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 the Office Manager here at Pebbles and spend time working in all three centres, sometimes you will see me helping out on the floor.
I am the person behind the admin emails and accounts so now you can put a face to the name!
I have a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning ECE and have been working in Early Childhood for over 25 years.
I have two teenagers Lucas and Katie.
Outside of teaching I enjoy spending time with my family, especially mountain biking.
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, my 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.
Rosie McIvor
Kaiako
Kia Ora Pebbles Whānau, Ko Rosie McIvor tōku ingoa!!
I look forward to joining the Pebbles teaching team at the beginning of January 2024. I have just completed my degree in a bachelor of Teaching & Learning (Early Childhood). I have had 4 years of previous experience working with tamariki, whilst studying I have been nannying a young family part time in Sumner!
In my spare time you'll find me at my family's farm on Bank's Peninsula, getting outdoors or catching up with friends... I can't wait to meet you all and get to know everyone in the Pebbles community!
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.
Amy Kwant
Kaiako
Kia ora, Talofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Nî Hâo
Hello my name is Amy Kwant and I am excited to get to know the tamariki and whānau here at Pebbles Montessori Cashmere.
I am a fully qualified and registered teacher with years of experience.
I have worked across all ages within early childhood education from babies, toddlers and preschoolers. I live in Burwood with my husband Philip and I am a proud Mum to my 1-year-old son Logan and my furbaby (dog) Bella.
I am passionate about supporting early literacy development in young children through reading, oral story-telling, rhymes, songs, music and games. I am excited to grow in this area and share all the fun experiences I have to offer.