JAN 2025: PLEASE NOTE; DUE TO INCREASED DEMAND, OUR WAITLIST IS CLOSED TO ANY NEW APPLICATIONS FOR THE NEXT 6 MONTHS
Our team
Our members of our teaching team are all passionate about the learning and development of children. We aim to employ teachers in training and qualified teachers who hold diplomas in teaching as well as degrees in education.
Shannon Tait ​
Teacher
Bachelor of Education ECE (FULL)
I joined Kopuwai in 2008 as the Office Administrator. I then gained my degree in ECE in 2013 and transferred to a teaching position. I enjoy every aspect of our teaching and learning environment, but I have a strong passion for literacy and numeracy alongside transition to school.
I am married to Mark and we have two children, Hannah and Mika. As a family we enjoy our wonderful Central Otago outdoors via a bit of triathlon in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Maria Snodgrass
Teacher
Bachelor of Education ECE (FULL)
I joined Kopuwai in 2015 after starting my teaching career in Wellington and moving to Alexandra with my three sons in 2011. I enjoy opportunities to inspire provoke and wonder while still supporting, challenging and encouraging children in this unique whanau learning environment. When not teaching I love gardening, hats, Earl Grey tea, Winter, walking, and being with my family.
Catherine Gale
Teacher
Bachelor of Education ECE (FULL)
I have been a part of Kopuwai for 15 years as a parent, reliever and the last 8 years as a permanent teacher; I love being a part of our small community based centre.
I am passionate about ECE and providing quality care to young children.
I love sharing my passion for nature and being out in it with tamariki. While not teaching I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I have 3 boys who keep me on my toes!
Nicky Clouston
Centre Manager
Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) & National Certificate in ECE
Hello. My name is Nicky Clouston. My partner Regan and I have four children. Hamish is four years old, George is one year old, and I have two high school aged step children.
I grew up on a sheep farm in Lauder, before completing my secondary schooling and university degree ion Dunedin.
I have spent my working life as a primary school teacher. With over 15 years in the classroom, I was keen to use my skills in primary education and volunteer as a member of the Kopuwai Board. I look forward to developing my knowledge and contributing to and supporting the amazing kaiako, tamarki and community of the Kopuwai Early Learning Centre.
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Julie Gadd
Teacher
Diploma of Teaching (Primary)
Hi. My name is Julie Gadd. I have been teaching at Kopuwai Early Learning Centre for the last 8 years. The first 3 years day to day relieving and the last 5 years in my permanent role. I am originally a primary trained teacher and prior to teaching at Kopuwai I spent 15 years teaching Year 0 to Year 4 classes. I am really enjoying my career change to Early Childhood Education and love teaching at Kopuwai.
When I'm not teaching I enjoy cooking, walking and spending time with my partner, Ross, family and friends.
Margreet Ter Bruggen
Teacher
Bachelor of Education ECE (FULL)
I joined the Kopuwai team in 2022 and feel privileged to be part of this community and teaching team. After the birth of my daughter Zoe in 2009 I saw the amazing work her early childhood teachers did for her and us as a family. I knew then that becoming an early childhood teacher was what I wanted to be when I grew up. I have a Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education and have been teaching since 2010, first in Cromwell and now here in Alexandra. My husband Richard and I immigrated from the Netherlands in 2005 after travelling both Australia and New Zealand for 2 years. I love the space and the lifestyle that Central Otago has to offer and feel very lucky to be living in this part of paradise.
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I feel that every child is a taonga: unique and special; worthy of excellent care, nurture and education. The way children explore and learn about themselves and their world is an exciting journey to be a part of.
Jenna Nolan
Support Teacher/Kitchen
Jenna joined the Kopuwai family around 2020 as Kitchen Support, then has moved more into a teaching support role in 2024. The children have absolutely loved spending more time with her!
Jenna is a busy lady as along with children, she now has built up quite the zoo at their lifestyle block!
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Lauren Sutherland
Office Administrator/
Relieving Teacher
Diploma of Teaching ECE
I joined the Kopuwai family in 2022 as a relieving Kaiako, then joined the Kopuwai team as the office administrator at the start of 2024. I have been a qualified Early Childhood Teacher since 2015. I am loving the mix of working with the children and admin work.
When I am not at Kopuwai, I own my own tourism business, love spending time with my dog Lucy and exploring the amazing area we get to live in.
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Gabby Geddes
Kitchen/ Teacher Support
Gabby joined the Kopuwai family in 2022 as a reliever. She is wonderful with the children, getting them up and dancing, singing and moving!
She is married to Stu, and is now a grandma which she is absolutely loving! You may recognise her smiling face as she owns and operates her own business, Peanut Brittle Retro NZ.
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Provision for infants and toddlers is well developed. Good support is provided for them to transition into the centre. They experience nurturing and respectful relationships with their teachers. Recent changes to the physical environment have resulted in a learning space which caters more specifically for their needs. Intentional teaching practices foster trusting and secure attachments.