The Wigram Team
This is our team of teachers and staff at Educare Wigram. Scroll through to find out more about our teaching team.
Emma Ward
Centre Manager
Kia ora, my name is Emma.
I have always lived in the Halswell/Wigram area and still do with my Husband and Daughter.
I have been teaching for over 12 years and have been a manager for over 8 of these. I love being able to challenge children, set them tasks and see them through. Respectful relationships are at the heart of my philosophy and believe that with respect builds trust. Trust helps children take risks within their environment and by taking managed risks they can build resilience and be the best that they can be.
Dianne Candy
Assistant Centre Manager
Kia ora, my name is Dianne.
I was born and raised in Christchurch and have been teaching for 8 years in a variety of roles. I am the youngest of six and have 4 nieces and 4 nephews who I love spending time with. My partner and I enjoy being outdoors, travelling around our beautiful country and taking care of our two dogs and a cat. I am passionate about building positive, respectful relationships with tamariki and their whānau and allowing tamariki to grow and learn in their own space and time.
Dianne is currently on maternity leave.
Venessa McMillian
Team Leader, Registered Teacher
Kia Ora my name is Ness, I have been teaching for over 25 years in various leadership roles. I believe in providing natural learning environments that support children to make discoveries and learn alongside one another. My personal philosophy aligns with Reggio Emilia and providing children with project based learning. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my partner and fur baby Chevie in our Bach or renovating our home and up cycling furniture.
I look forward to supporting you and your whānau.
Bryony Legge
Registered Teacher, Acting Team Leader
Kia ora e te whānau, my name is Bryony. I recently graduated in 2023 with my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I’ve worked in ECE since 2017 and I have loved playing a large and impactful part in children’s lives. I believe all tamariki have inept potential and love watching them learn, grow and discover how the world works around them. My personal philosophy is heavily influenced by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, allowing tamariki time and space to discover the world in a safe, challenging and loving environment, like a home away from home.
Outside of work, I enjoy seeing my whānau and friends, spending quality time with them. I also love to read and binge watch Netflix shows.
Nick Admiraal
Registered Teacher
Kia Ora, i’m Nick and I love art, reading, and working with our young tamariki. I have a cat named Mason who is the centre of my world. I always go by the moto that "life is complicated" but it is okay. I graduated in 2022 with my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and my Diploma in Primary Education from the University of Canterbury.
My teaching philosophy revolves around respectful care and understanding, exploration to find answers and reasons why. So when the tamariki ask why then I'm there with that answer that could drive them to learn and explore something new. Respect and learning about respect is important when it comes to our young tamariki so that they can keep the people, places and things safe and cared for in their lives and in the lives of their whanau and friends.
Joanne Fu
Provisionally Registered Teacher
Kia Ora! I am Joanne from China. I came to New Zealand in 2018 and completed my graduate diploma in ECE in 2021.
Teaching children and supporting them to thrive is a very rewarding job for me. I am passionate about building respectful relationships with tamariki and whānau, encouraging children to learn and explore in their own unique way. My bilingual ability has allowed me to talk to some whānau and tamariki in their mother tongue and helps them settle faster. In my spare time, I enjoy spending lots of time outdoors with friends, tramping, snowboarding, and gardening. I love to gain energy and inspiration from beautiful nature.
I have enjoyed being part of the Educare Wigram whānau since 2022, and look forward to meeting and supporting you through this amazing journey!
Abby Phipps
Provisionally Registered Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Abby. I was born in Wellington but raised in Christchurch. In my spare time I love visiting cafes and spending quality time with friends and family. I am a qualified teacher and graduated towards the end of 2020. I started in the Early Childhood Sector in 2017 as a reliever and then started studying in 2018 for three years. I am passionate about empowering and respective practice. I am passionate about supporting children’s resilience and facilitating an environment for children to learn at their own pace.
Donna Mae Nagal
Teacher
Kamusta, I was born in the Philippines and moved to Christchurch, New Zealand when I was 5 years old. During my spare time I enjoy going on walks with my family and friends. I love to explore our natural playground in New Zealand and really enjoy traveling to different parts of our country. I have been part of the Educare Wigram Team for two years and endeavour to study Early Childhood Education in the near future. Donna is currently on maternity leave.
Mia Faalilo
Nutritionist
Kia ora, my name is Mia. I was born and bred in Christchurch, but I am of Samoan, Māori, and New Zealand European descent.
Outside of mahi, I enjoy travelling, creating, attending music events, and spending time with loved ones (and cats!). Growing up I was always in the kitchen. This is where I found my passion for food and cooking. I have been working with and around food for over five years in the hospitality industry. I am excited about my new venture - providing tasty, nutritious meals to the tummies of Educare Wigram
Melanie Vincent
Administrator
Kia ora, my name is Melanie. I was born and raised in Halswell, Christchurch and to this day still call it home.
I enjoy spending time in the outdoors with my family, being my husband and two daughters Emma and Holly. I have been in various administration, reception and marketing roles throughout my working career and am grateful to be part of the Educare whānau, working alongside a fantastic team and assisting our tamariki and their whānau throughout their learning journey.
