Our team
At Ōtipua Grove, children are welcomed by a warm team of kaiako and leaders who work together to help every child feel safe, known, and ready to learn. This page introduces the people your family may meet at the centre.
Leadership and centre support
Assistant Regional Manager / Centre Manager
Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
Fiona has worked in early childhood education for 17 years, including seven years in centre management. She values trusting, reciprocal relationships with tamariki, parents, whānau, and colleagues.
Assistant Centre Manager / Matai Team Leader
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
Carla has nearly 17 years of experience across preschool and nursery settings. Her practice is guided by nurturing, respectful relationships and the RIE and Pikler approaches.
Kauri / Rimu Team Leader
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Laura has worked in early childhood education for almost 10 years and is passionate about safe, child-led environments where tamariki can share ideas and lead their learning.
Teaching and support team
Kauri Kaiako
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Jo is a fully qualified and registered teacher with more than 20 years of early childhood experience. She values safe, secure environments where children can explore, learn, and be themselves.
Kauri Kaiako
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Greg has taught in early childhood for more than 16 years across Timaru, Christchurch, and North Canterbury, and is passionate about sustainability and outdoor learning.
Rimu Kaiako
Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
Ying completed her Graduate Diploma in Teaching in 2022 and enjoys creating child-led spaces where tamariki feel connected, supported, and excited to explore.
Kaiako
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), fully registered teacher
Natasha is passionate about supporting infants and toddlers through nurturing, responsive relationships. She values strong, trusting connections with tamariki and whānau so children feel safe, confident, and ready to explore.
Kaiako
Teacher in training, Te Rito Maioha
Mandy is a teacher in training with Te Rito Maioha who is passionate about nurturing inclusive environments where tamariki feel valued, supported, and confident to learn.
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), fully registered teacher
Helēnē has experience working with tamariki from three months to five years and is passionate about positive guidance and supporting emotional regulation. Her five years teaching in international kindergartens in China helped shape her practice as a kaiako.
Tawa Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), fully registered teacher
Zalee has worked in early childhood education for 10 years and is passionate about creating fun, nurturing spaces where tamariki feel safe, valued, and encouraged to learn. She loves building strong relationships with children and whānau, bringing energy and enthusiasm to each day.
Matai Kaiako
Teacher in training, second year Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Shanita brings experience from primary and preschool settings and is passionate about respectful relationships, play-based learning, and weaving te reo Māori and tikanga Māori naturally into everyday practice.
Supporting Kaiako
Diploma Level 7 in Early Childhood and Education
Selina works part-time in a break cover role and enjoys supporting tamariki across their learning, helping them build confidence, belonging, and connection within the early childhood setting.
Supporting Kaiako
Keegan joined Ōtipua Grove after relieving across Te Waipounamu Education centres in Timaru. He enjoys creative, imaginative play and building strong connections with tamariki and whānau.
Kaiako
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), first aid certified
Jayde has worked in early childhood education for two and a half years and is currently studying a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary). She is passionate about inclusive learning environments where every child feels they belong and is supported to succeed.