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.
Charmaine Garner
Operations Manager
Hi, I’m Charmaine and I have always worked with children in some way or another since I left school. I have a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and have taught Primary School children (predominantly in the Junior School) for the last 10 years.
I am really excited to be growing my experience at Explore & Flourish. I am a keen runner and netballer but like the rest of my family just really enjoy being out, being active and trying new things.
I have a passion for food and the kitchen is my happy place trying out new recipes.
Anita Richardson
Team Leader (Under 2’)
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
Teacher (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.
Carly McMechan
Team (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.
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.
Shyla Moorfield
Teacher in training (Whare Pua)
My name is Shyla and I am passionate about children and working alongside them. I begin 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.
Jenny Hunt
Kitchen Manager
Hi I’m Jenny and I am the Kitchen Manager here at Explore & Flourish, providing healthy, nutritious meals for your tamariki. I have 20 years of experience in childcare, working within home based child care while my children were young, now they are older, I have stepped into this role which gives me the opportunity to work with children, while also putting my culinary skills to good use!
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.