Our People

Rebecca Gush, Centre Manager

Kia ora, I’m Rebecca Gush and I have been in childcare for 19 years.
I have a 19 year old daughter, Alyssa, who is the reason I got into childcare.
I have a bachelor of Learning and Teaching and my full registration. I have been in management for about 10 years and have a real passion to support other Kaiako to be the best they can, so they can provide the best support and guidance for all tamariki to learn and grow in a safe and fun environment.
I have a real passion for drawing and reading and enjoy doing these in my down time.
My door is always open, so please come and say hello.

Natalie Critch, Centre Administrator

I joined the team as the centre administrator in November 2022. I bring my bubbly personality and organisation to the team ensuring the behind the scenes runs smoothly for both our teachers and parents. During my down time I likes to keep active, paint and cook.

Sue Martin, Housekeeper

I am a bubbly friendly, easy going person with a great sense of humour. I have recently come on board as a Housekeeper in January 2023. My position is to ensure that the laundry is flowing and completed in an efficient timely manner along with maintaining an attention to detail in all hygiene areas within the centre. I’m married, have a 17-year-old son and we enjoy travelling and water sports.

Rachel Brett, Centre Cook

Hi my name is Rachel. I am the centre cook. I enjoy cooking for our children and encouraging healthy eating. I am an outgoing person who enjoys staying fit and healthy.

Nicola Gu, Teacher

Kia Ora! I’m Nicola, I’ve been working at Lollipops since 2018, first as a student and now a fully qualified teacher.
I love supporting our tamariki to go out of their comfort zones and realise their potential, the look on their little faces when they achieve something new is priceless. I like to build an environment where the tamariki and their whānau feel like it’s a home away from home.
I spend my downtime with my family, we love to travel to different places near and far.

Marara Murray, Teacher

My name is Ma (Marara), I started working here in 2021 after I finished high school and started my first year of study in 2022. Over the past year or so I have found a passion for nurturing and caring for tamariki. I’m excited to see what happens next.

Tracy Du Fall, Teacher

Kia Ora, my name is Tracy. I am a qualified teacher and have been working in ECE for over 15 years. I have working at Lollipops Bell Block for the last 7 years and have recently become a reliever where I get the opportunity to work across all three rooms.

Samantha Malcolm, Teacher

Kia ora everyone,

My name is Sam and I am a new teacher in the infants room. I have known from a young age that I wanted to be an ECE teacher and find so much joy in watching our youngest tamariki grow and learn. Infants is the age group

Jasmine Kelly, Head Teacher

Kia Ora Whānau,
Ko Jasmine tāku ingoa (Jaz to everyone). I have one child who is named Nathaniel, we enjoy trying new experiences and kai as well as travelling nationally and internationally.
I have been with this company for 4 years but within education sector for nearly a decade.

Mikayla Robson, Teacher (On Maternity Leave from 16/10/23)

I have been working here at Lollipops since 2018 as a casual reliever that worked between all 3 rooms during my first 2 years. I am now currently based in the Junior room as a full time Kaiako. I am a positive bubbly personality and passionate about my job! I love working with the tamariki and forming relationships with whānau.

Tara Hunt, Teacher

Kia Ora, my name is Tara, and I am a qualified Kaiako in the Junior Room. I have been working for Evolve for the past 3 years in a relieving capacity and now I have taken on a permanent role here at Bell Block.

Alyssa Rowlands, Teacher

Kia Ora. My name is Alyssa and I’m in my second year of studying my bachelor of early childhood. I love seeing the tamariki grow and become their own individual person. In my free time I like to be outdoors and with whānau and friends.

Te Wairua Welch, Teacher

Ko Te Wairua tāku ingoa. I am of Waikato ki Te Atiawa decent. I am passionate about providing Te āo Māori experiences for our tauira. I have been working here at Lollipops since 2014 starting as a cleaner/cook, now currently a Kaiako in the Pre-School room. I am always open for a chat or if you have any queries.

Abbey Tarr, Teacher

Hi I’m Abbey. I have recently moved from South Africa with my husband and baby boy. We are very excited to be apart of a new country and to learn a new culture. My Early Childhood Education began when I was very young, I would always make my brother play ‘school-school’ with me, of course I was always the teacher. Once I left school, I went to University in South Africa and studied Early Childhood Education. to many happy years in the classroom.

Rebecca Kearns, Teacher

Kia ora, I'm Rebecca!
I have a Bachelor of Education and I began teaching in 2010, first in the primary sector, before moving to early childhood when I started here at Lollipops in 2018.
I look forward to getting to know you and your tamariki as we move along our learning journeys together.

Kristen Sarten-Turner , Teacher

Kia ora, I’m Kristen. I am a registered Kaiako, holding a Diploma of Teaching and Learning (ECE), and I’ve been teaching for almost 15 years. I’m a mum of two – my daughter Charli is in her first year of University down in Wellington, and my son Oscar is in year 11 at NPBHS.

Kelsi Phillips, Teacher

Hi, I’m Kelsi. I have recently returned from maternity leave with my first child, I am super excited to start my new journey in the preschool room. I have been qualified for 13 years and love teaching because I have a passion for nurturing and caring for children. 

Pam Kupe, Teacher - Preschool Room

Kia ora Whānau, my name is Pam Kupe, and I am excited to meet you and your tamariki over the coming weeks.  I have worked in the ECE sector for the last 18 years and have held various roles throughout this time. I am married to Dareen and we have 4 grown children and 6 grandchildren who keep us very busy.  I value being connected, building and maintaining relationships and I look forward to beginning this journey with you all.

Tiaan O’Carroll, Teacher – Infant Room

My name is Tiaan O’Carroll, I am 20 years old and I started my journey here at Lollipops over two years ago. I discovered my passion for nurturing the tamariki soon after I started here, I hope to continue to meet the needs of the tamariki and to watch them mature

Tai Teddy, Teacher – Infant Room

Kia Ora, my name is Tai.

I am a reliever here at Lollipops, Bell Block with a Level 3 certificate in Early Learning Education. Building strong relationships with our tamariki and whānau are what I enjoy most about this industry. My main goal is supporting our tamariki with their independence and knowledge so they can strive to be the best they can be.

Alyssa Gush-Asi, Teacher – Junior & Preschool Room

Jemima Jury, Teacher – Preschool Room

I’m Jemimah I’m a reliever I started reliving in May 2021. I am passionate about working with children and being apart of their learning and development. I have lots of experience in the ECE industry which includes training, studying & volunteering. I enjoy my time as an ECE teacher as I learn and grow as a person. My interests are art; painting, drawing, photography and music and cats.