Meet the Sunbeams Team

Geny – Head Teacher / Manager

Qualifications:   Bach. ECE Education Philippines, Fully Registered, Current First Aid, Child Safety current.

Kia Ora, Hello and Mabuhay! My teaching journey began nearly 15 years ago where I had the privilege to work alongside children of different cultures, backgrounds, and diverse needs. I have had the opportunity to learn and hone my skills by embarking on a leadership journey almost 5 years ago. Building strong and reciprocal relationships, fostering love and care, and having trust and respect are some of my core values while growing to be a leader and an educator. I aspire to lead others from the heart, where I can encourage and support them to be the best they can be. Partnerships between parents, families, whanau and community are the absolute key to the success of a child.

My teaching philosophy is mainly inspired by Reggio Emilia where I view the children as competent learners.  It revolves around creating a safe and supportive space where children feel empowered to explore, make mistakes, and grow. With a warm and inclusive approach, I aspire to create an environment where tamariki feel encouraged to explore, question, and express their unique voices. I wish to inspire children with a lifelong love for learning.

It is such a blessing for me to be able to be a part of the Little Sunbeams family and I look forward to getting to know you all.

He waka eke noa (the canoe we are on ALL together)

Me te aroha,

Geny

Sue – Assistant Head Teacher

 Qualifications: Dip ECE, Fully Registered, Current First Aid, Child Safety Current.

Kia ora, My journey of over 20 years grew from attending Papakura Playcentre with my two girls. I have a genuine passion for growing tamariki learning and development and my teaching is underpinned through quality relationships, trust and growing my own knowledge.

I believe tamariki learn best when there is enjoyment in what they are learning – having fun and I enjoy being able to support their natural curiosity to guide further learning.

Connie – Administrator

Qualifications: Fully Registered, Dip, Early Childhood Education, Current First Aid, Child Safety Current.

Kia ora, my teaching journey began as a 18year old, who relieved for local Early Childcare Centres.  During this time I have worked with a wide range of cultures, teachers and socio -economic communities.

Many changes have happened during my career and there are many more to come.

Te Whaariki is a hugely important taonga to our tamariki and their whanau, it recognises the holistic side of learning for our tamariki during their early learning years. This helps to build their learning and development as well as their identity.

I have been working at Little Sunbeams Christian Early Childhood Centre since May 2006. Teaching our children is a privelage and a blessing to be treasured and nurtured every day.

My role has recently changed to mainly Administration now, but my passion for this field is still very strong, which I use to help provide a professional and welcoming attitude in my new role.

Carey – Teacher

Qualifications: Graduate Dip. of Teaching ECE, Fully Registered, First Aid Cert.

My husband, Rob, and I have three busy boys. I originate from South Africa and have a background in Film and TV. Currently, I work Wednesdays as the Family Ministry Co-ordinator at Papakura Harvest Church running a Baby and Toddlers group. I am returning to teaching after 11 years of being a stay-at-home mum. I hope to positively improve the wellbeing of our young tamariki by nurturing and educating them so that they may achieve success. Two core values that I uphold are respect and creativity.

I believe respect is the foundation for building trust, belonging, and also supporting well-being. Respect involves equal opportunity, kindness, and thoughtfulness. I believe effective teaching and learning requires sincere reverence for others.

I believe creativity is crucial for developing a sense of identity and well-being. I view creativity as a self-expression of our experiences, observations, and aspirations in our world.

I wish to provide children, along with their family/ whānau, a creative and stimulative learning environment that is respectful, welcoming, safe, and enjoyable.

Kate – Teacher

Telesia -Teacher

Qualifications: Bach. Education (Pasifika), Fully Registered.

Talofa lava,  My name is Telesia Overberg. I am married with 3 young children.  I was born in Samoa and came to New Zealand at a young age. I love spending time with my whanau. I am a fully qualified teacher and my passion is around nurturing and caring for young children to their full potential.

I believe an environment rich with love and trust is the foundation to growing confident and competent tamariki. I love singing and spending time with my family at the park or the beach. I am looking forward to meeting all Whanau at Little Sunbeams.