Our People

Abbey Kelsen

Centre Manager

Hi my name is Abbey Kelsen and I am the Centre Manager here at Active Explorers Greenmeadows.
I am an experienced, qualified and passionate early childhood teacher, I will strive to ensure that the care and education for your child/children is a fun and memorable experience. I believe it is important to build strong relationships between the centre, community, families and whanau and to acknowledge and support diverse cultures, values, perspectives and ideas.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my partner Matt and our two sons Jesse and Austin. I look forward to getting to know you and your family.

Jess Croker

Team Leader - Infant Room

Kia Ora! My name is Jess Croker and I am the Team Leader in the Infant Room. I live in Puketapu with my husband Matt and when I’m not at work, you will find us out in the forest riding our mountain bikes.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) at the end of 2013 and gained my full registration in January 2017.

I believe in creating a welcoming, natural, caring and trusting environment for our infants where the curriculum is based on care. I am passionate about key teaching and support a wonderful team of teachers who work hard to establish authentic and meaningful relationships with the key children in their group and their whanau. We value routine times such as bottles, sleep, and nappy changes and feel that talking the child through the process creates a care moment that is reciprocal and respectful.

Working with infants is such a rewarding job and I feel fortunate to be here in the Infant Room at Active Explorers.

Avril Tahana

Team Leader - Toddler Room

I am Avril Tahana and I am the Team Leader in the Toddler Room. Within this age group there is a vast amount of learning and development going on for each child in which I  support. I consider relationships with children and their whanau as one of the most important aspect of my teaching. I believe fostering independence has a significant impact on a child’s well-being and encourages the building of their self-esteem. I want all children in my care to feel valued, respected and cared for.

I have the privilege of being a mother of two sons who mean the world to me. I am creative and enjoy doing a range of different crafts, as well as gardening and home renovations. I love to travel and experience new adventures.

Heather Simmons

Team Leader - Kindy Room

Kia Ora, I am Heather Simmons Team Leader in the Kindy Room. I have been teaching in early childhood for many years. We as a teaching team are all passionate to see children learning through our inquiry based approach. The children are learning about their world by asking questions and making new discoveries. I also strive for all children and families to feel a warm sense of belonging here in our Kindy Room.