Our People

Tracey James , Centre Manager

Kia ora whanau, my name is Tracey James and I am the Centre Manager at Active Explorers Grenada. I am a qualified and registered teacher and have worked here since it opened in 2013. I have been teaching for over the past 6 years. I believe that education starts at birth and is a life-long process. Children learn the most in their first five years therefore early childhood education is an important factor in their growth and development. Children who are supported culturally, cognitively, physically, emotionally and spiritually will become successful, confident young people. Our children are our leaders of tomorrow.

I grew up in Titahi Bay and have lived in the area for most of my life.  I am married and have two adult boys, one lives in Japan and the other one lives in Napier. I believe in work life balance and enjoy participating in Triathlons, running, doing yoga and being around whanau.

Suzanne Cowan, Head Teacher

Kia ora, my name is Suzanne and I am the Head teacher in room Rakau. I have been teaching at Active Explorers for seven months, my philosophy of teaching is that children and their families come first. I have done a lot of work with children of special learning needs. I like to keep my theories and practice current.  I am a Mum and Nana, My spare time activities are reading, quilting and gardening. 

Lynda Hopkin, Head Teacher Koru

Hello, my name is Lynda Hopkin and I am the head teacher in Koru.

I have a Diploma in Teaching ECE and I am fully registered. I have been working in ECE for the past 20 years in a community-based centre in Miramar. It has given me so much pleasure in getting to know the children and families of the community and working together in partnership to inspire the children to be confident and capable young learners. I have 3 children aged 27, 25 and 16 and now have a beautiful grandchild named Vanessa, whom I love to spend time with in the weekends. I moved to Newlands in 2017 and now working in this area will help me get to know my local community.

Marites Sagarbarria , Head Teacher Ngahere

Hello, my name Maz Sagarbarria and I am the head teacher in Ngahere. I have a bachelor’s degree in teaching ECE and I am provisionally registered. I like teaching because it feels good to know that you can make a difference in children’s development and be part of their achievement when they leave to go to school. I have a 10-year-old son Gianni and I like the outdoors and being active.