About - Natures Exploreres - Natures Explorers Kindergarten

Your Nature's Explorers team

It is our pleasure to share a little introduction about ourselves. It’s incredibly important that you get the opportunity to know the personal values and beliefs of the people influencing your child’s education.

Angela Olsen
Head Teacher

Kia ora, welcome to Nature’s Explorers Kindergarten.

My name is Ange Olsen, I have lived in Riverhead with my husband, Rod, daughter Zoe and son Daniel for 16 years.

I have worked here at Nature’s Explorers for almost 10 years. I am a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) qualified and fully registered Early Childhood Educator.

I enjoy going for walks around our lovely community and into the Riverhead Forest, baking and art. I enjoy supporting and guiding our tamariki as they grow and develop, as they progress on their journey at kindergarten.

Deonie Ware
Deputy Head Teacher

Hi my name Deonie and I live in Helensville with my husband Conrad and my two children Taj (16yrs) and Suraya (9 yrs). We also have chickens and two cats Smokey and Bowser.

We have a rural property that overlooks our own forest, with plenty of deer that come and visit us often.

One of my passions is sustainability and I enjoy teaching the children how to look and care after their environment. I think that it is really important for children to learn how to recycle and learn where food comes from.

We have a very welcoming Kindy, and you are welcome anytime.

Jade Tonge
Qualified Teacher

Kia Ora everyone!

My name is Jade and I live in Parakai with my partner Shane, my 3 year old daughter Macie and our fur baby Sarge.

I have been a teacher for 10 years now and I completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood teaching through Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand, in 2016.

My family and I love to explore the outdoors and visiting the local forest and beach is how we relax. This personal value reflects my teaching philosophy and consequently I cherish going on our nature walks with the children.

I do kickboxing in my spare time, and whānau and friends are my most valued treasures, so spending time together is important to me.

I look forward to getting to know you and your whānau and supporting your child to learn and grow.

Amy Chamberlain
Qualified Teacher

Kia ora, I’m Amy and I have a Bachelor of Primary Education - Specialising in Montessori.

I also have a Diploma in Sport and Recreation and a current First Aid Certificate.

I enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, camping and hiking. I also love cats and adore working with children.

I can’t wait to foster your child’s learning through their early stages of development and look forward to meeting you and your whānau.

Kelly Luggens
Teacher

Hi my name is Kelly, I’m currently working as a teacher aide here at Nature’s Explorers Kindergarten.

I’ve been working with children for the past twenty years and at Nature’s Explorers for the last three.

I was born and raised in West Auckland but only recently moved to Riverhead, where I live my partner and two teenage girls. I’m fond of animals and we have a pet dog named Leo.

I really enjoy the community feel here in Riverhead. I love the outdoors and in my spare time enjoy gardening, walking and jogging. I also have a passion for home interiors and travelling.

Georgia Kennedy
Teacher

Kia ora my name is Georgia I am in my early 20’s, and I have lived in Muriwai beach my whole life, and have only recently moved to Kumeu.

I am currently in my second year of my Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching degree, and I love it.

In my spare time I do a lot of sports and physical activity, which helps me to unwind, and spend time with my friends and family.

I am a big supporter of natural resources, and learning through play, which is reflected in my personal teaching philosophy.

I look forward to meeting and getting to know your family.

Nerys Byford
Administrator

Hi my name is Nerys and I am usually the first person you’ll meet when you come to our beautiful little centre. I am here to help answer any questions about enrolling your child into kindy.

I have been living in Riverhead for the past 10 years with my husband Paul and daughter’s Effie and Esther. Both my children came to Natures Explorer’s so I know first hand what a special place it is.

We have two dogs, Bessy and Luna, and two cats, Hobbes and Motor. I love to take the dogs for long walks in Riverhead Forrest or to Bethals Beach.