Te Purapura House Teachers
For children 0-2 years.
Meg Kwan
Head Teacher
Kia Ora! Ko Meg Kwan tōkū ingoa. I am a fully qualified and registered kaiako, having completed my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) in 2016. I’ve been a member of the teaching team at Daisies for more than 5 years now and have enjoyed every minute. In my experience Daisies is a place where both kaiako, tamariki and whānau are able to grow and learn in a caring environment.
I have grown up and lived in Johnsonville most of my life. With a strong love of learning, be it academic or picking up practical new skills, I always have something going on that stretches my capabilities and grows my knowledge. I also have a keen love of nature, the outdoors, and travelling!
I believe building strong, respectful, relationships with whānau and tamariki is an integral part of providing quality education. My family plays a hugely important part in my life and I love spending time with them. This is part of the reason, I really value and think there is great benefit to the tamariki and whānau getting involved in the centre and love that Daisies is a place that values family so highly. I am a strong believer in allowing children to take the lead in their education and respecting them as capable, curious individuals. I also love a good dance party!
Natalie Thomson
Education Leader
Kia ora! Ko Natalie Thomson tōku ingoa.
I graduated from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood Education in 2019. Since then, I have been working as a Key Kaiako and Education Leader at Daisies.
My personal teaching philosophy is similar to Daisies, and I believe that respectful and calm interactions between kaiako and tamariki is at the core of everything. I value the investigation process that Daisies has nurtured, and love the opportunities Daisies creates to learn about, for and with nature. Our Nature Explore programme is something that is definitely a favourite of mine!
In my spare time, I like to read, try out new cooking recipes (I prefer savoury over sweet!), and create different arts and crafts pieces with friends. My whānau holds a special place in my heart, and I often go back to Australia (my home country) to visit my whānau.
Hannah Quayle
Teacher
Kia ora! My name is Hannah and I am super excited to be a new member of the Daisies team. I studied at Victoria University of Wellington where I graduated with my Bachelor of Education (teaching) ECE in 2020. I have been teaching in a mixed-age centre in Miramar for the past 3 years.
I have loved caring for tamariki my whole life which has led to my passion for early childhood education. My passion for early childhood began once my 3 younger sisters were born and I was always eager to help put them to sleep, change nappies and play! During this period, I grew up at 3 Earp St and I can’t wait to be back.
I believe it is important to build strong, loving, caring relationships with the tamariki to create a sense of belonging and a safe loving environment for them to learn. As kaiako we spend so much time with our tamariki, so they need to feel loved and safe while in our care. Taking a slow unhurried approach during care routines and providing them my full attention helps build these loving relationships. It is so important to have fun and make awesome
memories that will live in their hearts forever.
Pho Bui
Teacher
Kia Ora/ Xin chào
My name is Pho and I am originally from Vietnam. I grew up in Hochiminh city, Vietnam and in 2009 I came to New Zealand to study in college and university. I completed a degree of Bachelor of Teaching (Early childhood education) in 2014. I live with my fiancé and our cat Sylvester in Churton Park. We are very into coffee so in my spare time, we often visit different cafes in Wellington. We also love to travel and explore different places both in New Zealand and overseas.
I am delighted to be part of the team here at Daisies and love seeing the tamariki grow and learn with us. I have been working as a full time qualified early childhood teacher in Wellington for the last 5 years. In this time I have become strongly passionate about working with the infant and toddler age group. As a teacher, I value the well-being of all the children as well as the importance of having a sense of belonging. I strongly value the importance of building strong relationships with the tamariki and whanau as this is a key to create a sense of belonging and help children feel safe, settled and secure. I love to provide the children with an environment where they are trusted, have confidence to open up their feelings and develop into their own unique selves.
Anna Blandford
Education Leader
Kia Ora,
Ko Anna Blandford tōkū ingoa.
I am a fully qualified and registered teacher after completing my Bachelor Of Teaching (ECE) at Victoria University in 2011. I am a born and bred Wellingtonian who is excited to be back on home soil after seven years teaching in the International baccalaureate system.
My role as an Early Childhood Teacher has taken me across the world from New Zealand to England, Vietnam Cambodia, and Uzbekistan.
Teaching and traveling overseas has helped me really appreciate my own up bringing and the opportunities New Zealand has to offer. These experiences helped grow my understanding of Te Whariki and the New Zealand approach to supporting the growth and education of our youngest tamariki. I am passionate and proactive teacher who firmly believes children are capable independent individuals who, with the right level of support will continue to learn and grow. It is important to create strong relationships with children and their families this helps create optimal learning opportunities for everyone with in the community. As a teacher I understand that I am not always the expert and love that children continue to teach me knew things each and every day. I enjoy art and design, gardening and sustainability, exploring the world, and giving back to the community through volunteering with different NGOs and charities.
Louise Lloyd
Teacher
Kia Ora.
I am a registered and qualified Early Childhood Kaiako who graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood, back in 2009.
My husband and I have three darling young children, they are - Arlo (6) Monty (4) and Heidi (2). They bring laughter to our lives and inspire us everyday. We live close by in Johnsonville so please say hello if you see us out and about the neighbourhood. During the weekend our family loves to get out into nature (with a good coffee in hand) to explore the forests, the rivers and the amazing beaches that we are fortunate to have at our doorstep in Wellington.
I have taught in a handful of early childhood settings over the last 10 years in Wellington, Auckland and the United Kingdom. These experiences has helped me gain insight and experience in working alongside all ages. I have since a found a real passion in working alongside infants, toddlers and their whanau. I strongly believe that children are capable beings and communicators especially when we slow down and truely listen. When we show respect, compassion and understanding in our interactions, we pave the way forward to develop and nurture lasting respectful relationships, which in turn will help create a love and sense of wonder for learning and life.
I am beyond excited to be a part of the Daisies Community here in Johnsonville. It is a real privilege to be able to work alongside you and your child/ children and to get a glimpse through their eyes as they discover the world around them.
Cheri Le Mac
Education Leader
Kia ora. My name is Cheri Le Mac and I have been teaching for most of the last 20 years.
I grew up in Hawke’s Bay, studied at Massey University in Palmerston North, and moved to Wellington in 2006, and have been here ever since.
During my time in Wellington I have been fortunate to have three children of my own who keep me very busy. Together we enjoy the outdoors and building Lego sets.
Lily McIntosh
Teacher
I have lived in Wellington and worked at Daisies for the past two and a half years. I was born and raised in sunny little Nelson, where I completed my Bachelors of Teaching (ECE) through Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand, at the end of 2020.
Wellington is a city I’ve always held very close to my heart. I absolutely love working and living here and it definitely feels like home. My partner Hamish and I live in Hataitai with friends, where the view of the South Coast connects me to my papa kāinga - my first home. The beach has always been one of my favourite places to spend my free time!
I am a relational, enthusiastic and caring teacher. Some of my passion areas for learning include Mātauranga Māori, music and movement and connecting with Papatūānuku. Daisies feels like an extension of my own whānau and I connect strongly with our kaupapa here!
I look forward to meeting you and your whānau. Arohanui, Lily
Elise Watts-Jury
Educator
Tēnā koutou katoa,
Ko Elise Watts-Jury toku ingoa.
I am currently in my second year of my Bachelor of teaching in ECE. I have been teaching infants and toddlers for 5 years. I have always dreamed of being an ECE teacher and this journey has brought me ultimate joy!
I am a first time mum to my 16 month old son. In my spare time, I love getting into the garden and growing our kai to enjoy at home and share with my whānau.
I am so pleased to be joining the team at Daisies!
As a kaiako, I value strong, respectful relationships with tamariki and their whānau. Whānau is an important part of my world at home, and this reflects in my teaching. I believe that building these relationships help tamariki to feel comfortable and confident to learn, explore and grow in their environment and to feel safe enough to become independent and competent learners.
I look forward to meeting and getting to know all of you!
Jen Snelgar
Educator
I finished my Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood at Victoria University in 2008. During my last year at university, I started working at an early childhood education center in town. I worked there until June 2011 and was a stay home mum until I started at Daisies in March 2020 and it has been such a privileged. Prior to working at Daisies, I have heard good things about the centre and I found them to be all true!
I live around Newlands with my husband and four children, Jaedon (12), Ally (10), Maja (8) and Izzy (7). They keep us on our toes but we wouldn't have any other way. They challenge us to better ourselves and also give us so much love. They are also very helpful in assisting me when I'm having technology difficulties.
I am passionate about music and dance and have been incorporating them in my day to day living. I believe you can communicate through music and dance and can also change your mood. I also belive that exposing children to music during early development helps then learn the sounds and meaning of words. Also though dance, I believe, children learn to coordinate and control their bodies and the movement helps them develop spatial awareness.
During the weekends, our family are usually busy going around sports events, music practices and church which we are very involved in. We also try to find time to visit playgrounds around the Wellington region and go for bush walks.
Narnia Rose
Chef
Kia Ora! My name is Narnia and I am excited to be joining the Daisies team in 2024. I have always enjoyed cooking, often helping my parents in the kitchen when I was young. I have taken this passion and turned it into a career, first training as a chef at The Foundry bar in Christchurch and now here at Daisies. It is important for the tamariki to get healthy, nutritious meals so they have energy to grow and learn, I look forward to using my skills and knowledge to provide such meals.
I was born and raised in Christchurch and recently moved to Wellington for a change of scenery and a new challenge. In my spare time I like to get out into nature, often on my bike, play guitar and do photography at local events. I spend time in the community, volunteering at EkeRua ReBicycle and Aunty Danas Opshop and playing board games at The Caffeinated Dragon.
Colleen McCaul
Reliever Teacher
Kia Ora. I am a regular reliever at Daisies. I am a qualified and registered Early Childhood Teacher with over twenty years’ experience. I have completed my B.Ed (Early Childhood Teaching).
My interest in early childhood is developing and fostering an active community of learners within our centre and through partnerships with parents and whānau of our children. I work on creating an atmosphere that will nurture a love of learning and respect for others and the environment.
I am working with the Daisies team to incorporate elements of a bicultural curriculum including te teo and tikanga Māori.
I have a young grandson who attended Daisies when he was younger and I really enjoyed using that time to develop our relationship. I look forward to continue working in the Daisies community alongside team members, children and whānau.