Staff Profiles

George Quinney, Centre Owner, Birkenhead

In the course of his day as the owner of Lollipops Educare Birkenhead, George Quinney spends time with children, teachers, and parents as well as meeting with Ministry of Education officials and suppliers. But he is quick to add that the most memorable and interesting conversations are always with the children!

A family man with two adult children, George loves to watch children learn. It is something that is dear to his heart and it’s what drives him every day to ensure that his centre is the best in the country. Parents and caregivers of the Birkenhead centre find George to be very approachable, easy to talk with, and a pro-active leader who selects only the best staff for the centre’s needs.

“I can’t imagine a job that would provide greater satisfaction and variation. Where else can you make a Play-dough snowman and listen to the unlimited aspirations of New Zealand’s future leaders!”

Siligia Hicks, Centre Supervisor, Birkenhead

As mum to three boys and nana to five grandchildren, Siligia has a first-hand understanding of the demands and challenges faced by today’s parents. Nurturing and caring for the emotional, physical, social, and cultural needs of each child is paramount for Siligia. She recognizes that to do this, it is very important to have strong lines of communication with the parents and caregivers of the children in her care.

With an active interest in art and multiculturalism, Siligia brings a creative flair and cultural richness to the Birkenhead centre. Prior to joining the centre, Siligia worked as a team leader at the Avondale College Early Childhood Centre and holds a Diploma in Teaching along with a current first aid certificate.

“It’s a never ending juggle trying to balance work commitments and parenthood. Lollipops Educare makes that juggle so much easier – parents know their children are safe, happy, and are learning valuable skills – and having great fun too!”

Annette (Annie) Munsami, Team Leader Over Two’s, Birkenhead

Working with children is not something that is easy for everyone. But for Annette Munsami, it’s something that comes naturally. As an early childhood educator, Annie’s biggest concern is that the children in her care are treated with the respect and compassion that she would show her own children. Annie’s excellent communication and people management skills are valuable assets in her role as team leader in the over two-year old area. Annie joined the team at Birkenhead in 2009 having previously worked with KinderCare Learning Centres as well as working with the disabled. Prior to moving to New Zealand Annie also held the role of district manager for an educational company in South Africa. Annie also works on a voluntary basis with the underprivileged and new immigrants.

“I believe that interaction and communication between children, their parents, and their educators underscores every aspect of a child’s learning and development. Creating an environment that nurtures young children’s learning and development through a community spirit of unity is something that I aspire to.”

Hongying (Rose) Liu – Team Leader, Birkenhead

Team Leader, Rose Liu, always has a smiling face ready to greet the children, parents, and staff of Lollipops Birkenhead. Rose’s bubbly personality is a welcoming start to the day and one that is very popular with the children. Rose joined the team at Lollipops Birkenhead in 2010 and has a solid background within the early childhood sector. She currently holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and plans to upgrade her qualification to a degree in the near future. Rose is bi-lingual with a Chinese background which adds to the culturally diverse learning experience available to children at the centre. She aspires to run her own childcare centre in at some stage in the future and is delighted to have the opportunity to work with the wonderful children and staff at Lollipops Birkenhead.

“I love children very much – to me they are angels from God. It’s a wonderful reward to be working within such a vibrant, happy centre where the children receive excellent care and education.”