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.
Soo Chin Lee
Kaiako
"Kia Ora Koutou
Ko toku Soo Chin ingoa
No Malaysia oku tipuna
I speak Mandarin and a bit of Malay!
I am fully qualified and registered teacher with over 20 years of experience. I like to create a fun variety of movements to encourage challenge tamariki gross motor skills through music, etc. I sometimes speak fast when I am over-excited to share your child’s development so please let me know if I am going too fast.
I have a beautiful 27 year old daughter. She is my rock. We enjoy exploring new cafe’s; going out for food is our bonding time.
In my spare time, l like to go the gym and do Pilates! I also like to visit bookshops and libraries to search for books and fresh imaginative ideas.
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.
Chelsea Cleave
Kaiako
Kia Ora my name is Chelsea
I am 24 years old born and raised in Christchurch.
I am looking forward to starting the Aperfield
Montessori Diploma next year and strengthening my
Montessori experience.
In my spare time you’ll probably find me with my dog
Coco at the park or the beach, hanging out with my
family and friends or delving into a new cooking recipe.
Wakana Kato
Kaiako
Kia ora, my name is Wakana.
I am from Japan and worked as an elementary school teacher there for seven years. I moved to New Zealand with my partner and daughter in September 2023. Shortly after arriving in Christchurch, I was fortunate to begin my teaching practice at Pebbles Montessori, where I’ve had the pleasure of meeting wonderful children, kaiako, and whānau.
I’m proud to share that I completed my diploma in ECE at the end of 2024.
I am passionate about creating authentic environments that support children’s natural development, interests, curiosity, and talents while building trusting relationships with each tamariki. In my spare time, I love tending to my little vegetable garden, doing arts and crafts with my daughter, and learning and teaching languages.