Our People

Alice El Hachimi, Centre Manager

What inspired you to become an early childhood teacher?

I am the eighth in a brood of nine, coming from a big family, I grew up playing and looking after my nephews and nieces (they are 26 of them, to be precise) so it was a natural progression for me to take up a profession that would reflect my love for children and passion for teaching.

How long have you been working in this sector?

I have been an early childhood educator for 27 years, 10 years of which I worked in a daycare in New Zealand.

What do you love most about what you do?

Aside from watching my children grow up and progress, I love the reciprocal relationship that I have with them, I give love and I get love back. 😊

What are three things that make your centre special?

It’s a home away from home for our children. We offer a safe and secure environment where they build close relationships and offer them space where they can move freely, be able to express themselves openly, and play and learn alongside others equitably.

We have loving and passionate teachers that is dedicated to the development of children under our care.

We have close ties with the families so there is a link between the centre and home.

What is your favourite time of the year at the centre, and why?

Special events and celebrations because it is the time when families get together at the centre and spend time as one big whanau.

What is your philosophy in regards to ECE?

The learning environment will be one that is bright, secure, motivating and fun, so that the children are encouraged to achieve their full potential. This is achieved, both indoor and outdoor, through a combination of spontaneous play and intentional teaching.

It is essential that children are valued, nurtured and respected as individuals. It is my role as an educator to assume responsibility for each child’s personal and educational development while they are in my care. Accordingly, my planning and daily care must cater for, stimulate and challenge the diverse range of needs, talents, cultures and interests of the children.

Regular communication with families is an integral aspect of my role so that we can work alongside each other for the benefit of the child.

I believe children should be given the opportunity to learn from their decisions, and given the opportunity to make their own choices, but still within the confines of safety for themselves and others.

What relevant qualifications do you have?

I graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in BS Family Life and Child Development, which is an equivalent to a Level 7 qualification in New Zealand, and a minor in Special Education.

Emma Killens, Teacher in Training

My name is Emma and I am passionate about early childhood education and care. I am a qualified nanny and am currently in my second year of study, working towards gaining my Bachelors in ECE. I enjoy providing sensory play learning experiences for children as I love messy play. I enjoy spending time with friends and family in my spare time.

Nikita Deuchar, ECE Teacher

I am Nikita Deuchar. I have been in the ECE sector for 11 years now.

I have a bachelor of Teaching (ECE), Postgraduate Diploma (ECE), and an advanced certificate of performance in dance.

I also hold a current first aid certificate and full teacher certification.

I have two children, Nikora is my eldest and Izabella is my youngest.

My interests include dancing, singing and I have a great passion for children and providing positive learning outcomes for all.

I'm also a Dance teacher outside of ECE and really enjoy bringing this aspect of my passion into my daily teaching practice.

Nirosha,

Jun,

Emma Unverricht, ECE Teacher

My name is Emma Unverricht and I have a passion for working in childcare and providing all children with quality care and education. Children develop at different rates in the areas of physical, social, emotional, and cognitive domains and I strive to meet the individual needs of each child in my care. I feel it is important to form strong bonds and relationships with all children and their whanau. I believe planning for the children should come from what their interests are and providing the resources and tools to extend on their knowledge and scaffold their learning.

Reshmi Palackaparambil, Teacher

Namaskaram, kia ora whanau,

My name is Reshmi. I come from the beautiful South Indian state of Kerala and I live in Auckland with my husband and two children. I was a secondary teacher in my home country and after moving to New Zealand I became inspired by the ECE system here. My passion for working alongside children is watching them grow and develop, and creating special moments through conversation, imagination and friendship. I enjoy the joy and wonder early childhood education has to offer and I feel privileged to be a big part of a child’s early development years.

Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood
Currently completing Teacher Refresher Course

Rose Terryl Sicat, ECE Teacher

Kia ora!

I am Rose Terryl L. Sicat. I am a Bachelor of Science major in Psychology graduate with further training and education in Guidance and Counseling. My more than fifteen years journey working in an international school in the Philippines as a Guidance Counselor made me fall in love with working with children.

With years of experience working in a school setting, I believe in nurturing things that students show interest and passion in and being able to provide them an environment that stimulates and nurtures.

I believe teaching should come from the heart, you need to enjoy it, balancing an equal amount of routine and the right amount of silliness.

Priscilla Joel , ECE Teacher

Hi!

I am Priscilla, I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from India. I’ve been in New Zealand for 4 years, earned a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from NZTC and have been teaching young children for the past three years.

I love being with children, their innocence and childish curiosity captivates my heart.

I believe that every child is unique and capable. My personal philosophy is based on the belief that children learn from their environment and this includes their families/whanau, the community and the classroom. I also love creating learning opportunities for each child according to their abilities, strengths and dispositions.

Aroha mai, aroha atu

Love towards us, Love going out from us!