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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, walking my labradoodle dogs, reading and swimming.

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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. 

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Aisling O'Riordan

Centre Manager

Kia ora whānau, my name is Aisling 

(pronounced Ash-ling) 

Hailing from Ireland, I have been in Aotearoa since 2012, married to a local Ōtautahi (Christchurch) man who I met in the UK. We have a 7 year old son called Sawyer who is also an ex Pebbles student.   

I have a Montessori degree and am Montessori preschool and primary trained with over 20 years experience working and caring for infants and children. 

When I’m not at work, the outdoors is my refuge, mostly the mountains and hills of the South Island. I do lots of tramping with my son seeking solace in DOC backcountry huts and camping. 

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Tracie Miller

Assistant Manager

Kia ora, my name is Tracie

I have been teaching in the Early Childhood Sector for over 10 years. I am excited that I have joined the Pebbles Preschool family where I can continue my passion for teaching the younger children here at Pebbles. I have a Diploma in Teaching ECE and I am a fully registered teacher. I live withmy husband and have 3 children who are young adults. When at home I like to spend time with the family and the many pets that we have. I moved here from Invercargill 2 years ago and it has been great getting out and exploring what Christchurch has to offer. 

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Bushra Shahabdeen

 Kaiako

 

 

Kia ora whānau, my name is Bushra Shahabdeen. I have a Diploma in Early Childhood and Montessori Diploma in Early Childhood. I have been teaching for 13 years in Montessori schools. I am passionate about Montessori and would love to share my knowledge with your children. I am privileged to being part of their learning journey,  watching them grow and develop their young mind.

 

I am married with two daughters, Shihana and Shameelah. I am from Sri Lanka and moved to New Zealand 16 years ago, enjoying the kiwi culture.

 

I am very excited to be part of your team and look forward to sharing my knowledge and passion with you all at Pebbles Montessori.

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Anna Mackinnon

Kaiako

Kia ora, my name is Anna

I have lived in Sumner most of my life.I have travelled through Asia,Europe and the UK extensively. In my spare time I study European history, from the 12-18 centuries. And have a great passion for all things French!!

I have worked with 0-18 for 30 years. Privately as a nanny for 20 years and as a teacher at Pebbles for 10 years.

I hold a Foundation Certificate of Teaching ECE. I have experience and interest/passion for children with learning disabilities.

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Leah Swailes

Kaiako

Kia ora, My name is Leah.

I am qualified and registered with over 9 years experience in ECE mainly in nursery environments. I have 2 children of my own, Maddison and Archie. Archie will be attending with me and I know he is going to love it too.In my spare time I love spending time with my family, going to playgrounds, tumble times, trampoline parks, swimming pools and willowbank.

I love working alongside the 0-2 age group being part of the wonder and curiosity of our youngest tamariki as i provide provocations to further this. I love getting to know the tamariki, whanau and kaiako with relationships at the core of my teaching practice. I am really looking forward to joining an experienced team where I can further my own teaching practice and become part of a beautiful community at Pebbles Nayland Street

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Grace Delis

Kaiako

Kia ora, my name is Grace.

I will soon graduate with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning, and I’m excited to embark on my journey at Pebbles. Growing up in Sumner, I’ve experienced the warmth of a tight-knit community that values connection and support—making it a fantastic place for children to grow and learn. I’m passionate about early childhood education and dedicated to creating nurturing environments where young children can thrive. In my spare time, I love socialising, enjoying the beach, and getting lost in a good book. I’m committed to making a positive impact in every child's educational journey and look forward to contributing to the vibrant community at Pebbles while getting to know your tamariki.

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Andy Collins
Kaiako

Kia ora, my name is Andy,

I have been teaching in early childhood since 2013, I have a passion for education and I look forward to learning and playing alongside your tamariki. I will strive to listen to their voices, observe and encourage their interests, understand their feelings and recognize their potential! I have a wide range of interests and hobbies with a passion for the outdoors. Outside of teaching you can usually find me in the ocean on my surfboard, in the mountains on my snowboard, or at the park with my wife Alex, dog Max and daughters Olive and Winnie.

Before teaching, I travelled a lot building snowboarding jumps in Japan, Canada and America. I love travelling New Zealand searching for waves and new environments to explore. 

 

I look forward to getting to know the whānau here at Pebbles!

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Katherine Robb

Kaiako

Kia ora, my name is Katherine

I have been teaching in Early Childhood Centres for over twenty years. I have a Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. I have loved teaching at Pebbles since it opened in 2010 and have especially enjoyed watching the children develop over the years and seeing their siblings coming along - this is very special. I live in Sumner with my husband and have three daughters Annie, Molly and Katie. In my spare time I enjoy walking, gardening, reading and Pilates.

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