The Taupiri Team
This is our team of teachers and staff at Educare Taupiri. Scroll through to find out more about our teaching team.
Diane Mitchell
Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Taupiri te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Tainui te iwi
Ko Ngati Wairere te hapū
Ko Hukanui te marae
Ko Di toku ingoa.
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.
I have the privilege of leading a wonderful team of inspirational and passionate teachers as we work alongside you and guide your child and whānau through the early childhood years. I believe all tamariki are independent, confident and resilient learners. I have a strong interest in everything outdoors, being close to the bush and water and keeping active. I look forward to sharing this unique journey alongside you all.
Cris Tao
Registered Teacher
Ko Cris taku ingoa
Ko China te Whenua
Ko PanShan te Maunga
Ko Haihe te awa
Tena Kautou
Kia ora, my name is Xuejun Tao and my English name is Cris. I am an easy-going person who likes to talk to others and participate in lots of activities. I really look forward to building reciprocal relationships with all tamariki, parents and whānau.
I am very happy to share with you about myself and my Chinese culture. Please do not hesitate to ask me anything.
Bethany Jakhu
Registered Teacher
My Whānau live in Ngaruwahia area but my hometown in Whatatutu outside of Gisbourne. I have been teaching since 2016. I have two young boys Adi and Zayn. I am married to Aman who is Punjabi, so I bring with me knowledge of the Punjabi culture and language. In my personal time, I enjoy history, gardening, skating and exporting our country with my family. I am a firm believer that children should be given opportunities to take risks as capable and confident learners and explore the natural world. strive to empower children and their interests through inquiry based learning and am looking forward to getting to know you and your whānau.
Taylar Freeman
Registered Teacher
Kia ora, My name is Taylar. I am a fully registered teacher and have been at Educare Taupiri since 2019.
I have lived in Taupiri most of my life and was brought up with all the animals on my farm. I recently moved outside of Hamilton with my Husband, Tadyn. I am an under 2s kaiako , and this age group is my passion. I love watching our babies learn and grow and enjoy guiding them in their development.
I am passionate about quality education for our young tamariki and believe that children need to feel safe, comfortable and have a sense of belonging to be able to explore and learn about themselves.
I look forward to getting to know you and your whanau.
Tammy Skinner
Registered Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Tammy. I’m a registered teacher and have been teaching since 2016. My passion for teaching came from working in local schools in South Auckland region as a sports coach. I believe that every child brings their own Kete of knowledge with them. As a teacher I’m here to nurture and develop that knowledge as they grow. I’m originally from a little town in the far north called Kaikohe and now I live down in Orini on a dairy farm with my husband and 4 legged baby. It is my first time on a farm so have been enjoying learning different aspects of farming life in my spare time. I look forward to getting to know you and your whānau.
Alex Henson
Teacher
Hi I’m Alex, I have two little boys who join me at Educare Taupiri. I have joined the team and entered the world of early childhood to turn my passion of teaching the next generation into a career. I hope to begin my studies to gain my bachelors of early childhood in the near future, but for now I will take great joy in having the privilege to nurture and care for your tamariki.
Isabel Fisher
Teacher
Kia Ora. I’m Isabel.
I am a Taupiri local and I have 3 children who join me here at Educare. So, working with children of this age is something that I do everyday.
I started out in the Educare whanau as a parent and then became a reliever and quickly realised my passion for Early Childhood Education.
I see ECE as an extension of home and I am here to support, nurture and develop your child and whanau.
Equality for children is very important to me; I aim to ensure that every single child receives the love and care that they need while in our care.
I look forward to getting to know you and your whanau.
Jax Goss
Administrator
I’m Jax. I’m the administrator here at Educare Taupiri.
I’ve worked with children in a range of environments, and thoroughly enjoy the way they see the world!
My goal here is to make the logistics and admin as efficient as possible so that we can all focus on the wellbeing and growth of your tamariki.
