Belinda Slade
Owner
Kia ora, my name is Belinda
I am a trained early childhood teacher and primary teacher with special needs experience. I have always aspired to owning a very unique and special preschool and am thrilled that there are now three Pebbles Preschools in the Christchurch area! I moved from England to Christchurch in 2000 with my husband and two children, Sam and Daisy. I enjoy being on the teaching floor, reading and swimming.
Kelly Black
Office Manager
Kia ora, my name is Kelly.
I am excited to be back as the office manager of Pebbles after a few years spent at other jobs.
I enjoy working with the different Pebbles teams and supporting on the floor when I can. I am the person behind the admin emails and accounts so now you can put a face to the name!
Anisa Maclean
Centre Manager
Kia ora, my name is Anisa
I was born in Iran but raised in New Zealand, so you could say I am a "Persian-Kiwi". I have a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. I first fell in love with Early Childhood Education whilst teaching English as a Second Language to preschoolers in Japan. Now, I can't imagine myself doing anything else! I love reading children's literature (and recipe books), creative writing, health and exercise, sharing delicious kai with my friends and whānau, and speaking different languages, such as some te Reo Māori, New Zealand Sign Language, and Japanese, along with being fluent in Farsi. My teaching philosophy is to create a respectful environment through manaakitanga (hospitality), Aroha (love), and whanaungatanga (relationships) where all parents, whānau, and tamariki are welcomed, have a sense of belonging and feel valued. It is my wish to make a positive difference for each child every day. I look forward to getting to know you and your precious tamariki through providing the best quality education and care.
Anuja Samaraweera
Assistant Manager
Kia ora, name is Anuja
I was born on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. I consider New Zealand to be my second home.
I have a teaching diploma in early childhood education as well as an international Montessori teaching diploma. I was fortunate to work in a variety of early childhood settings, where I gained additional knowledge and experience in various teaching philosophies.
I wanted to be a teacher because I believe it is my responsibility to positively influence the lives of children so that we can have independent, respectful, educated, and kind citizens. I believe that social interactions will benefit all children to learn and grow as confident and competent learners. I strongly value building and fostering positive reciprocal relationships with all children, families/Whānau, and staff. I believe that providing an enabling environment for all children is vital because it will influence and support each child to achieve their own learning pathway goals.
Channtal Hodgson
Kaiako
Kia ora, my name is Channtal
I am the breaks cover teacher in the Tui and Kea rooms. I have a Bachelor of Education and Diploma of Teaching. As a Primary school teacher I spent 13 years in New Entrant/Junior level and for the past 3 years have had the pleasure of teaching in the Early Childhood sector.
I have 3 children and enjoy watching their sport, travelling and spending time with them and my husband in my spare time.
Loving the outdoors, I also like a good walk up the hills, bike ride or swim, finishing with a coffee with friends or family.
Kristi Daly
Kaiako
Kia ora, my name is Kristi
I am a trained early childhood and Montessori teacher with 23 years experience in teaching, management and tertiary education.
At the heart of my philosophy continues to be my commitment to responsive relationships with children, families and the teaching team, coupled with providing rich learning experiences for ākonga. Our goal is to foster an intrinsic natural desire where children develop a quest for knowledge and a love of learning.
I am married with two children, Ella and Harry. We have two Bichon Poodles and an adorable kitten.
Sakshi Yadav
Kaiako
Hi, I am Sakshi Yadav.
I have done a Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from New Zealand Tertiary College and Bachelor of Education from India. I have been working with Pebbles for one year and love working here with lovely staff. Teaching young children is my passion and I have worked as a kindergarten teacher in India for more than 12 years. I am staying in Cashmere, Christchurch with my husband and seven-year-old son who studies in Thorrington School. I love spending time with my family and friends.
Laura O’Shea
Adelaide Shotwell
Kaiako
Kia ora, my name is Adelaide.
I have just completed my graduate diploma in ECE. I have always wanted to be a teacher and this year have decided that my passion is early childhood.
I have recently brought my first home in Cashmere and I love spending time in the garden with my dog, Maisie. I enjoy going to the beach and running my small florist business.
I am so looking forward to getting to know the whānau here at Pebbles and learning and growing alongside your tamariki.
Marish Choi
Kaiako
Kia ora parents and whānau.
My name is Marish and I was born in Korea. Aotearoa is my home as I have been in New Zealand for more than 10 years. I have a love for tamariki and have been teaching and caring for children aged 0-5 years old for the past 7 years. I have a bachelor's degree in education and a Graduate diploma in teaching and learning in ECE.
Respectful care and fostering positive relationships are at the forefront of my teaching practise. I believe that each child has a dynamic nature, diverse abilities and individual strengths and it is the job of a teacher to help draw these abilities out of the child and help them develop and grow holistically.
I look forward to learning with you all.
Julie Ellis
Kaiako
Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Moumoukai tōku maunga
Ko Nuhaka, Ko Kōpuawhara ōku awa
Ko Takitimu tōku waka
Ko Ngati Kahungunu tōku iwi
Ko Julie Ellis tōku ingoa
Kia ora, my name is Julie.
I am originally from Wellington and have lived in Christchurch for 20 years. I have an adult son who is the apple of my eye.
Previously my background has been in International Logistics Management and I graduated in Teaching from the University of Canterbury this year. I am so looking forward to spending time with your children and learning from each other and I hope to see you all soon.