Kristin Colthurst, Centre Director/Owner, Half Moon Bay
As Centre Director and a half owner, I am totally committed to ensuring we provide the type of environment that children feel happy to come to each day and that our centre lives up to its philosophy. I am well equipped to make sure this happens as I have a sound background in senior marketing and management positions for companies such as 3M, Levenes and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. On top of that I am a mother to two young children, Ava and William, who attended daycares when they were small. More recently I gained a degree in Landscape Architecture so I have a strong interest in creating a visually stimulating and sustainable environment with a strong focus on the arts.
Leigh Wills, Centre Supervisor, Half Moon Bay
Helping to provide a fun, friendly environment where children can reach their potential and discover a world of amazing new skills is something I’m passionate about. It’s my job to ensure every child is receiving the very best standard of care and education within a nurturing environment.
I have a Diploma of Teaching and am a registered teacher with many years experience teaching and working alongside children and their families in both NZ and the UK. I joined Lollipops in 2008 and love the benefits they offer children, families and staff.
I am married to Scott and we have a beautiful son, Cohen. I feel having him has enriched my teaching practice and I relate more closely with parents as I have the perspective of both mother and teacher.
“It’s a real privilege to watch as the children within our centre reach their individual milestones and discover the incredible worlds around them. Each and every child is a unique individual, and although they learn so much while they are with us, we also learn so much from each of them!”
Jianying Zhou, Team Leader Preschool
A registered New Zealand teacher I have been working with preschool children since 2004. I have always marvelled at how much we can learn from each other. As I help them build up their confidence and competence in the foundations skills for life-long learning, they help me rediscover the basic truth about life—to love and to trust. I have two beautiful children Emma and Elias and we love playing sports together.
“I believe a loving and trusting reciprocal relationship is crucial to children’s learning and development.”
A registered New Zealand teacher I have been working with preschool children since 2004. I have always marvelled at how much we can learn from each other. As I help them build up their confidence and competence in the foundations skills for life-long learning, they help me rediscover the basic truth about life—to love and to trust. I have two beautiful children Emma and Elias and we love playing sports together.
Melissa Edgar, Team Leader Toddlers
I am qualified with a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) with years of hands-on teaching experience. I live with my partner Neil and together we have two boys, Hayden and Liam. We live locally but also have a home on Waikehe Island where we enjoy swimming and kayaking.
“I feel children are a wonderful gift and a delight to be around. I enjoy all the fond, memories I’ve accumulated over the years and being able to watch children develop and grow and I’m sure there are many more to come!”
Elaine Lim, Team Leader Toddler 2 and Preschool 1
Graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and many years teaching experience I live locally with my two lovely daughters.
I believe a positive learning environment is a key element in fostering a child’s holistic development. This includes physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual. I believe children need to feel an atmosphere of warmth , acceptance and respect in their learning environment and that they need to be empowered as much as educators and parents.
Ranelle Robinson, Team Leader Infants
My husband and I have three handsome boys so I understand how parents always want the best care and support for their children.
I have a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and several years of early childhood teaching experience. I have worked with all age groups but I have chosen to focus on babies. My duty and responsibility as an early childhood educator is to work alongside you to nurture and assist your child’s learning and development.
“I look forward to the journey that we will take together”.
