Our Teachers (Kaiako)
Lucy - Lead Kaiako
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) |
"Kia ora Koutou,Ko Lucy Gardner-Lee tōku ingoa.
I was born in Auckland where I spent most of my childhood before my family and I moved north to Whangarei where we enjoyed life in the slow lane, enjoying the gems of the country side, the beach and the bush. My partner and I bought our first home together last year and we spend all of our spare time carrying out renovations and sneaking in the occasional trip to the beach for a scuba dive. I am a passionate infant and toddler kaiako, and have spent most of my 6 year career teaching in this specialist age group. My philosophy is founded on building meaningful relationships and a view of the child as a confident and capable whole learner. I am passionate about fostering kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga within our tamariki by reconnecting with our environment and community. I hope to work alongside you and you tamariki to ensure you feel at ease and at home while we navigate the wonders and adventures during the early years." |
Vicky - Kaiako
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) |
"I recently qualified with bachelor of teaching through Te Rito Maioha.
I have a strong passion for building relationships, and working alongside whānau to get to know their tamariki. I recognise each child as an individual where they are given opportunity to contribute to their own learning experience. My husband and I have two children, Katie and Maddy. I am excited for both Maddy and I to be joining the Geckos family and meeting all our new families. On the weekends you will find our family being active by going for walks and bike rides, or heading to the beach during the summer" |
Aisha - Kaiako
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) |
"Kia ora Koutou,
Ko Tara Tara te maunga Ko Wainui te awa Ko Mataatua te waka Ko Kenana te marae Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi Ko Ngāti Kahu te hapu Ko Aisha Karena ahau My name is Aisha and I am 25 years of age. I have two ataahua tamariki, Kylah-Rose who is 5 and Naeson who is 1, who also attends Little Geckos. Myself, my partner Hobson, and my tamariki live rurally in Towai, where we operate a small family farm. We have four dogs, one chicken, five cows, and fifteen sheep. We are always busy! I have a strong passion for te reo Māori and tikanga Māori and being able to share knowledge whilst also gaining knowledge and immersing tamariki within Māori culture, traditions and values. I have just completed my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, and I cannot wait to begin my journey as a provisionally registered Kaiako. My time spent learning about tamariki and working alongside them has enhanced my passion for early childhood. I am super excited to have joined the Little Gecko’s whanau and to be able to build strong foundations with you and your tamariki." |
Samara - Kaiako
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"Kia ora. My name is Samara.
I have a background of over 20 years experience working with children. I have spent time traveling overseas working as a private nanny and maternity nurse. I returned home in 2013, with my husband, Shane. Where I was lucky enough to join the ECE world. In 2016 our son, Lochlan, joined us and our world got busy. I have a strong focus on respectful practices and communication. I am passionate about children being competent and capable learners and that they are able to learn and grow in their own time. Outside of work, you can find me camping with family and friends, hiking and exploring the wonderful country we live in. I look forward to meeting you all soon." |
Sarah - Kaiako
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"Kia Ora Koutou, Ko Sarah Apaapa toku ingoa.
I have lived in Whangarei for my whole life, I am currently living on a lifestyle block in Matarau with my husband Kyle and our many pets, which keep us very busy! I have worked in ECE since 2008, over this time I have developed a passion for working alongside infants and toddlers. I have a strong interest in learning about infant's brain development, so this year I am studying towards a postgraduate diploma in infant and toddler learning and development. I look forward to getting to know each child and their whanau, feel free to come see for a chat or to ask me any questions! Nga mihi, Sarah." |
Zoe - Lead Kaiako
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"Hello whānau and tamariki of Geckos. My name is Zoe and I am the new teacher at Geckos-The Nest. I look forward to meeting you all! I have been in early childhood for 7 years now and I am excited about Geckos being part of my teaching journey. I will also be making myself familiar at Little Geckos for when your little gecko is ready for a new environment to explore and can be greeted by a friendly face at The Nest to help make this transition a happy and exciting one.
It is going to be an absolute pleasure creating a special place for your children to play, learn and grow, I can’t wait!" |
Sarah- Kaiako
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"Kia ora koutou,
Ko Arthur te maunga Ko Wainui te awa Ko Motueka te waka Ko Menzies te iwi Ko Sarah German ahau No Te Taitapu, engari e noho ana i Whangarei inainei. Hi everyone, my name is Sarah, I am originally from the South Island but now I live in Whangarei with my husband James and our bunny Cornflake. I have a Bachelor in Teaching (ECE) through Te Rito Maioha. I have been teaching in Early Childhood for 5 years, the majority of which was investing into a big passion of mine - nature education. This experience and growing up on a farm, has helped me to understand the positive impact exploration in, and a connection to nature, has on tamariki and their learning. My mission as a teacher is to empower children to be strong in their identity and connected to their community. I believe developing positive relationships which connect children to their heritage and community is an important aspect of this. I love to have fun, laugh, play, get dirty, create, dance, sing, and immerse myself in nature. My biggest passion is for children to know that they are loved and cared for and that they can make a difference in the world. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your beautiful tamariki!" |
Demi - Kaiako in Training
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"Kia Ora, My name is Demi and I am a teacher at Geckos - The Nest.
It has already been such a wonderful journey joining the Geckos family and I am very passionate about seeing your children learn, grow and achieve new skills. I wish to provide your children with a happy friendly environment where they can be their own individuals." |
Georgia - Kaiako in Training
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"Kia Ora,
Ko Georgia tòku ingoa. I am a kaiako at Geckos - The Nest. My mum, who is an ECE and primary school teacher inspired me to become a kaiako and my passion for working in the crucial early learning years was affirmed when I became a nanny 8 years ago. Since then I have worked with many beautiful tamariki and whānau in different early childhood centres in Auckland and Whangārei. Last year I decided I was in a good position to study towards a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and I am thoroughly enjoying this new learning journey. Central to my teaching philosophy is the belief that tamariki are capable individuals and should always be treated with respect. I strive to provide an environment which is inclusive, safe, engaging and fun. I particularly enjoy facilitating science and art concepts and I have enthusiasm for sustainability and encourage kaitiakitanga. I live with my partner Jesse and our beloved dog Kobi. We are currently looking to buy our first home in Whangārei. When I am not studying I look forward to practicing photography, being outdoors exploring our beautiful country and spending quality time with my whānau. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to develop my pedagogy alongside the amazing kaiako here at Geckos-The Nest. I looking forward to getting to know you and supporting your tamariki to be a confident lifelong learner. Nga Mihi, Georgia." |
Sam - Lead Kaiako
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts (Art History / History) - Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) |
“I’ve been a part of the Geckos whānau for over 5 and a half years now! I first began at Geckos by chance. I knew the previous owners and they offered me a part time job relieving. Who would have thought that I’d now be qualified and working as Lead Kaiako!
I’ve lived in Whangarei my entire life, besides university (turns out an Art History and History degree is not that practical for the real world) and travelling, so connecting with our community is an important part of my teaching philosophy. I’m a keen learner and love to explore alongside our tamariki at Geckos. It’s hard for me to sometimes get my office work done because I’m always sneaking back out on the floor to be with our tamariki! If you ask our tamariki about me, their number one observation is “Pizza!” (yeah, I really love pizza!), followed by “always wearing your sunglasses” and “you write a lot of notes Sam!”. They also tell me “I like to water the plants with you”, “I like to play on the ground with you Sam”, “sometimes you look like a princess” and “I like the way you look after us” |
Alana - Kaiako
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) |
“Kia ora!
Ko Takitimu te maunga. Ko Oreti te awa. Nō Waihopai ahau. Kei Whangarei tōku kāinga noho. He kaiako ahau. Ko Alana tōku ingoa. No reira, tena koutou katoa. I moved to Whangarei after I graduated from university. Although I was born in Australia, I have lived most of my life in Invercargill, which I have been told is quite obvious from the way I say my ‘R’s’! I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of my Geckos whānau since 2016. In that time I have learnt a lot from the kaiako, tamariki and whānau and have developed a strong sense of belonging here in Whangarei. You might say that early childhood education (ECE) runs in my family as both my Mum and Grandmother worked in ECE. Having brothers that were so much younger than me also inspired my passion for ECE as I had the opportunity to help them learn and grow. I love being creative, especially in visual arts, which I share with our tamariki. You might find me seated at the art table drawing or painting with our tamariki, or inventing my own interpretive dance moves! I asked our tamariki what they liked about me as a teacher and they replied “you’re funny” and “sometimes you’re silly”. What can I say… I do like to have a laugh, especially since they make me feel like the world’s greatest comedian! Some of my favourite moments at Geckos have been sharing a joke and a laugh with our tamariki. I hope to give the tamariki that I work with the support, aroha and experiences they need to be lifelong learners who are happy, kind, capable and confident!” |
Anneliese - Kaiako
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts (Literature) - Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) |
“My experience as an active Playcentre mum, followed by my involvement in my
son's Kindergarten confirmed my love for Early Childhood Education and my desire to support this amazing and crucial period of children's learning and development. The team at Geckos makes this role all the more special. Our shared love, support and enthusiasm for giving our tamariki our absolute best and creating opportunities for them to lead their own learning, means every day is filled with discoveries, triumphs and so much laughter! It’s a real privilege to be able to share in the ever-evolving joy and wonder of our tamariki’s inner and outer worlds.” |
