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Meet the team at BestStart Parau Drive!
Here at BestStart Parau Drive, we have a wonderful team full of passion and a variety of teachers with different levels of experience. We are proud of our cultural lens and enjoy learning about each and every one’s culture as new families join our centre. Meet our awesome team as they each shared why they are part of the centre.
Carol – Centre Manager
I moved to Tauranga from the UK 21 years ago. I have been married for 25 years and have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. I have worked in ECE for over 34 years before studying and working in ECE in various roles, both in the UK and New Zealand. I joined BestStart as a Centre Manager in April 2024 and am very much enjoying their community focus and strong commitment to providing high-quality ECE. I believe that relationships and community connections are the foundation for children’s learning. Embracing family and community involvement.
Sheree – Qualified Teacher
I began my teaching journey over 25 years ago and have enjoyed every moment. I am fully qualified and registered and have been a teacher with BestStart for 23 years. The most rewarding part of being a teacher is seeing the excitement in children’s eyes when they succeed in their own goals and building strong relationships with Tamariki and their Whanau. I am very passionate about supporting children to be ready for school. I enjoy setting up fun and creative activities based on the children’s interest.
Janice – Qualified Teacher
I completed my bachelor of teaching in 2006. I have been teaching in the Hawkes Bay for the last 14 years. I have recently returned to Tauranga and I am enjoying being back and navigating all the changes. I am also enjoying reconnecting with friends and being out and about exploring what Tauranga has to offer. I am passionate about positive transition to school and look forward to sharing my experience with the amazing team here at Parau Drive.
Ange – Qualified Teacher
My career in Early Childhood Education has spanned 30 years in various roles with 11 of those with BestStart. I am a fully qualified and registered teacher. I am looking forward to getting to know you all and build relationships to help you all on your journeys. I am passionate about providing an enriching and engaging environment for our tamariki to thrive. Giving them the BestStart.
Deebika – Teacher in Training
I live in Tauranga with my husband and our two boys, aged 6 and 3. We moved from Auckland in February 2024. I joined BestStart as a Student Teacher in June 2024. I am currently studying for a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education to improve my skills and knowledge. I want to create a positive and enriching environment for young children and gain practical experience in the field.
Sarah – Centre Cook (Currently on Maternity Leave)
I started working as a Centre Cook in early 2024 as the role aligned with a family-friendly lifestyle that I required with my young daughter. Prior to this, I have worked as a baker and chef in cafes since completing my certificate in cookery in 2011, along with running a small home bakery business in my spare time.
Anna – Centre Administrator
I have been working in administration roles for the past 15 years. I love working with the ECE sector getting to build relationships with both parents and children. I have 2 young children of my own so totally understand how all the parents feel navigating the daycare world and being a working parent! We hope you enjoyed getting to know us!