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Our People

Lynette Kioa, Centre Manager

What inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood?

Spending time with my youngest daughter at Playcentre provided me the opportunity to observe children playing and learning with and alongside each other, and I began studying child development as part of the Playcentre training.  This inspired me to change career and study for my Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE). I’ve worked in this sector for 17 years now.

What do you love most about what you do?

Seeing children finally accomplish or succeed at something they have been persevering at and trying really hard to achieve; and also that "aha" moment when they make connections between prior and new learning.

What makes Active Explorers Nelson special?

Our fabulous team that work together as a family; our relationships with the children and their whānau; our inclusiveness to children/whānau of all cultures.

What is your favourite time of the year at the centre?

I have no particular favourite as every day is different and rewarding experiences come at the most unexpected times and events.

What is your personal ECE philosophy?

Children are sponges who, with love and caring, respect, provocation, and thoughtful, timely interactions from myself or those around them, become more knowledgeable, capable, caring, and respectful young people.  It is imperative that each child is confident in who they are and where they come from, so cultures of all centre children should be seen and heard. For any of this to happen, teachers and parents need to work together sharing information, so we can provide an environment that supports children's interests, needs and strengths.

What do you like to do outside of work?

In my free time I like to spend time with my family and friends, garden, and read.

Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE)

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Lynne Berry, Preschool Team Leader

Lynne is our Preschool Team Leader.  Lynne has over five years' teaching experience and has been at Active Explorers Nelson Street for over two years.  She is a passionate teacher who has wide knowledge of Te Reo Māori and tikanga.

Katrina Brown, Toddler Team Leader

Katrina heads our Toddler team.  Born and raised in Greymouth, Katrina spent 20 years teaching in Taiwan before returning home in 2014 to complete a Graduate Diploma in ECE.  Katrina is passionate about language learning and compassionate education. She is involved in several Arts and cultural organisations in Greymouth.