Management Team
Our journey in Early Childhood Education was not business driven, but more to spend some quality time with our young son Sam. In 2005, we purchased our first Early Learning Centre when Alan returned from overseas after a contract with Welsh Hockey, overseeing their international hockey programme, and as a Director on Great Britain’s Olympic Hockey Board. Jackie was working for a successful law office in Wales and had a budding law career. Both Alan and Jackie's families have had a long association with the education sector.
On our return to New Zealand we really wanted to put family first. Our son Sam was the catalyst for purchasing a centre in Whangarei and we had four great years seeing him grow there as well as learning about Early Childhood in New Zealand. He now lives and works in Christchurch. Alan's daughter Chloe, is also part of the Educare family working as the Operations Manager, and is a mother now herself.
From humble beginnings, we now own and operate 25 centres across New Zealand, each one unique to the communities they serve. We have a focus on: sustainability, safe natural play areas for the tamariki and great enthusiastic staff which all contribute to incredibly stimulating environments. What we want to do is create a unique service that is centred around your tamariki, for that is what we wanted as parents. If you wanted to sum us up it would be ‘whānau first’ and giving back to local communities, while learning, laughing and playing.
Ka Kite ano
Alan and Jackie Lints
On our return to New Zealand we really wanted to put family first. Our son Sam was the catalyst for purchasing a centre in Whangarei and we had four great years seeing him grow there as well as learning about Early Childhood in New Zealand. He now lives and works in Christchurch. Alan's daughter Chloe, is also part of the Educare family working as the Operations Manager, and is a mother now herself.
From humble beginnings, we now own and operate 25 centres across New Zealand, each one unique to the communities they serve. We have a focus on: sustainability, safe natural play areas for the tamariki and great enthusiastic staff which all contribute to incredibly stimulating environments. What we want to do is create a unique service that is centred around your tamariki, for that is what we wanted as parents. If you wanted to sum us up it would be ‘whānau first’ and giving back to local communities, while learning, laughing and playing.
Ka Kite ano
Alan and Jackie Lints
Cara Lindsay
Whangarei Area Manager
Kia Ora, I'm Cara Lindsay. I have been involved in early childhood since leaving school. I graduated from Auckland Teacher’s college with a diploma in Kindergarten Teaching and a Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood.
After 7 years of working in Kindergartens, I built and owned my own centre in Kamo.
In 2001 I sold the centre and went home to be a full time Mum to our three children and to help run our Dairy farm. Now with my children grown up, it is time to return to my passion of teaching.
Kelsi Dean
Whangarei Area Manager
Kia ora,
My name is Kelsi Dean and I am one of the Whangarei Area Managers.
I have my Bachelors in teaching (ECE) and am a fully registered teacher who has been working in ECE since 2008.
I live locally with my husband who is a dairy farmer.
I look forward to getting to know you and your tamariki as we embark on this journey of learning and development together.
Dani McCloy
Waikato Area Manager
Kia Ora, I'm Dani McCloy. I have worked as a Qualified Teacher with both Secondary and ECE aged children. I studied and graduated from Waikato University with a Bachelor and two Graduate Diplomas.
I enjoy the busy and dynamic industry of ECE, and have a passion for empowering teachers, managers, tamariki and whānau. Outside of work I enjoy yoga, being outdoors, walking, paddle boarding and spending time with my dog(s). Over the past few years I have started to foster dogs and am loving this experience.
Tracy Lambert
Wellington + Christchurch Area Manager
Kia ora koutou, my name is Tracy, I live with my husband and our three teenage sons on the Kapiti Coast, north of Wellington.
I am a fully registered kaiako, graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor of Education. I enjoy study and have since gained a post graduate diploma in Infants and Toddlers and am currently finishing my Masters in ECE.
I feel privileged to be part of the Educare Whānau, working alongside a fantastic team. I'm looking forward to an exciting time ahead.
Gillian Kyte
Administration Manager
I am the Administration Manager based in the Whangarei Grey Street Head Office.
I have had the pleasure of working for Educare for the past 14 years with over 35 years of experience in administration.
My hobbies include spending time with family, especially grandchildren who bring me so much joy.
I enjoy the outdoors, and walking my dogs. I have recently purchased a horse and have begun the journey of learning to ride, taking lessons and enjoying beach rides.
I look forward to the exciting times ahead working alongside my team assisting all Educare Centres in many aspects of administration and payroll duties.
Charlotta Smith
Human Resources Manager
Kia Ora, I'm Charlotta and I am the HR Manager at Educare. I have worked in HR and payroll for 15+ years and across many different industries. I am a Massey University graduate where I studied a Bachelor of Business in HR.
I am excited to learn more about the early childhood industry and to get around the centres to get to know everyone and see the great mahi the team does.
Originally from Sweden I have called New Zealand home for the last 19 years and moved to Northland in 2015 and absolutely love it here. Outside of work I love to hang out with my dog and go on adventures to the beach or forest. I also enjoy growing my own food and cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
