The Team
Megan Browne
Owner and Centre director, guiding day to day operations
With over 30 years experience in the Early Childhood Sector, I have a wealth of valuable knowledge, skills and experience. I am totally committed to ensuring we provide the type of environment that children feel happy to come to each day and that our Centre lives up to its philosophy.
I love seeing children explore, develop and grow in a safe and stimulating environment. “I believe children need long periods of uninterrupted play that is initiated, guided and directed by them”.
As a mother and grandmother, I can identify and relate to the challenges parents face today. My warm, caring and friendly nature is welcomed and appreciated by whānau, colleagues and children who find me approachable, and willing to go the extra mile at any time. I look forward in having the privilege to be a part of you and your child's learning journey at A Child's Place.
I have a Diploma of Education (ECE) and a Bachelor of Education (ECE).
Tawa
Rita DuPlooy
Team Leader
My name is Rita and I am the team leader for the Tawa (toddler) room. I have over 15 years experience working with toddlers and I am very passionate about their learning.
I believe that warm, open relationships in which we all feel valued, respected and loved, form the foundation for deep and meaningful learning. Warm, trusting, reciprocal relationships promote joyful moments, inspire collaboration and build respect for new and different ways of seeing and doing.
It is my goal to create an environment for toddlers, where positive relationships can flourish between children, teachers, whanau and the community. This will create a safe place where our toddlers will feel confident to take risks, explore and test their theories about the world around them.
To be entrusted with laying the foundation for your little ones development is a privilege and I am looking forward to working with you.
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Sacha Boler
Kia Ora,
My name is Sacha and I have a Bachelor of Teaching degree in Early Childhood Education. I am now working towards becoming a fully registered teacher.
I have always wanted to work with children from a young age and once I started relieving at A Childs Place 3 years ago, I knew that this was the career that I wanted to pursue. From my past experiences with childcare I have always really enjoyed working with the toddler aged tamariki. I am very excited to be joining the tawa room and to be part of your tamariki's learning journey.
I enjoy building trusting relationships with the tamariki to help guide them in their learning journey and to encourage their confidence with trying and learning new things. I also enjoy creating a welcoming and exciting environment for the tamariki to explore and to further their knowledge and skills.
I look forward to getting to know you and your tamariki.
Arohanui,
Sacha
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Lala
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Totara
Katie
Kia ora, I am the team leader of the Totara (preschool) room. I am so excited to be part of A Child's Place and love seeing children thrive in their learning journey.
I grew up in rural Northland, which makes living here in Huapai feel just like home. I have been teaching for 6 years, spending the last 5 and a half years in a Montessori environment.
I am genuinely passionate about working alongside young children, and believe they teach us just as much as we teach them. I look forward to getting to know you all.
I have a Bachelor of Teching (ECE).
Diana
I am originally from the region of Transylvania, Romania. I have a passion for ECE that I have pursued since 2020. I love seeing children grow from the love I give, the care I show and seeing them learn and grow in a safe and peaceful environment.
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Esther
Titoki
Sarah
Team Leader
Kia Ora,
My name is Sarah and I am the Team leader in the Titoki (infant) room.
I hold a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Education with Honours. I have many years of experience caring for children, predominantly with infants and toddlers.
In my experience, young children learn best through their own curiosity and discovery. I believe it is my role to provide a safe, nurturing space where babies can learn through interactions with their surroundings, obey their natural instincts and impulses, and form meaningful relationships with those around them.
My journey at A Child’s Place first startd as a parent, seeking out the best possible home away from home for my son. Now my daughter loves her time in the Totara room.
I look forward to working in partnership with you all.
Nga mihi,
Sarah
Bree
Kia Ora, My name is Bree and I am a teacher in the Titoki room. I have been teaching for 5 years and completed my Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood in 2022.
Early childhood education is my passion, specifically working with infants, and I have truly fallen in love with this career. I am heavily inspired by the RIE and Pikler approach.
I believe that strong responsive and reciprocal relationships between the kaiako, tamariki and whānau is essential to ensure the belonging and wellbeing of the child.
Outside of work you might see me at the gym, reading books travelling New Zealand or enjoying nature. I look forward to meeting you, and your tamariki!
Arohanui Bree
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Madi
Martina
Hi, My name is Martina and I am a floating permanent teacher throughout all three of our rooms at A Child’s Place.
My teaching journey started here 2 years ago and I have since fallen in love with ECE. I love working alongside and interacting with all the age groups.
I believe creating a fun environment where children play freely will help them learn effectively. In my weekends you will find me walking my dog, reading books or spending time with my family.
I look forward to meeting you! Martina x
Kai Creator
Tash
My passion for cooking started as a young child, making dinners with Mum or baking with grandparents was a favourite thing to do.
I have been in the food industry for over 15 years, working in cafes, restaurants, home delivery cooking and childcare centres.
Cooking healthy, tasty and homely meals for the children is important to me because I believe eating should be a time to gather and enjoy each others company and to share and reflect with one another.
When I'm not in the kitchen I love spending time with the children in their rooms, watching them explore and thrive in the environment around them.
Building a special bond with the children makes me really happy, especially when they are delighted with the food I prepare.
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