Our People

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Sandra Gomes, Head Teacher – Tuakana Room

Hi! I am Sandra Gomes. I am the Head Teacher in the Tuakana room and I’ve been working in ECE since 2004. I love working with our tamariki and assisting them in developing their inborn potential so that they have a strong foundation and smooth transition to school. I value working with whanau so that we can help to meet their aspirations for their child. You can always approach me for feedback on your child's day.

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Molly Lanka, Head Teacher - Teina room

Kia ora, I'm Molly formerly from South Africa. I have been living in New Zealand for the past 13 years with my son and daughter. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in ECE in 2013.  My passion is working with under five year olds. My inspiration comes from knowing that I am making a positive difference in children’s lives, and supporting  children to grow and develop into capable and confident learners. I look forward to meeting and establishing  new relationships with all parents and whanau.

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Subashni Raju, Teacher - Tuakana Room

Namaste. Bula, I am Subashni and I am from the beautiful island of Fiji. I live with my husband and our daughter. I have done my Level 5 Diploma in ECE and have over eight years of experience working with young tamariki. I am very passionate about the learning and development of young children and love to work with both under 2s and over 2s.

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Auleen Kaur, Teacher – Tuakana Room

Hi, I am Auleen and I am qualified teacher with a bachelor’s degree in ECE, specialising in Reggio Teaching. I have been working in early childhood for four years now. I am a very passionate teacher who is dedicated to providing a stimulating and challenging environment which encourages courageous play. I believe strongly in creating an environment which nurtures a child’s natural curiosity and sense of wonder for the world through beautiful, creative and ritual based activities. I love working with families and believe in the strength of whanau support and connection. In my spare time I enjoy reading, sketching, camping, travelling and long walks at the beach.

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Erika Gomes, Teacher – Tuakana room

Kia Ora,

My name is Erika and I am a teacher in the Tuakana room. I graduated with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) in 2019 and have been working as a teacher since the start of 2020. 

I am also a registered nurse who graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing in 2016. I worked as a nurse before I decided to pursue my passion for early childhood education. My teaching philosophy is underpinned by my value for holistic well-being, ecological sustainability and respect. I especially enjoy teaching 2-5 year olds. In my spare time I enjoy running, watching movies, reading and catching up with family and friends.

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Lee Williams, Teacher – Teina Room

My name is Lee. I have been working at this centre for almost eight years. No children of my own yet but I love hanging out with my nephew. I love speedway, travelling, live music, going to art exhibitions, and watching my footy team.

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Xingyi (Emily) Dai, Tuakana Room

Kia ora, Nihao, my name is Xingyi Dai, you can call me Emily. I come from China and I came to New Zealand since I was 17 years old. I studied Computer Science for my bachelor’s degree, but I switched my career to the Early Childhood Education because I really enjoy staying and working with kids and it is exciting that I can feel and witness how children grow up step by step! I love to discover the world together with children. During my spare time, I like reading, hiking and playing the ukulele.

Sue, Teacher - Teina Room

Hi, I'm Sue. I have been working in ECE for the past few years across different age groups. I am very passionate about children's learning and development and I love seeing them grow and learn every day. I love making a difference and contributing to children’s learning and experiences. I enjoy the outdoors, spending time with my family and friends, and travelling. I also love reading, listening to music, playing guitar and going to the gym.

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Maria Mullany, Administrator

After working at Unitec for 15 years I decided to move on as I always wanted to work with children, so I went into teaching for almost a year. Not long after I had a wonderful offer to be an administrator for Evolve, I get to continue to practice what I have learned in the past few years and be surrounded by children and help out if necessary.

 I have got two grown children and three grandchildren that I love a great deal and as much we spend a lot of time together, I have used any spare time for nine years to volunteer with an organisation helping parents deal with children going through difficult times.

I have always had a passion for early childhood, and I love seeing children develop to their full potential. Watching them grow and thrive makes it worthwhile to be part of their lives.

I’m enriched by helping others and it's a joy to work with such a wonderful team and amazing children.

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Rae Tavalu, Centre Cook

Faka lofa atu. Hi, I am Rae the centre cook. I am a mother of five children and a grandmother as well. I love cooking healthy and nutritious food for our tamariki.