Staff Profiles

Lyn Tecofsky, Centre Director, Waikato Hospital

Centre Director Lyn Tecofsky joined the team at Lollipops Te Rapa 2012 and Waikato Hospital early 2013, bringing with her a wealth of experience within the early childhood education sector. Lyn has also worked as an Academic Services Manager for Child Matters where she was involved in developing and delivering child protection programmes for the New Zealand Police, CYF and other social service agencies. Lyn’s friendly and approachable nature means she is always ready to listen to parents, staff and children to help find the best solutions to any problem, big or small. Her personal philosophy is that all children are entitled to be kept safe and secure and that all children deserve the best that teachers can offer. Lyn has four children of her own and one mokopuna. She lives on a lifestyle block with a menagerie of animals including six alpacas who visit the centre from time to time. Lyn is looking forward to working with the team at Lollipops to continue building a centre that offers high quality care and education, child-centred programmes and a place where children can have fun and know they are special.

“I believe that each child is born with the potential to be and do anything. We as teachers need to provide an environment in which they can learn the skills needed to flourish.”

 

Sharon Tilyard-Team Leader, Lollipops Waikato Hospital

Team leader Sharron Tilyard describes the best part of her job as being able to greet the children and see their lovely big smiles every day. Sharron joined Lollipops Educare Waikato Hospital in 2012 having earlier been the Centre Supervisor at Lollipops Educare in Te Rapa and also holding other supervisory roles in several Wellington childcare centres.  Sharon holds a Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood, and with over twenty years within the early childhood sector, Sharon brings a wealth of experience to the centre - although much of her experience and qualifications comes being a mum to four children and a grandmother to three! When she’s not busy with her role at Lollipops, Sharron loves to indulge her interests in motor sports, live music, natural medicine and preserving New Zealand’s heritage for the next generation. She is looking forward to helping Lollipops Educare Waikato Hospital become the best centre in the Hamilton area.
 
“As a mum myself, I can identify with the parents of the centre as I’ve also been through all the stages of bringing up children!”

Raewyn Morrow – Team Leader

 
Having earlier worked both as a nanny in England and as a kindergarten teacher, Team Leader Raewyn Morrow has plenty of experience working with children, especially under-twos. Her kind, caring and nurturing personality make her very popular with both children and parents. Raewyan believes it is vital to provide a safe, stimulating environment that caters to the needs, interests and dispositions of all children. She also works hard to build strong partnerships between the centre and families/whanau. With four sons and eight grandchildren, Raewyn has a good understanding of the concerns and expectations of parents. Her experience as a parent and educator are valued by both staff and parents of the centre. When she’s not at work, Raewyn enjoys walking, swimming and keeping fit. One of her favourite things to do is to relax at a café with a nice hot chocolate!
 
“I feel very lucky to be working with such a great team. One of the best parts of my job is watching the children grow and learn.”