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Meet the Team!
Meet the team at Beststart Rongotai
Christine Hope - Kaiwhakahaere Centre Manager. I have been in ECE since 2005. I have been working for Beststart Rongotai since 2019. I hold a Diploma in ECE Level 7. I have a passion for supporting tamariki to grow and develop. I am a mum to 3 wonderful children. I believe evey child is unique and my role is to nurture their individual potential.
Amanda Buckingham - Kaiako mātāmua Head Teacher. I have been working with BestStart for 13 years. I hold a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education, and over the past 7 years I have been working in the role of Head Teacher, where I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting kaiako to reach their full potential, and learning new ways to better support learning environments.
Kirsty Thompson - Kaiako Teacher. I hold a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching and Learning. While I have worked as a reliever in the Primary sector, most of my teaching career has been working within the ECE sector. I have been a reliever for BestStart since 2015 and, while I have done a few fixed term assignments, my job as a permanent teacher came a few years ago at a BestStart centre in Lower Hutt. As this centre closed down, I then joined the great team here at sunny BestStart Rongotai. I enjoy supporting young tamariki in their early education journey.
Ruth Kiel - Kaiako Teacher. I hold a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education). I have been a permanent teacher with Best-Start since November 2011 after joining the Kaiwharawhara Centre in the preschool room. I have recently transferred - to work for three days a week at Best-Start Rongotai, and two days at Best-Start Montessori Rongotai. My own philosophy has developed with the belief that children learn best when they have plenty of time for uninterrupted free play, and teachers that develop warm responsive relationships with them and their families.
Charly - Kaiāwhina Kaiako Caregiver. I have worked at Beststart Rongotai since November 2022. I have had previous childcare experience but my main experience is from being a parent myself. My approach here at the centre is the same style I use in my parenting which is to allow the children independence to learn through exploration and play in their own way and provide support and guidance to encourage them.
Jackie Wang - Pūkenga Tao Kai Chef. I am Jackie and I used to be a kindergarten teacher in China and after I worked there for 14 years I immigrated to New Zealand. Currently I have been working as a chef at day-care Best Start Education- Rongotai. I love cooking, providing nutritional food for children and l love being able to work with them on the floor when I can to support the teachers.
Bharti Jeram - Hēkeretari Administrator. Kia Ora, I am the Centre Administrator. I work part time in the office since 2022. It's such a refreshing change coming from the health sector where I gained years of experience in HR. I support the centre with any admin queries, flick me a detailed email or pop into my office. I'm always happy be able to support our Whānau with their enquiries and building professional relationships.