My Early Childhood  journey began back in 2000 when I started my training at the NZ College of Early Childhood in Christchurch. Moving to Nelson in 2007 I joined the teaching team here at Campus Corner and quickly became very proud to be part of such a dedicated group of kaiako.

Through my daily practice I strive to develop respectful, responsive, reciprocal relationships with the children and their whānau. I believe relationships are at the heart of all we do as kaiako, and it brings me joy to see these flourish within our environment.  I feel it is of upmost importance to provide an environment that is welcoming to all and a place where children can feel as though they are at their home away from home, allowing them to explore and develop at their own pace.

I am very proud to lead a team of kaiako whom all strive to provide similar outcomes for children and their whānau. It is an absolute pleasure to work alongside each and every family here at Campus Corner as their children progress through their individual learning journey.

Kia ora koutou, ko Teryl toku ingoa

My teaching journey began in my hometown of Ōtautahi (Christchurch) in 2001, where I studied towards my Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. I graduated in 2004 and continued my teaching journey as a qualified and registered teacher, working with toddlers and young children. 

I made the move to sunny Nelson in 2013 and joined the teaching team here at Campus Corner. I soon discovered that Campus Corner was a good fit with my personal teaching philosophy, working alongside a dedicated team of kaiako that value the provision of high quality care, education and outcomes for the tamariki within our local community.  

For me it is about creating a strong culture of kindness, reciprocity and respect, with an emphasis on warm, reciprocal relationships at the heart of what we do. I believe that tamariki learn at their own pace and in their own time, with the appropriate care, support and guidance. Providing an environment that caters to the individual needs and aspirations is therefore of paramount importance and at the forefront of what we do.

In more recent years I have enjoyed spending time with the infants and toddlers where I have further developed my knowledge around the importance of primary care and the ways in which we can support our youngest tamariki to develop and flourish with the continued support of their kaiako. 

Since having my own child (Adeline) it has reaffirmed my values and beliefs when it comes to nurturing our pepi and tamariki with the upmost care and respect.

Whakamaua te pae tata kia tina

Take hold of your potential so it becomes your reality

Ngā mihi, Teryl

My background is originally in the arts and primary teaching, but after getting a taste of early childhood teaching, I decided it was where I wanted to be. I am passionate about building relationships with the children I work with and fostering their interests and individuality as they build their sense of mana whenua or belonging. 

I believe mana whenua is core to building children’s confidence and self-empowerment, a main building block to their further learning and development.

My interests and skills that I bring to my practise, such as ceramics, horticulture and sculpture I hope to share with tamariki and encourage their curiosity. I value the reciprocal relationships of tuakana teina. Where children and staff are both learners and teachers.  As a beginning teacher I look forward to my journey in teaching but also learning from the tamariki, their whānau and other kaiako at Campus Corner.

‘Whakataukī: Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourouka ora ai te iwi’

   With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive

(Kia eke panuku. 2016)

"He Taonga te mokopuna, kia whangaia, kia tipu, kia rea

A child is a treasure to be nurtured, to grow, to flourish"

I grew up  in Nelson and I have two wonderful children of my own. I enjoy spending time with my kids, friends and family, being outdoors, going for walks, visiting the beautiful beaches and being among nature whenever I get the chance.

I really enjoy creating positive meaningful relationships with tamariki and their whānau.  Relationships are the foundation of children’s learning and I value respectful reciprocal relationships in an unrushed caring and nurturing environment.

I feel very lucky to be a part of the Campus Corner team where I get to work and learn alongside such amazing teacher’s , tamariki and whānau doing what I love.

Kia ora koutou

My name is Tish, short for Letitia  - I am named after a lake where I grew up at Mt White Station. I have two beautiful girls, Isabella and Amelia and we love living in Sunny Nelson.

I have always known I've wanted to teach tamariki, from a young age. I started babysitting for all the neighbourhood children before starting my first job as a full time nanny. I then went on to get my Diploma of ECE in Otautahi/Christchurch. When I graduated I moved to Nelson and accepted my first full time teaching job right here at Campus Corner many years ago! I instantly felt at home with an amazing teaching team.

I was really sad to have to leave when we needed to shift back to Christchurch but I was grateful for the opportunity to be head teacher at a Reggio Emelia preschool there.

Two beautiful girls later and lots of relieving at different preschools and Kindergartens I am back in Nelson and loving being back at Campus Corner.

The Centre philosophy and gentle kind nature of the dedicated teachers is what keeps drawing me back. I love the culture of kindness and that whanaungatanga is at the heart of everything that Campus Corner represents by developing and nurturing relationships with tamariki and their whanau built on reciprocity and respect.

I feel so blessed to be able to work here as Senior Teacher in the Young Children's area and help guide and support tamariki and whānau through their learning journey.

Tēna koutou Greetings to All

It feels very special to be starting this teaching position again where it all begun 21 years ago, on my arrival in Nelson. I love living here in a semi rural area where community is important. I am married with one adult child and until recently our beloved Milo (dog).

I began my journey into Early Childhood Education as a teenager babysitting my nieces and nephews and nannying for my local farming community. At 17 years old I read a news paper article about early childhood teachers and announced to my family that’s what I want to be.

It was after having some life experiences I begun my education journey at Kaori Teachers College where a Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education was available.  After three years of travelling overseas I went back to Teachers College and completed my Diploma of Teaching Education in ECE .

So my journey continues. I am passionate about Mahitahi working together with whānau and kaiako to ensure all tamariki are passionate about education.. We are all on this journey together!

I have been fortunate to spend most of my teaching years working within community based EarlyChildhood Education.

I look forward to making connections getting to know you all and your tamariki, at Campus Corner. Angela (Ange ) Kearns

My dream of working in Early Childhood became apparent after having my two beautiful children. I’ve been lucky enough to have spent the past four years as a preschool teacher at centres in Richmond/Nelson working alongside amazing kaiako and tamariki.

If you ask my daughter and son, they will tell you I’m young and goofy at heart. So, you may see me running round the playground playing tag with the kids, building epic sandcastles, and pretending the floor is lava.

I am passionate about creating a safe, fun, learning environment to allow the tamariki to form a sense of self. And I can’t wait to work alongside this amazing team to foster the children’s interests, ambitions and confidence alongside whānau and our community.

I’m so excited to be a part of the Campus Corner team and I’m looking forward to building relationships with the tamariki and whānau in the Centre.

Ngā mihi

Tineke McGee

Kia ora, my name is Lucy, I am a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood), which I completed in 2024. 

I am now working as a provisionally certified kaiako, excited to continue growing in this rewarding profession. My studies have deepened my understanding of Te Whāriki and strengthened my passion for fostering inclusive, meaningful learning experiences for all tamariki.

I am dedicated to creating fun, creative, and engaging environments where tamariki can flourish, express themselves, and build new skills through play and exploration. I strongly believe in responsive, respectful relationships and value the unique strengths and identities each child brings to our shared learning journey. 

I love using imaginative and hands-on experiences to spark curiosity, build confidence, and support social, emotional, and cognitive development.

I have several years of experience working in the early childhood settings, where I’ve had the privilege of learning alongside kaiako and whānau from a range of backgrounds. I feel proud to be working in a field where I can make a positive impact and continue learning every day. 

I'm passionate about empowering tamariki to be confident in who they are and to feel a strong sense of belonging within their learning environment.

I have been working for Campus Corner since 1999 when I started a part time position while working for two other local community based organisations.

I have had various administration and financial roles within the education sector (voluntary and paid), including the position of Treasurer at a local Kindergarten and School, and working at NMIT in allowances, loans and enrolments. 

I enjoy being part of a great team here at Campus.

Kia ora, I am Leticia

I began my career in Wellington training as a nanny, working with children and families.

I joined Campus Corner in 2018 where I have loved building relationships with tamariki and their whānau.

I take pride in creating a caring , engaging environment where children can thrive.

Outside of work I enjoy Netball, both playing and watching my daughter play. I also like a game of disc golf and spending time with family going fishing and camping over the summer.

I am married with three children.