OUR TEAM

Centre Manager

For the last 16 years I have been working alongside children and their families and I still have the same passion for excellence in education as I did all those years ago. I believe that if children are to spend time in the care of others, then that care better be the very best! I am a farm girl, brought up in Marlborough, and I have now returned to our family farm at the Ure River. I am married with two gorgeous children Scarlett and Hugo.

As Centre Manager, I look forward to the opportunity to show you what Thrive Early Learning Centre has to offer you and your family.

Arohanui, Gemma

TEACHER TUI ROOM (1-3 years)

Kia ora, I am an enthusiastic teacher with TESL Diploma (Canada, 2003) and Kids Yoga Certificate (2020). I also have a Bachelor Degree in Food and Nutrition.

I have been working with children for over ten years at elementary school and kindergarten in Taiwan. My family and I moved back to New Zealand in 2016. I started working in the early childhood field for three years in Blenheim.

My passion is working with children and encouraging them to discover themselves. In my free time, I like to do yoga and play piano and harmonica. I also enjoy “family time” baking, playing soccer and going for a walk with my husband and our daughter.

Annie x

TEACHER, KŌWHAI ROOM (3-5 Years)

My background is in education and has included teaching in pre-schools, primary schools and special education.

In 2016 and then went with my husband on a 4 month world trip visiting countries such as Japan, Egypt, Germany, Switzerland ,Estonia and the United States followed by a six week stay with my son, his wife and our grandson who live in Toronto.

I am married to Russell and together with our two cats, we run a small Bed and Breakfast.

My interests beside education include running, gym, cycling, gardening and travel. I have been lucky enough to travel to many parts of the world and have been on the committee of Marlborough's Sister Cities where my main tasks included student exchanges to and from Tendo and Otari in Japan.

I enjoy the process of learning from students, colleagues, parents and the community. I love spending time with children ,especially with their outside activities and having a positive inspiring impact on their lives by being kind, caring and empathetic.

Regards, Jennie

TEACHER, TUI CLASSROOM (1-3 Years)

Kia ora,

My journey in early childhood began in 2019, and ever since then my passion has kept on growing. I am a qualified and registered teacher, with a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education). I also have a few certificates in other areas as I like to always be learning new things.

I live in rural Marlborough with my husband and our daughter Maeve on our lifestyle block which keeps us very busy! Apart from doing jobs at home, our hobbies include horse riding, 4wd driving and moto x.

As a kaiako at Thrive, I prioritise creating a calm and nurturing space where your child feels understood, empowered and are free to let their unique creativity flow.

I look forward to meeting you,

Arohanui, Amalita

ADMINISTRATOR AND SUPPORT TEACHER

Hello!

I am Liz, and I am the administrator and support teacher at Thrive ELC.

My background is a mix of many different adventures ranging from being a hammerhand right through to coaching riders at Marlborough Riding for the disabled.

My husband and I have raised two cheeky children and we live just down the road from Thrive in Witherlea.

I look forward to meeting you.

Kia ora, Liz

TEACHER, TEAM LEADER, KŌWHAI ROOM (3-5 YEARS)

Kia Ora, my name is Jenna. My hubby and I have two beautiful wee girls, Mikaela and Zoey.

I am a fully qualified and registered Early Childhood teacher. I have been in ECE since 2009, when I graduated. Since then I have done further study around ECE and also other fields.

I am most passionate about working with children 3-5 years, preparing the tamariki for their move to school. I love watching the tamariki learn and grow into confident competent learners with their own spark for life.

In my spare time, I am with my wee family. We love to go for bike rides, river, walks. Our girls love dragons and dinosaurs so a lot of that happens in our house!

When I am not working or being with my family, I am out running. My favourite distance to train for at the moment is marathons. If you see me out running in the hills or the streets, give me a wave, or even better stop me to say hi, because I am always keen for a wee rest!

I can’t wait to work with and alongside you and your child/children here at Thrive!

Thanks,

Jenna :)

TEACHER, TUI ROOM (1-3 YEARS)

Kia Ora, Ko Amber tōku ingoa. I am a fully qualified and registered teacher, having completed my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) in 2012.

I’ve been a member of the teaching team here at Thrive since July 2022 and have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this wonderful caring environment.

I have lived in Blenheim most of my life and therefore love the Marlborough region, especially the Wither Hills where I enjoy running and walking with family and friends.

Family is of huge importance to me and this is why I really love that Thrive is a family owned preschool that values whānau and their involvement so highly.

Prior to my career in education I was a croupier and enjoyed travelling overseas with this position. While working in the casino industry I met my husband Ed and now we both work in Early Childhood Education and have three children, our daughter Lily and twin boys Lachlan and Blake.

I am passionate about creating a calm, peaceful environment based on respect and strong relationships for children so that they can develop a sense of belonging and become competent learners as they make sense of their world.

Thanks, Amber :)

KŌWHAI CLASSROOM (3-5 YEARS)

Kia ora,

Ko Genevieve Chamberlain ahau,

I am thrilled to be a part of the wonderful team at thrive! My passion for teaching began while I was teaching English to children in Europe. After ten years, I have brought my family back home to Blenheim and I am now in my third and final year of study towards becoming a qualified teacher.

I love getting creative with tamariki and supporting them to follow through with their amazing ideas.

In my free time I can be found spending time with my husband and our two children aged 10 and 6, fishing and exploring different spots around the Marlborough region.

I look forward to getting to know you!

Genevieve x

TEACHER, KOWHAI CLASSROOM (3-5 YEARS)

Hi, My name is Wendy and I came to New Zealand for a six month holiday fourteen years ago when I ended up meeting my husband Steve. We now have two boys, Lachlan who is nine and Joel who is six.

I have many years experience in childcare, ranging from nannying for military families, being a full qualified teacher in the UK to now a fully qualified teacher in New Zealand. As a parent I understand how hard it can be to leave your children in the hands of other people. So, I believe in providing a caring environment is vital to allow children to grow and in return provided parents and whānau with peace of mind that their children are well cared for and being given the best opportunity to thrive.

When I am not teaching; my family and I love to go away camping and travelling around New Zealand. My happy place is the beach, winter or summer! I really look forward to getting to know you and your children :)

Wendy