We have four full-time staff and Two permanent-part timers to allow Tamariki and their whānau to build strong, consistent relationships with staff members. We are blessed to have the best teachers in Pōkeno, with a wealth of experience and a whole heap of love in their hearts:
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Angelique Dervin - Qualified Teacher/Owner:
Kia Ora, my name is Angelique. I became qualified in 2003 with a Bachelor of Teaching from Auckland College of Education. I have worked in all aspects of early childhood and enjoy immersing my creativeness into teaching. I am inspired by Kimberely Krisp and her philosophy with the use of natural and loose parts helping children to extend their learning through imagination and real play. I am married with two boys Alex and Dylan, we love adventures and travelling in amongst soccer games, gardening and lots of pets. Born in South Africa with French/English parents. |
Leanne Baker - Qualified Teacher/Owner:
Kia Ora. Ko Leanne toku ingoa.
I have been a qualified teacher since 2012 with a Bachelor of Education Primary from Auckland University. I had every intention of becoming a primary school teacher but the little ones stole my heart and I have never looked back.
I see it as my job to provide children with the opportunities to grow and learn, through play, creating life long learners who are proactive in participating in life, and who are great problem solvers.
I have one son, Taine, who is in his 20's now. Time goes so fast. Enjoy them while they are little.
I am also a Life Coach that has previously worked with women to help them move on after divorce/break up/loss.
Being one of the centre owners is a big commitment, so when I do have spare time I like to enjoy it with my whanau and some of the many great friends I have made over the years. I love exploring this beautiful country of ours and experiencing the rich multi culturalism that Aotearoa has to offer.
Kia Ora. Ko Leanne toku ingoa.
I have been a qualified teacher since 2012 with a Bachelor of Education Primary from Auckland University. I had every intention of becoming a primary school teacher but the little ones stole my heart and I have never looked back.
I see it as my job to provide children with the opportunities to grow and learn, through play, creating life long learners who are proactive in participating in life, and who are great problem solvers.
I have one son, Taine, who is in his 20's now. Time goes so fast. Enjoy them while they are little.
I am also a Life Coach that has previously worked with women to help them move on after divorce/break up/loss.
Being one of the centre owners is a big commitment, so when I do have spare time I like to enjoy it with my whanau and some of the many great friends I have made over the years. I love exploring this beautiful country of ours and experiencing the rich multi culturalism that Aotearoa has to offer.
Azenith (Azhy) - Qualified Teacher:
Azhy is from the Philippines, moving to New Zealand in 2016.
Her and her husband live here in Pokeno.
Azhy is Primary trained with 14 years teaching experience. Primary trained teachers are a great asset to ECE for activities such as writing and reading so Azhy is in charge of our 4.5 year old literacy programme.
Azhy and her husband enjoy camping, travelling and exploring new places within New Zealand on weekends and holidays.
Azhy is from the Philippines, moving to New Zealand in 2016.
Her and her husband live here in Pokeno.
Azhy is Primary trained with 14 years teaching experience. Primary trained teachers are a great asset to ECE for activities such as writing and reading so Azhy is in charge of our 4.5 year old literacy programme.
Azhy and her husband enjoy camping, travelling and exploring new places within New Zealand on weekends and holidays.
Diana (Yang) - Unqualified Teacher:
Yang is also from the Philippines and moved to New Zealand in 2020.
She has a degree in Clinical Psychology and Social Work so she brings a lot of knowledge on
dealing with both children and adults.
Yang also lives right here in Pokeno with her husband and has four beautiful children of her own so her life is very busy. Being a mother of four certainly helps with life experience within the ECE environment.
Yang enjoys soft music, reading and being out in nature whenever she gets the opportunity.
Yang is also from the Philippines and moved to New Zealand in 2020.
She has a degree in Clinical Psychology and Social Work so she brings a lot of knowledge on
dealing with both children and adults.
Yang also lives right here in Pokeno with her husband and has four beautiful children of her own so her life is very busy. Being a mother of four certainly helps with life experience within the ECE environment.
Yang enjoys soft music, reading and being out in nature whenever she gets the opportunity.
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Yumna Aziz - Unqualified Teacher:
Yumna originally started with us helping to set up in the mornings and preparing lovely morning tea for our tamariki. She was off overseas for a few months and started back with us upon her return. These days you will see Yumna on the floor, assisting with the children. Her own son Zain now attends Hillpark too. Yumna's previous experience is in accounting and finance. In her spare time, Yumna enjoys cooking, writing, painting henna and singing. Often if you look outside you will see her singing and dancing with the children at preschool. |
Ritu Arya - Student Teacher
Ritu and her husband moved to New Zealand, from India, 8 years ago.
They have since had a little girl named Gia, who also attends Hillpark.
Ritu is currently studying with New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) to become a
qualifed ECE teacher. She will complete her studies in July 2024.
Family and children are a bit part of Ritu's passion. She loves to see tamriki smiling
and learning.
"I feel very lucky to work here at Hillpark Preschool. Every day is fun and it's an
honour to be able to spend each day with so many special little tamariki and such
amazing staff."
Ritu and her husband moved to New Zealand, from India, 8 years ago.
They have since had a little girl named Gia, who also attends Hillpark.
Ritu is currently studying with New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) to become a
qualifed ECE teacher. She will complete her studies in July 2024.
Family and children are a bit part of Ritu's passion. She loves to see tamriki smiling
and learning.
"I feel very lucky to work here at Hillpark Preschool. Every day is fun and it's an
honour to be able to spend each day with so many special little tamariki and such
amazing staff."
