Our People

Tania McMahon, Centre Manager
I have worked as a teacher for over 25 years. I live in Southbridge with my husband, we have 3 daughters.
I believe children are all unique individuals who need positive relationships and a safe nurturing environment to grow, learn and develop into confident and competent lifelong learners.
I have a Diploma of Teaching ECE

Claire Stephens, Teacher - Enquirers Classroom
I live in Doyleston with my husband Jeremy and our three lively children, Bryon (11), Samuel (8) and Charlotte-Rose (6). I have been teaching preschool aged children for over 14 years. I have a passion for under 5s, as I believe these are their most important learning years.
I have a special interest in music and sport, which have been a major part of my life growing up.
Diploma in Teaching and Learning (ECE)

Jo Gregg, Teacher
Hello/Kia ora, my name is Jo. I’ve been teaching since 1995 when I graduated from Teachers College in Christchurch. One of the things I enjoy most about my job is that every day is different.
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Andrea Loveridge, Teacher
Hi, my name is Andrea and I live in Doyleston with my partner Shane and our son Jay. Our daughter Grace has left the nest and lives in Lincoln. My working background is in accounting, but I’ve always been interested in helping and working with young children. After becoming a mum myself, I became even more passionate about helping young children learn and achieve.
The opportunity came up to do some relieving work here, and 18 months later I was offered a permanent position. I love that no single day is the same, it is rewarding, challenging and always interesting. I love being around the children and admire their endless energy, honesty and resilience.

Dianne Simkin, Support Teacher
I’ve had many years of experience working with children. Prior to joining Active Explorers Leeston, I worked at Westport Daycare as a reliever and then full time in their nursery. I’m a mum to two grown up children - a daughter Michelle who lives in Leeston and a son Timothy who lives in Australia. I also have five gorgeous grandchildren.
I look forward to meeting and working alongside all the children and families here at Active Explorers.

Emma Knights , Teacher
Kia ora my name is Emma. I have been working with Active Explorers Leeston for a year.
I am currently undertaking study to obtain a Bachelor in Teaching ECE. I live in Leeston with my 2 sons and partner. I enjoy sunshine, the beach, family time and walking my dog.
I value an environment that supports children-led exploration and learning.
Nga Mihi.

Hayley Smith, Team Leader; Discoverer and Enquirer Classes
I have a bachelor of Arts and a graduate Diploma in Early Childhood education.
I live in Southbridge with my partner and 2 sons- Aidan and Rhys along with a mish mash of animals.
I have been teaching for 8 years now an have a passion for working alongside young children and Teachers.

Corita Mitchell, Head teacher- Explorer Class
Kia ora my name is Corita. I am a fully qualified and registered ECE teacher with many years experience across all ages.
I am married with 2 teenage children. Together as a family we enjoy spending time at the lake on our boat, 4WD,
camping and going for bike rides.
I look forward to working alongside you all extending and engaging your child in a life-long love of learning.

Simone Weston, Teacher-Discoverer Class
Hello my name is Simone and I have a Diploma in teaching ECE.
I have been teaching and relieving in ECE for over 20 years. I have returned to the Selwyn area after being in Otago.
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Anna Taylor, Teacher- Discoverer Class
I studied at Otago University and then completed a post-graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
I have a beautiful son called Zav who is here in the Explorer Class. I have been teaching for 4 years here in Christchurch. I have an interest in child development and behaviour management and in the future I aspire to work as an Early Intervention Teacher.

Kimberly, Teacher - Explorer Class
I have worked at Active Explorers Leeston for 4 years teaching a range of aged children.
I am a mother of 5 boys and live locally.
I have always been around children and really enjoy their energy and company.

Lucy the Cat, Qualified Cuddlier
Lucy is a very special member of our team here at Active Explorers Leeston. Lucy chose to become a team member in 2019, and his special gifts are in meeting and greeting our teachers and families.
He is known to be a great player at hide’n’seek and likes to explore and play in our big outdoor space.
Lucy is a friend to all and offers everyone that homely feel to our centre.