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 to guide your child and whānau through the early childhood years. I believe in giving everything a go and encourage children to do the same and to be independent, confident, and resilient learners.
I enjoy all that the Waikato offers and have an interest of everything outdoors, being close to the bush and water and keeping active.
I look forward to sharing this 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 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 was born and raised in Taupiri and enjoy spending time with whānau and caring for animals on my farm. I look forward to getting to know you and your tamariki.
Lingshu Zhang
Registered Teacher
Kia ora, Ko Lingshu taku ingoa
Nō China ahau
E mahi ana ahau i Educare Taupiri
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou Katoa
My name is Lingshu. I am a registered teacher originally from China and came to New Zealand with my partner in 2019. I love to have a deep connection to nature. I was an experienced drama teacher in China, with a passion for early childhood education. I am dedicated to supporting young children reach their full potential through play-based activities. With a focus on child-led learning and a strong understanding of the unique needs and cultures of our tamariki, I strive to create a warm, nurturing environment that encourages their growth and development. I feel lucky to work with an amazing Educare Taupiri team. I look forward to getting to know you and your whānau.
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.
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.
