The Pukete Team
This is our team of teachers and staff at Educare Pukete. Scroll through to find out more about our teaching team.
Miao (Sarah) Wang
Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
Kia Ora. My name is Miao (Sarah) Wang.
I really enjoy spending time with children and am keen to support the needs and development of your tamariki.
I believe children need a free environment to explore and study, as each child is unique and need their own space and time to grow. I treat children with love, patience and respect.
I look forward to working with your tamariki as we guide and nurture your children here at Pukete and witness their growth.
Donna Courtney
Registered Teacher
Ko Whaea Donna toku ingoa. I teach in the Kindergarten. I have a strong belief that parents are the first teachers and will always work in partnership with whānau. Children learn through play and here within our Kindergarten where we are outside in all weather as papatuanuku and ranginui provide rich hands-on learning all year long. In my spare time I am involved in community work which is mostly food redistribution. I am a mother of two grown children and another who is no longer earthside. I also enjoy gardening-mostly heirloom and vintage varieties. As Dame Whina Cooper said “ Take care of our children, take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will be the shape of Aotearoa”.
Prasanthi Amerasinghe
Registered Teacher
Kia Ora I’m Prasanthi. I’m a fully qualified teacher and have experience with children of all ages (0-18 years). I’m currently in the preschool room at Pukete Educare. I’m passionate about providing a solid foundation for the children, focusing on behaviours, explaining consequences, Literacy/numeracy and inspire and instil confidence in creativity for tamariki to explore and flourish in the world around them. I look forward to working with your children and being a part of their learning journey.
Swasthi Prasad
Registered Teacher
Kia Ora whānau, my name is Swasthi Prasad. My passion is very much attached to the quality upbringing of the children in their early childhood care and education. I strongly believe that at this level every child needs warmth, love and care to begin the journey of their educational lives. I love to work in partnership with the parents and the community at large.
I am bound to be associated with our organisation which shares the same vision with support of committed professional teachers.
The strength of every education stays with strong bonding of the community, teachers and the management. I thank the almighty for giving me an opportunity to work with such a fantastic team at the Educare Pukete and hence looking forward to getting to know the families and the lively-lovely children here.
Harman Kaur Mann
Registered Teacher
I have always had a passion for working with children and I am dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for our tamariki.
I have worked in the Early Childhood and primary sector for 2.5 years in India and I hold my Bachelor of Education.
I feel privileged to be able to be a part of Educare Pukete, and look forward to learning and growing with you all.
Haylee Finnerty
Teacher
Kia Ora, my name is Haylee, I have been a teacher for 10 years. I have experience with children of all ages and I am currently in the infant room at Pukete Educare. I have lived in Hamilton my whole life. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family in my spare time. I feel very privileged to be a part of our tamariki learning journey as I support their development and watch them grow into independent, confident little people.
Sushila Kumar
Teacher
Kia Ora, my name is Sushila and I have been in the ECE sector since 2008. I believe that all our tamariki need a beautiful place they call home. I will provide opportunities for all tamariki to participate in, extend their current knowledge, build social skills and most of all to have fun.I love working in preschool as there is always something new to learn, discover and look forward to.
Aroha nui.
Lorelle White
OSCAR Teacher
Kia Ora, my name is Lorelle. It’s exciting to be a part of the Educare Pukete team. I have been working alongside children ages 5-9 years since 2017. I have a strong passion for working with kids. It is truly heartwarming being able to provide security and interaction and also witnessing them grow. Being an older sibling to three young children, I have grown a strong liking to providing care and nourishment for children. In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors, playing football, spending time with friends and family and being around animals. I look forward to meeting you and working alongside you and your children as we nurture and focus on their growth and wellbeing here at Educare Pukete.
Amber Airey
OSCAR Teacher
Kia ora whanāu. My name is Amber. I teach in the before and after school care and also do relieving in the kindergarten at Educare Pukete. I specialise in ages between 0-12 year olds. I feel passionately about helping kids grow and reaching their potential and providing a good foundation. I love watching them reach and achieve their goals. I also believe in creating a safe and solid space for all kids. I am so excited to be apart of such an amazing team and Pukete community. Look forward to meeting you all.
Natasha Otto
OSCAR Teacher
Kia ora e te whaanau, my name is Natasha Otto and I am an OSCAR teacher. I love working with kids and especially letting their creative imaginations run wild. I believe that ages 5-13 are very important as you are setting them up for who they want to be and what example they want to be in the world. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and hanging out with friends. I am excited to be a part of the team here at Pukete and family/whaanau. Looking forward to meeting you all.
Paula Cunliffe
Nutritionist
I am an easy going and energetic person who enjoys all challenges when it comes to my day to day life and my work life. I like to give 110% in all the tasks that I have been given and set myself. I am a positive person and approachable with all aspects of my work. I have Nutritionist experience working in catering, cafes, bakeries, rest homes and daycares.
Hazel Marshell
Administrator
Hi, my name is Hazel and I am the Administrator at Educare Pukete.
I was born in South Africa and migrated to New Zealand in 2003. I have been married for 29 years, have three adult sons (one married) and two grandchildren, with a third on her way. I love spending time with my family, being outdoors and crafting in my spare time.
I am passionate about education and love watching children grow. I have worked in a variety of roles within the education sector and with all age groups (0 - 60), but working with preschool children is where my heart is.
I am very excited to be part of the Educare Pukete team and look forward to getting to know you all.
