Our Team
Centre owner & director
Hawke’s Bay local Rakelle is a fully qualified registered teacher with more than 26 years’ industry experience.
My passion lies in providing the best care and education possible for tamariki and their whānau. I assume an active teaching role across both centres and consider my role as an early childhood educator a privilege, a chance to ignite joy in new experiences; prompt curiosity in the world; introduce experiences that challenge and develop skills; and inspire a love of learning that tamariki will carry with them beyond Lumsden. My team shares my ambition to exceed excellence in all that we do, and are supported and mentored through professional development and ongoing study opportunities to be the best kaiako they can be. At Lumsden, everybody’s skills and talents are nurtured.
It is an honour to be Rakelle’s 2IC at Lumsden Kindergarten. I bring with me many years of experience, passion, dedication and knowledge in a Teaching and Management role.
I look forward to embarking on a new pathway with our Lumsden whānau, kaiako and tamariki, as we travel this journey together.
My focus has been working with infants and toddlers but I love engaging with all age groups.
I will be overseeing administration and daily operations, whilst also supporting and mentoring our team. I will be upholding an active teaching role between the centres supporting kaiako to maintain the high standard of care and education Lumsden Kindergarten is known for.
What a privilege it is to have you and your tamariki on our waka.
Jo Dawson
Jo brings a wealth of experience and innovation to the role of 2IC at Lumsden Kindergarten.
Our Tokihi Leaders
Samantha Osborne
I consider myself someone whom tamariki, whānau and colleagues can trust. I understand what makes children tick and take pride in going the extra mile to ensure everyone feels safe to explore and reach their full potential. As an authentic teacher and leader, I ignite in others a passion for learning and an eagerness to discover the world’s possibilities. Whānau is crucial for me; it is vital that we work together to ensure seamless transitions and relevant learning experiences are provided for all, honouring whānau connections and drawing on cultures to inform our teaching and learning.
Rochelle Fontaine
As tokihi leader at Big Lumsden, I enjoy empowering others to do their best and grow their potential, supporting kaiako and tamariki alike through their individual challenges. I love working with whānau to create the best learning environment for their tamariki to thrive in. I teach from the heart, and I strive every day to better my own practice in order to inspire my team, who share the same waka. Lumsden's nurturing environment ensures tamariki feel valued as important members of our wonderful culture/family.
Phoebe Edwards
Ko Piripiri te maunga
Ko Waitohi te awa
Ko Tokomaru te waka
Ko Te Atiawa te iwi
Ko Phoebe Edward ahau
As a teacher & leader my hope is to promote an environment that allows everyone the opportunity to unearth their true potential in a way that enhances their sense of pride and belonging. I bring with me a strong background in early childhood education, as well as a passion for learning and a continued commitment to growth within my role. Relationships are at the heart of our mahi and this is something I hold in the highest regard.
Our Teachers
Carol Van der Merwe
Qualified ECE Teacher
Gemma Bartlett
Qualified ECE Teacher
Suzy Price
Qualified ECE Teacher
Germari Herselman
ECE Teacher in Training
Helle Soerensen
ECE Teacher in Training
Tyler Mumby
ECE Teacher in Training
Sarah Watts
Qualified ECE Teacher
Shelley Rusden
Resource Support
Fiona Walker-Van Duin
Resource Support
Would you like to join our team?
Get in touch with us today.