Meet the team
Our teaching staff are passionate about making meaningful teaching moments, following the children’s passions, all while developing loving, trusting relationships.
Anita Richardson
Centre Manager
Hi, I’m Anita and have been working alongside tamariki and whānau for many years. I hold a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and a Level 5 Diploma in ECE. I am also a SPACE facilitator and have raised five awesome daughters. I can now also lay claim to gorgeous grandchildren. I believe parents know their children best and I feel it is a privilege that you might choose us to care for and guide your child’s learning journey.
Tamariki are taonga and respectful practice is the cornerstone of my teaching philosophy. I love to laugh and have fun and I think the key to good relationships is partnering with whānau to share and develop wonderful learning outcomes for children. I love spending quality time with family and friends, travel, gardening and reading. I would love to hear what you like doing in your spare time.
Kristi van der Meys
Team Leader (Over 2’s)
Kia Ora Koutou. Ko Kristi toku ingoa. My husband and I are the proud parents of two fabulous children and grandparents of beautiful tamariki. I have been teaching for many years now, the last 10 or so in the Homebased sector. I am passionate about play based learning and loose parts exploration. I believe strongly in teaching our local curriculum and believe that strong, true relationships are the foundation for great learning. I hold a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) and a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching. I am also a first aid course trainer.
In my spare time, I like to walk, draw, and go rallying. I am excited to be a part of Explore and Flourish and look forward to sharing our haven with you and your whanau.
Paige McCleery
Team Leader (Under 2’s)
Kia Ora, Hello, Ni hăo, Talofa, Namaste. My name is Paige. I’m looking forward to getting to know you and your tamaiti. We shall have some fun and laughs together and I’m sure love will grow too.
I moved here to the sunny BOP from windy Wellington to be closer to family and in search of a fresh start. I have two adult children. I have a Bachelor of Teaching ECE and am enjoying the challenge of stepping in to a leadership role.
I love to cook, read, garden, watch movies, listen to music and spend time with loved ones. I will sing, dance and play with your children, but we will also learn new things, while we are having fun.
Rachael Street
Teacher (Under 2’s)
Hello my name is Rachael and I am a newly qualified ECE teacher (having completed my degree in November last year). I enjoy being active and outdoors and especially love getting my craft on and being creative. This position enables me to have the best of both worlds and I am loving it!
Olivia Meyer
Teacher (Under 2’s)
Kia Ora, my name is Olivia and I’m 22 years old and have been living in Tauranga for the past 14 years. I enjoy working with young tamariki and creating provocations so they can explore and develop their interests.
Shyla Moorfield
Teacher (Over 2’s / Under 2’s)
My name is Shyla and I am passionate about children and working alongside them. I began my teacher training at Toi Ohomai in February 2021 and feel very lucky to have the opportunity to work with and learn from the wonderful teacher’s here at Explore &Flourish.
Lorna Spencer
Teacher (Over 2’s)
Hi I’m Lorna. I am a primary trained teacher but am loving the transition to ECE, this is my 2nd year of teaching but I have always worked with children in one way or another before completing my degree. I enjoy the outdoors, travelling (when we can again), spending time with family, being at the beach and nature in general and I LOVE cats!
Jazmyn Gyde
Teacher (Over 2’s)
Kia ora! My name is Jaz, I have recently moved to Tauranga after completing a Bachelor in Primary School Teaching at Waikato University. I am loving the transition into Early Childhood teaching. One of my passions is dancing and I have been involved in dancing since a young age and have also taught dance, this is a skill I bring with me to the centre.
Linda Barclay
Kitchen Manager
My name is Linda and I have recently moved back to the beautiful Bay of Plenty from Auckland. I have many years of experience working in kitchens both within ECE and as a chef while travelling the world. I am enjoying being part of the team here at Explore & Flourish and am relishing the opportunity to share my passion for food with tamariki.
Michelle Moorfield
Centre Administrator
Kia Ora I’m Michelle, I am the Mum of two grown children and live in Tauranga. I enjoy the beach, walking and spending time with family and friends. I have worked within the administration sector for the majority of my working life and am relishing the challenge that early childhood admin is bringing to my world.