Meet the team at Early years Rotokauri

Early Years Rotokauri is proudly owned and led by Monique, Kylie, Showanna and Sam. As qualified and experienced teachers, they bring a shared passion for providing high quality early childhood education and creating a centre where tamariki, whānau and kaiako feel valued, supported and part of a strong community.

Together, they are committed to creating a warm, nurturing environment where strong relationships are at the heart of everything they do. Their shared vision is to provide meaningful learning experiences where every child feels a sense of belonging and is supported to learn, grow and thrive.

Marlene – Toddlers Room

Marlene is a fully registered early childhood teacher with a strong knowledge of Te Whāriki and a passion for creating meaningful learning experiences that support tamariki to grow as capable and confident learners. She believes children thrive when they experience a strong sense of belonging, wellbeing and contribution.

Building positive and respectful relationships with tamariki, whānau and colleagues is central to Marlene's teaching philosophy. She is passionate about creating engaging environments that encourage curiosity, creativity and exploration, while responding to children's individual interests and extending their learning. Marlene values collaboration, reflective practice and ongoing professional growth and is excited to contribute to the Early Years Rotokauri team.

Ashantee – Toddlers Room

Ashantee is currently studying towards becoming a qualified early childhood teacher and has previous experience working with tamariki in primary school settings. Working with children quickly became a passion of hers, and she loves seeing children's personalities blossom and supporting them to learn and grow.

Building strong, trusting relationships with tamariki and whānau is incredibly important to Ashantee. She aims to create a safe space where children feel comfortable being themselves and confident in their learning. Outside of mahi, she enjoys spending time in nature, going to the gym, travelling and being with friends and family.

Annabelle – Kindy Room

Annabelle is a qualified early childhood teacher who believes the best learning happens when children feel happy, safe and free to have fun. Building strong and meaningful relationships with tamariki and their whānau is a central part of her teaching philosophy, creating a sense of trust and belonging that supports children to grow and thrive.

Annabelle brings plenty of energy, laughter and positivity into her teaching and enjoys creating fun, meaningful experiences that spark children's curiosity, confidence and love of learning. Outside of the centre, she enjoys adventuring with her fiancé, spending time with her dogs and exploring new places with family and friends.

Megan – Kindy Room

Megan is an experienced educator with a Bachelor of Education and a background across both primary and early childhood education. She is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging learning environments that reflect the values of Te Whāriki and support each child’s individual identity, strengths and learning needs.

Building genuine and respectful relationships with tamariki, whānau and fellow kaiako is central to Megan's teaching philosophy. She believes in supporting children to develop agency in their own learning, encouraging them to take risks, discover their potential and grow in confidence. Megan enjoys play-based, child-led and inquiry-based learning and is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity and exploration.

Tahlia – Kindy Room

Tahlia is a fully registered early childhood teacher with a Bachelor of Teaching in ECE, she has been working in the sector for many years. After taking some time away to raise her youngest child, she is excited to be back doing what she loves and supporting tamariki in their learning and development.

Outside of teaching, she is also passionate about health and wellbeing and works as a health coach, supporting others to reach their health goals.

Kym – Preschool Room

Kym is a qualified early childhood teacher and has recently completed her Early Childhood Teaching Degree. She brings several years of experience working in early childhood education across both Australia and New Zealand and is passionate about creating collaborative relationships with tamariki and whānau.

Kym believes in child-led learning and supporting tamariki to explore their own interests and develop as unique individuals. She particularly enjoys painting and sensory experiences and loves seeing children discover and explore the world around them. Outside of work, Kym enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dogs and working in her garden.

Shehnaz – Preschool Room

Shehnaz is originally from India and has been living in New Zealand since 2017. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and brings a range of experiences and perspectives to her teaching practice.

She believes in creating trusting and supportive relationships and providing a rich learning environment where tamariki feel safe to explore, initiate learning and freely express themselves. She enjoys working collaboratively with others and is passionate about continuing to grow and develop as a teacher. Outside of work, Shehnaz enjoys spending time outdoors and shopping.