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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 3 children of my own, Maddison, Archie and Gracie.
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
Sophie Hazelhurst
Kaiako
Kia ora , My name is Sophie
I have been an early childhood teacher for over 20 years and have a Bachelor of Teaching, and a Diploma in Montessori Early Childhood Education.
I met my husband, Konstantin, in Moscow, and after the birth of our first daughter, we moved back to New Zealand. We live in Mt. Pleasant, with our two girls Nika and Josephine.
I enjoy walking, languages, bike riding, and taking our dog for walks with my family, I have also just developed a love for gardening.
My philosophy of teaching is rooted in my love for the Montessori methods. I believe it fosters a child’s love of learning through self-directed exploration, encourages independence, and promotes grace and courtesy while focusing on the whole child.
Antoinette Wastney
Kaiako
Kia ora, My name is Antoinette, though I’m commonly known as Anto, and I’m happy to be referred to as either.
I have been working as a qualified kaiako since 2013 and am deeply passionate about creating calm, nurturing environments where tamariki can grow, explore, and develop at their own pace. I’m especially drawn to Montessori philosophy for its respect for each child’s individuality and its focus on independence, peace, and connection to the natural world.
Alongside my teaching qualification, I hold an Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts, and I love bringing creativity and art into my mahi. I believe artistic expression is a powerful way for tamariki to communicate their thoughts and emotions, and I enjoy supporting them to explore that.
Outside of teaching, I love spending time in nature — swimming and walking with my dog, Yokai.
