Meet the team
Our fully qualified teaching staff are passionate about making meaningful teaching moments, following the children’s passions, all while developing loving, trusting relationships. We are proud to be 100% qualified and all hold first aid certificates, so your children are in the best of hands.
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 two gorgeous grandsons. 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.
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 five years ago from windy Wellington to be closer to family and in search of a fresh start. My two adult children stayed in Wellington where they both attended Victoria University. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching last year.
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.
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 3 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.
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 love going to the beach and spending time outdoors in the sunshine. I have a diploma in Early childhood and have been working in ECE for the past 3 years.
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!
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 before I begin my journey into study.
Carly McMechan
Teacher (Over 2’s)
Kia Ora, Hello. My name is Carly.
I have been in early childhood education for 3 years. I have 2 big kids and a husband who are all awesome and all love the beach and bush as much as I do. I believe in building positive and strong relationships with our children and their families.
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!
Fiona
Teacher (Over 2’s)
Hi! I’m Fiona and the newest member of the Explore and Flourish team. I was raised in the mighty Waikato and I am a qualified ECE teacher. I am married to Steven and love being a Mum to my two wonderful children aged 12 ∧ 10. I enjoy spending my spare time cooking, sewing and doing all types of arts and crafts.
Nina Paul
Relieving Teacher
Kia Ora I’m Nina! I have a Bachelor of teaching and studied through Waikato university and have been teaching for 12 years. My husband and I are Tauranga locals and have 2 beautiful children. I am currently a permanent reliever for Explore & Flourish.
Marcos Moras
Kitchen Manager
Oi (Hello in Portugese) my name is Marcos. I am really enjoying working in the kitchen and alongside your wonderful children here at Explore & Flourish. I am originally from Brazil but have spent many years travelling (12 years on a cruise ship) before settling in NZ with my wife Jessica 2.5 years ago. I enjoy sport and being outdoors whenever I can.
Michelle Moorfield
Centre Administrator
Kia Ora I’m Michelle, I am the Mum of two almost grown children and live in Papamoa. 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.