Our People

Shelley Nikora , Centre Manager
What inspired you to become an early childhood teacher?
I am passionate about shaping tomorrow’s leaders and as a working single parent I am driven to support parents and whānau who trust the responsibility of the care of their tamariki to us. I love watching the growth and development of tamariki when they are engaged and learning. Our tamariki are our strongest indicators of whether we are doing things right or wrong and it is imperative that we read and pick up on those indicators.
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Mansi Doshi, Head Teacher - Tuakana-Tui Room
Namaste, kia ora, my name is Mansi. I am originally from India and have been in New Zealand since 2009. I have a GDip ECE and I joined the Lollipops whānau in July 2018. I enjoy working with tamariki and find it very motivating and rewarding. I believe tamariki flourish best in an environment that provokes wonders and curiosity. The first five years of a child’s life are the most significant for their development. During these years they build the foundation for lifelong learning, health, wellbeing and success. I believe that all tamariki can learn and develop in an environment that is stimulating, comforting and age appropriate.
It is a pleasure for me to be head teacher in the Tuakana-Tui Room, and I enjoy working with such a supportive team. I believe that life is all about gaining knowledge and sharing what we have learnt from others. I am looking forward to enhancing my experience and knowledge towards my practice.

Ninna Stewart, Primary Trained Teacher
Kia ora my name is Ninna and I have been working here at Lollipops Te Rapa for just over five years. I am a primary trained teacher who also has a degree in environmental planning. I taught in Thailand for a year at a bilingual school in a city called Khon Kaen. On my return, I found this job at Lollipops Te Rapa and haven’t looked back.
My passion lies with this age group, and the freedom of learning through play and inquiry based learning. My degree in environmental planning has instilled in me a love of the natural world, which I get to share with our tamariki through our many trips to the park (just next door). I believe that I am very creative, and I love exploring textures, patterns and design with the children through art.
Apart from my year in Thailand, I have lived here in Kirikiriroa for the last ten years with my partner and our beloved dog Pippi.

Sushila Kumar, Teacher
My name is Sushila and I’m originally from Fiji. I have been working in the early childhood sector for eight years now. I believe that the tamariki I teach should enjoy an environment where they feel happy and safe so that they can become confident young people. Tamariki are individuals and their ideas should be nurtured so they feel valued.
I also welcome contributions and ideas from parents, whānau and staff. We are all part of a team working together to get the best results for our tamariki.

Donna Huriwai, Teacher-in-training
Kia ora
Ko Donna Huriwai ahau.
Nō Te Kuiti ahau engari e noho ana ahau i Kirikiriroa inaianei.
He tauira tau tuatahi ahau i Te Rito Maioha, e whai ana ahau i te tohu paetahi.
Nō reira, tēnā tatou katoa.
I have worked with ‘little people’ for the past 15 years. I have four grown children of my own and one grandson. I am passionate about working with children and being a part of their learning journey.

Olivia Paley, Teacher
My name is Olivia and I have been teaching for the past 11 years. I am experienced with all age groups and I am currently working with babies and toddlers. I am a mother myself and I have three older children 13, 16 and 20.
I am passionate about being physically active and encourage the children to be physically active throughout the day as well. I keep myself fit through the gym, training, judo and lots of walking. I have a degree in ECE.

Jane Moonsamy, Centre Cook
My name is Jane and I am originally from Durban, South Africa. I studied early childhood in South Africa in Christian education and I currently head up the children’s ministry at our local church in Hamilton.
I am passionate about children and their wellbeing. I love working with children and I have studied food and hygiene at Wintec. I enjoy cooking healthy meals for our children in line with the Healthy Heart requirements. My goal is to achieve the Healthy Heart gold award. Lollipops Te Rapa is my home and I love coming to work everyday and being welcomed by the warm smiles and hugs from our tamariki.

Natasha Callagher , Van Driver/Teacher Helper
My name is Natasha. I was newly married in January to my partner of six years and together we have five amazing children. In my spare time you can find me at the racetrack watching my husband race his circuit car or watching any other motor racing. I have a passion for baking and love creating new designs.
Before I had my own children, I used to work as a nanny and went into relieving in day care centres. I also studied youth work and supporting people with special needs. After being away from childcare for a long time I felt it calling my name and had the need to be working with children again.
I love my job as the van driver and teacher helper at Lollipops Te Rapa and am excited to watch all of the children here grow.

Rochelle Kinvig, Centre Administrator
Hi, my name is Rochelle. I am the office administrator here at Lollipops Te Rapa. I have been with Lollipops for over six years. My role is to support the centre manager with office duties and managing parents accounts. I enjoy seeing all the wonderful families that have made Lollipops Te Rapa their own.

Phoebe Zhu, Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Phoebe. I was born in a lovely family in China, but moved to New Zealand since 2010. I finished my Bachelor of teaching in Early Childhood Education in 2018 and have been working with children since I was a student teacher in 2015. I love what I do as a teacher and a friend of our tamariki, and have a big vision for our future generations. I believe with the heart-feeling nurture, caring and teaching, our youngest will reach to the fullest of their potential with confidence and great values.