Staff Profiles

Chris O’Neill, Centre Co-Owner/Manager, Waiuku

Centre Co-Owner, Chris O’Neill, worked within the horticultural industry for a number of years before taking the opportunity to join the team at Lollipops Educare. Chris jointly owns the Waiuku Lollipops Centre and is the Centre Owner of Lollipops Pukekohe. As co-owner of Waiuku, Chris is involved in the general management of the centre including invoicing, financial budgeting, maintenance, enrolments and head-office reporting. Chris enjoys the regular contact he has with parents and families of the centre and is passionate about creating an atmosphere where children, parents and teachers enjoy a harmonious, positive environment.

“Working within the early childhood education sector is extremely rewarding and I feel very fortunate to be involved in the learning and development of our future generation.”

Amanda Mitchell, Centre Supervisor, Pukekohe

Centre Supervisor Amanda Mitchell understands that parents can feel a little anxious when using childcare for the first time. As a mum herself, she ensures parents have peace of mind by providing their children with the same standard of care that she would expect for her own. Amanda joined the team at Lollipops Pukekohe in 2008 and enjoys working in the under-two’s area with the babies of the centre. Amanda currently holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and is planning to upgrade her qualification to that of a Bachelors Degree in the near future.

“As a mum, I completely understand the concerns that parents have when leaving their child in someone else’s care. But it’s very rewarding to be working within a centre that provides such a high standard of care where the children are not only safe and happy, but are learning such valuable skills.”