Watson
Assistant Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Kellie Watson. I am a full registered staff member here at Educare Tree Town. I was born in Cambridge but have traveled the world and NZ before settling back in my beautiful hometown with my daughter Millie. I have worked with tamariki for over 25 years. I love how tamariki can still amaze and overwhelm me with achievements or responses. I love being creative to encourage exploration and adventure because I believe a happy, exciting and fun learning environment creates great experiences and wonderful memories.
Janine Silva
Team Leader, Registered Teacher
Tena koutou katoa, ko Janine Silva taku ingoa.
I am a fully registered early childhood teacher having graduated from Waikato Institute of Technology in 2009.
I have worked in early childhood for many years having always held a passion for educating young children. I want to ensure your children build resilience, strong communication skills and enjoy learning, all through play. I have lived and raised 3 beautiful children in Kemureti (Cambridge) with my husband Noel. In my spare time I like to help Noel with our Earthworks business, support the local Rugby community,fitness, cooking delicious meals and spending time with family and friends.
Lisa Pescini
Registered Teacher
Kia ora, I'm Lisa and I am a fully registered teacher who has been part of the tree town Whānau for many years.
I am passionate about allowing young children the time, space and freedom to play, whilst building loving, trusting relationships.
I was born here in Cambridge and my husband and I have a son and baby daughter together.
As a family we enjoy being outside. my son loves rugby and hunting with his Dad and I have just got back into netball after time off due to injuries.
I look forward to meeting you and your whānau when you come to visit.
Jess Read
Registered Teacher
Kia ora whānau, ko Jess taku ingoa. I finished my bachelor of Early Childhood in 2019 and have been teaching tamariki since 2015. In that time I have worked in a range of centres and age groups. Educare Treetown is my home away from home. I love watching our tamariki and their imaginations flourish as they figure out the world around them. I love creating an environment that lets them become little explorers where they can develop their learning skills for lifelong learning in a fun and loving way.
I have lived in Cambridge my whole life. My partner Mate and I have two beautiful young boys. In our spare time we love to go on lots of outdoor adventures together, have a hit down at squash and watch our family play winter sports. Jess is currently on maternity leave.
Rui Li
Registered Teacher
My name is Rui Li, I completed my graduate diploma in ECE through the NZ Tertiary College.
Teaching at Tree Town is my first full time teaching position in New Zealand.
I was born in China and have been teaching various ages of children for more than ten years. Teaching has always been my passion.
I believe every child should be treated with respect and be empowered to reach their highest potential in a welcoming, caring and creative environment.
In my recreation I enjoy hiking and cycling with my husband and teenage son. I look forward to welcoming you and your children into our centre.
Karen Healy
Provisionally Registered Teacher
Kia ora koutou katoa.
Ko Karen Healy tooku ingoa. I feel very privileged to be working in the Early Childhood sector and provide quality care and education for tamariki.
It is important to me to provide an inclusive environment that is responsive to the needs and abilities of all tamariki. I enjoy building relationships with tamariki and their whaanau to support their aspirations, so everyone feels like they belong within their centre.
I enjoy observing tamariki as they explore and learn through their play, and I support them as they discover new learning opportunities through their interests.
