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!”

Lollipops Birkenhead – Sunita Perikala, Team Leader

 
Team leader Sunita Perikala joined the team at Lollipops Birkenhead in 2012 and brings with her a wealth of experience within the early childhood sector. Sunita has worked within a variety of early childhood centres and brings a love of teaching and working with children. She has a particular interest in arts and science and loves to share her passion for creativity with the children. Another area of interest is in learning new languages, Sunita speaks Telgu, Hindi and Farsi (Persian and Afghani). Sunita has plenty of experience in documenting and planning and particularly enjoys being involved in creating and designing new learning environments for children. When she’s not working, Sunita likes to travel when possible and indulge her love of cooking and reading. She is looking forward to meeting the many wonderful families that come through the Birkenhead centre.
 
“It’s very rewarding to be involved in helping children to learn, explore and discover. One of the wonderful parts of the job is that I also get to learn new things each day too!”

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!”

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.”