Our People

Sonia Jordan

Centre Manager

Kia Ora Koutou

My name is Sonia Jordan and I am new to the Centre Managers position. Prior to this I was Head Teacher of the Tuakana Room (3-6 year olds) since early 2017.  Before this role I was the Head Teacher of our Sister Centre where I taught for 6 years.  I am passionate about building and sustaining professional relationships with staff, whanau, tamariki which are focused on their learning and development.  I believe that in order for our tamariki to develop a passion for learning, we need to ensure their basic needs are met in a holistic way.  I have a strong belief in the principle ūkaipōtanga, creating a place where one is nurtured, where one belongs, where one can contribute and find strength and energy and where one is important.  Each Tamariki is unique and our taonga.  My teaching and leadership practices reflect this respect for each individual Tamariki. 

Devika Lal

Head Teacher

Hi , I am Devika Lal, and I am the Head Teacher at Lollipops New Plymouth in the Teina Room (0-2 year olds). I am a registered Teacher with over 10 years experience in ECE.  I am married to Davendra Lal and have two sons, Neil and Krish.  During my everyday teaching journey, I do take into account Te Whariki, which suggests that children learn and develop in a holistic way, where the child’s needs are met and they are able to learn and develop as a whole.  I believe this gives the child connection and links from home to the Centre and vice versa.  I, together with my Team, always consider the needs, strengths and interests of individual children and allow them to have the freedom of choice and make decisions about resources, activities and environment.