My name is Harriet and I have over 10 years experience in the early childhood education sector. I have an especial passion for working with infants. Respectful practice is a core part of my teaching practice. I believe in allowing children space and time to develop naturally to explore the world around them, and to gain a sense of who they are. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and two boys, Mason and Jaxon. I am passionate about health and wellbeing and spend most mornings at the gym.

Kia ora, my name is Denise, and I am so excited to be joining the Rockmybaby team. I have been working within early childhood education for about 25 years and I believe building positive and trusting relationships is at the heart of teaching. My passion is to make the centre that I teach at feel like a home away from home, with calm unhurried routines and beautiful homely touches, I am so looking forward to getting to know each of you and your tamariki. I live in Havelock with my partner and I have four children and four grandchildren. In my spare time I enjoy catching up with friends and spending time with my family. Please feel free to come and have a chat.

Aroha hui.

Kia ora koutou,

My name is Vanessa and I am in my last year of studying Early Childhood Education. Āwhina Pēpi is a beautiful centre with a homely environment, and I feel lucky to work here and gain so much new knowledge and perspectives.

I grew up here in Havelock North and have come back to complete my last year of study after being away for so long, so it is very nice to be back here in Havelock. I love getting to know each child, finding their special interests and allowing them to be themselves and thrive in who they are.

Kia ora, I’m Alice Tylee and I am the cook at Awhina Pepi.

I grew up in Hawke’s Bay and lived in a few places but moved back from Christchurch about 2 years ago. I have two children, Willamina who is six, she goes to Taikura Ruldof Steiner in Hastings and Henrietta who is nearly two who comes to Awhina Pepi part time. My husband is a chef and is currently the head chef at Brave Brewing in Hastings. My passion is Cooking and I particularly love cooking for children, it really gives me a thrill to see Tamaki eating healthy and delicious kai.

Kia Ora and hello to all

I am so pleased to return to Awhina. In 2017 I mentioned to the university that I would be so grateful to do one of my teaching practicums at the stunning Awhina. This is where I developed my passion for the rudolf Steiner philosophy, a curriculum lead by the development and understanding of the human being, considering each child and their families aspirations. The beauty of creative play, being surrounded by nature, and the influence the seasons have filled the air with song and art. I didn't want to leave so applied for a full time teaching position.

I have since extended my knowledge and understanding of the early childhood sector by taking on another roles, such as head teacher, relief teacher in centres across Hawkes bay, an in home educator and most recently the role as a mother. Each of these opportunities has been great professional development for myself as a teacher and understanding my strengths.

Coming...

To all the pepi, parents, whānau and practitioners at Awhina Pepi I would like to introduce myself.

Being at Āwhina has given me new insights into caring for little ones from a different perspective, one which truly gives respect to the child and his/her unique path of development.”

My name is Susan Bush. I graduated with Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa/ New Zealand Childcare Association Diploma of Teaching (ECE) in 2011 and I am a fully registered practitioner. I worked at Awhina Childcare in Havelock North for 15 years and am fully experienced from the Steiner perspective.

I live in Napier with my amazing partner Paul and we both have 10 grandchildren between us. It is a privilege to return to the Early Childhood sector at Awhina Pepi, as I followed my heart where I belong in my life-long journey.

As a caring role model, I bring my gifts of gesture through the doing and protecting the young child, allowing the child to learn. It allows the child opportunities to develop at their own pace through imitation of myself.

I value working as a part of a team to provide high quality and care that requires respect for the strength and skills the team has offered.

Thought establishes an environment in a safe, trustworthy, caring, nurturing, and inviting, through the festival, event, puppet plays, ritual, and rhythm and the four seasons.

My special interest includes motifs through the season as well as art and craft and creative imaginative plays with the children.

I am so happy to be back working with these little Pepi, “Where I belong”.