Our People
Sasha Stewart
Centre Manager
Kia ora, my name is Sasha Stewart and I am the Centre Manager here at Lollipops Waiwhetu.
I have been in the Early Childhood sector for 20 years and thoroughly enjoy the challenge and diversity that working with young children brings.
I love to build strong relationships with children and their families to ensure they feel safe and secure within their learning environment.
I believe children learn through play and their interests. We as teachers should embrace this and scaffold their learning.
I love to lead a passionate team through distributed leadership, to challenge them to grow and be the best they can be for the betterment of the children in our environment.
When I am not at work, I love to spend time with my family and friends, gardening, watching sport and exploring the world.
Amy Mitchell-King
Assistant Manager
Kia Ora, my name is Amy Mitchell-King and I am the assistant manager at Lollipops Waiwhetu. I support Sasha to run the centre and teach in the Tui and Kakapo room.
I have been teaching since 2004 and have held a variety of roles including Head Teacher and worked with infants, toddlers and young children. I am excited to be working at this amazing centre that has plenty of space and opportunities for children to explore. I love working positively with all children and teachers.
In my spare time I love being with my two boys, Joshua and Alexander and wife Rochelle. We enjoy getting outside and spending time with our extended family. I am passionate about early childhood education and love learning about what is happening in the sector. I hope to finish postgraduate study related to education to add to my knowledge base.
I look forward to meeting you and your child and welcoming you to our Lollipops whanau.
Tracey Emmens
Head Teacher
Hi my name is Tracey Emmens, I am the head teacher for the Kiwi Infant and Toddler rooms at Lollipops Waiwhetu. I have been working in early childhood for over 10 years. I have always wanted to work in early childhood growing up and completed my diploma in early childhood in 2009. I love watching children discover and learn through the environment around them and being part of their wonderful and exciting journey.
I am a mum of three children Damien, Pyper and Savarna who keep me busy with their interests and sports. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my children and fur babies as well as my large extended family. When I have a rare quiet moment, I enjoy reading and going for walks.
Elizabeth Brunel
Teacher
Bed Tch (ECE) – Full Registration
First Aid Certificate
Talofa, Kia ora, Hi my name is Liz Brunel and I am a teacher at Lollipops Waiwhetu. I studied at Victoria University, gaining my Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood in 2012. I enjoy performing arts – dance, music and being creative. I have grown up in Wainuiomata and love getting out and exploring the community and participating in outdoor adventures.
As a teacher, I previously spent my time teaching infants and toddlers and just recently are working as a Team Leader with Preschool child. I believe family values and working with families is important. I am passionate about making learning fun for children, and ensuring they get the most out of their education and care by expanding on their interests and supporting them in their journey.