At BestStart Judea we have a well-rounded team who love your children and aspire to create a supportive environment, where children, whanau and staff are developing and sharing their knowledge together.

Here are a couple of words from our support Team,

Kiaora whānau,

My name is Nicola Finlay, I love living here in beautiful Tauranga with my husband Tim, daughter Kate and fur baby mischief. In my free time I like to play a little golf, go for walks on the beach and spend time with my extended family. I have a passion for teaching and love supporting children to be the best they can be. BestStart Judea is my second home and I feel lucky to have a team of passionate people working alongside me to provide an amazing place for all our families. My door is always open if you would like to come for a chat.

Hi everyone, my name is Serena, I am the administrator here at BestStart Judea. I am here to support Nicola, all our wonderful teaching team and your families here at BestStart Judea. I am who you will see or talk to change your bookings or update any family information. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to chat with me via email, phone or in person.

I have three children, two of which are at BestStart Judea and one who has just started school and when I'm not at work you will find me in the kitchen baking, reading a good book or heading out on a bush walk.

Hi my name is Liz, I started working for BestStart 15 years ago as an unqualified relief teacher and have been with BestStart Judea since 2018 as the centre cook and absolutely love it. I like to think of myself as an inventive cook and I try to find as many ways to smuggle vegies into the food in a way they still enjoy.

I have 3 grown up children and 4 grandchildren, I live in Te Puke and travel in to work everyday. I love spending time with my family and in my free time I have to admit, I love shopping. Usually it is always for my grandchildren, I love spoiling them as that’s what Grannies are for aren’t they?

Hi there,

I'm Glenys, I am a wife, mum to 3 grown children and a Nan to 2 grandchildren.

For many years I have worked with children in various situations including special needs, in-home childcare and now with BestStart for the past couple of years.

My husband and I enjoy fishing and time with our family.

A couple of words from Our Set for School Team

Kia ora, I’m Teresa and am a qualified fully registered teacher. I have been working in early childhood education for many years. My partner Hamish and I have two children, Keira and     Devon. Outside of work I support my daughters swimming club in a range of roles. When at work, I enjoy supporting children to develop and refine the many skills needed for a successful transition to school through play-based learning. I enjoy being able to support children in their learning goals and work towards achieving the aspirations their whānau hold for them.

Kia Ora, Hello and Namaste.

My name is Gurpreet Kaur Bajwa. I am blessed to have three handsome loving boys in my life (My husband and my sons). I moved to New Zealand in 2010. I hold a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) and Bachelor degree in Science. I have been working alongside the tamariki and whānau for the past 9 years. I am passionate about play based learning. I believe that children are more motivated to learn and develop positive attitude towards learning when they are involved in experiences that are meaningful to them. I love to cook, listen to music, watch movies and spend time with my family.

Kia ora,

 My name is Bridget. I’ve been teaching in the ECE space for about 5 years relieving and as a permanent teacher down in Christchurch. I have recently moved up here to the beautiful Tauranga to start my next journey. I have been relieving for BestStart for the last 3 months and when offered a job here at Judea I couldn’t say no! I completed my first year of study down in Christchurch and look forward to completing my study here. Although I have no children of my own, I love and support every child as if they were my own so they can grow, learn and flourish in the environment. I look forward to getting to know you and your whānau!