Teachers - Omokoroa Preschool

Sophie - Teacher

Kia Ora I’m Sophie, I started at Omokoroa Preschool in October 2020 as the Centre Manager. Prior to this I was teaching at a preschool in Auckland where I was for eight years. I gained my diploma in ECE in 2015 and then upgraded to a degree in 2018. I am enjoying my new role and love that I still get to spend time with the children and be apart of their learning journey.

I grew up in Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands, moving from there to London (a big move for small-town girl..) where I was a nanny. I travelled a lot in Europe and the USA which was an awesome experience!

In my spare time I love to cook, bake, live music, yoga, travelling, sunrises/sunsets, spending time with my family – I have two nephews who come down from Auckland to have sleepovers at Aunty Sophs. Life in the Bay of Plenty is great, I am loving living here and being apart of the Omokoroa community.

Desirree - Teacher

Kia Ora families, My name is Desirree, I live here in Omokoroa, with my whanau. My two children are here at Omokoroa Preschool with me.

I am a fully qualified and registered teacher with 10 years experience in Primary and Early Childhood Education. I enjoy facilitating a learning through play curriculum, and fostering each child’s unique development. I look forward to supporting you and your child through their learning journey.

Laurie - Teacher

Kia Ora my name is Laurie, I have been teaching early childhood for the best part of 20 years. I graduated with my diploma in 2010 and am fully registered. I have a natural passion for teaching our youngest tamariki and have been teaching infants and toddlers for over 14 years, bringing a calm unhurried nurturing pace to my style of teaching.

I live locally in Omokoroa and am a wife and mother to three beautiful children, who keep me very busy in my family life. I love spending quality time with my husband and children and encouraging my children to follow their dreams. I am a keen runner in my spare time and enjoy training for half marathons. Running is my happy place along with my family who I encourage to run with me.

Teaching early childhood has always been my passion and always will be, I couldn’t think of anything more rewarding than watching our youngest tamariki learn & grow.

Shona - Chef

Hi I’m Shona, I live in Omokoroa with my Family with my two children. My daughter goes to Omokoroa Point School, and my son comes to Omokoroa Preschool with me.

We love the community and you will often see us out and about with our two dogs enjoying the local scenery. I love cooking at Omokoroa Preschool and talking with your children along the way.

Bron - Office Administrator

Hi I’m Bron and I am the Office Administrator at Omokoroa Preschool. I am married with four adult children and two grandchildren with whom I like to spend as much time as possible. I am very family orientated, I enjoy pottering around in my garden, reading, playing tennis, watching rugby and I love to travel around NZ to explore our beautiful country whenever I get the chance.

I have an accounting background and more recently have worked in administration since moving to the Bay of Plenty from Auckland. I am very happy to be combining my love of children while still working in administration here.

Philippa - Teacher

Hi I’m Philippa. I live in Katikati with my son Luca, husband Ben, plus we also have a baby girl on the way. I grew up in Katikati, moved away for a few years after I finished my schooling and then moved back at the end of 2019.

I have a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and have been teaching in Early Childhood since the beginning of 2013.

In my spare time I enjoy playing squash, going out for walks, spending time with my family and baking.

I absolutely love working with children as each day is a new adventure. My passion is with children under two years of age. I adore seeing them reaching their milestones and following their learning journeys. I believe that a centre should be a home away from home and I foster that into my daily teaching practice by giving lots of love and care to all tamariki.

Claire - Teacher

Hi, I’m Claire. I have worked with children for over 20 years before getting my Bachelor of teaching degree in 2015. I am passionate about all children but have a special passion for 2- 3-year-olds.

I love my chosen career and really enjoy working with the children and team at Omokoroa preschool.

What fills my bucket when I’m not working – walks, climbing the mount, pilates, doing life with my family, grandchildren and friends.

Sue - Teacher

Hi, my name is Sue, I am in my final year of study with Te Rito Maiaho and look forward to being qualified in June.

I have been working with children for many years in both New Zealand and the UK. I am passionate about teaching early years. I want to nurture and grow children’s confidence, independence, and love of learning in a home away from home environment.

I moved to New Zealand six years ago with my husband and our three daughters, and we could not be happier. We love living here in Omokoroa where we enjoy walking, playing sports and being part of this wonderful community.

Hanna - Teacher

Hi

I’m Hanna

Sam - Teacher

Hi I’m Sam