Our People

Celeste Jones, Centre Manager
What inspired you to become an early childhood teacher?
Growing up surrounded by whanau and being the eldest of four children, I developed an instinct to be a nurturer. I then became a mother myself and instantly became intrigued by their development and capabilities and decided to follow my longing to work with young children and support their development and growth
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Hannah Lee, Qualified Head Teacher Koru Room
Kia Ora my name is Hannah. I have a passion for teaching and caring for infants and toddlers. I love to see their learning journeys, milestones, challenges and successes that come in the first two years of life. I am relationship driven and believe in having strong relationships with children and whanau.
I hold a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), Full Registration, and a current First Aid Certificate.

Farren Glen, Qualified Teacher Koru Room
Kia Ora, my name is Farren. I get a lot of joy from teaching and find there is nothing more rewarding than watching children’s eyes light up when they see or learn something new. I adore their view of the world and I love being part of their individual growth. Plus, who doesn’t like to be welcomed to work everyday with big smiles and cuddles!
I hold a Graduate Diploma (ECE), Full Registration, and a current First Aid Certificate.

Cassidy Ormsby, Unqualified Teacher Koru Room
Kia Ora, my name is Cassidy and as an unqualified teacher I am learning everyday and am looking at the possibility of study in the future. I love working with children and their families, helping them to learn life skills to their full potential, while having fun!! I look forward to getting to know you and your children.

Annalisse McMurtrie, Qualified Head Teacher Kowhai Room
Kia ora. My name is Annalisse and I am the Head Teacher of our toddler’s environment, the Kowhai Room. Over my 13 years of teaching, I have developed my personal philosophy based around building reciprocal relationships with whanau, and my passion for providing a calm, relaxing, and exciting environment for children to belong. I thoroughly enjoy working alongside our busy toddlers and being a part of the Active Explorers team.
I hold a Diploma in Teaching (ECE), Full Registrations, and a current First Aid Certificate.

Shavaughn Vaega, Unqualified Teacher Kowhai Room
Ta lofa, my name is Shavaughn and I am a mother of a young son and I’ve worked in Early Childhood for 3 years. I absolutely love working within the Kowhai room alongside our busy toddlers I am passionate about giving our tamariki a loving and safe environment, all things messy and having lots of fun!
I hold a current First Aid Certificate.

Rubie Holmes, Head Teacher Rata Room
Kia ora my name is Rubie. I love developing deep joyful relationships with the children in my care. I love how everyday is a new adventure, where I can be part of children’s discoveries. I love creating environments that foster curiosity and spark children’s interests. I love seeing children grow and learn through play.
I hold a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), Full Registration, and a current First Aid Certificate.

Jennifer Watson, Unqualified Teacher Rata Room
My love of teaching has been a journey of different paths. I started as a teacher aide, which I enjoyed over 7 years. The satisfaction of that position was unmeasurable. After a break the calling to teaching happened again. I have now been teaching Early Childhood for the last 2 and half years and treasure every day that I spend with the children. Life is a journey that we go on together, whatever our age!
I hold a current First Aid Certificate.

Emma Goossens, Qualified Teacher Rata Room
Kia Ora my name is Emma. I love teaching as I’m a firm believer in learning being a lifelong process. I love seeing children’s learning journeys begin and blossom. I feel privileged to be a part of each child’s individual learning journeys and love supporting them in reaching their full potential.
I hold a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), Provisional Registration, and a current First Aid Certificate.

Chrisanti Tula, Centre Support
Hi, my name is Chrisanti and I am originally from Vanuatu. I have been a part of the Active Explorers family for the past 3 years and I’ve enjoyed it very much. I love working with children, watching them learn and grow and gaining their confidence. I to have learnt a lot during my time here at Active Explorers.

Kate Quirk, Centre Administrator
Kia ora, my name is Kate and I have been at Active Explorers since 2014, firstly as a Teacher and now the Centre Administrator. I am married to my wonderful husband Dave and we have 2 beautiful daughters Olivia and Sienna who have both been part of the Active Explorers whanau over the years. I feel privileged to work in a role that allows me to combine my love of children and administration and I love being able to welcome all of the children and parents that walk through our doors.

Janine Birkenhead, Van driver
Hi I’m Janine our centre Van driver. Never have I had the big smiles and excitement that I see every morning when I pick up the children to bring them to day-care. I pinch myself everyday knowing I have the best job ever! Making a difference in their lives.