BBPS Teachers and Support Staff

Starting as new immigrants from South Africa in 1998, with our four children, Bernhard, Meghan, Jocelyn and Robyn, we settled on the North Shore. Our heritage is Dutch, as both sets of parents were originally from Holland. We identify as being Dutch and speak the language to our children and grandchildren. We have three grandchildren who we adore; Liam, Sam and Mia, and hopefully many more to join them. In 2000 we took over Browns Bay Preschool. Both Bert and I are actively involved in the Preschool with Bert doing the cooking and looking after the financial side, while I oversee the learning programme, support the teachers and liaise with parents. Bert has a Masters in Psychology and I have a Bachelor of Teaching. I am a founding member of REANZ (Reggio Emilia Aotearoa New Zealand), which provides professional learning opportunities for teachers throughout New Zealand and beyond. I have been to Reggio Emilia on a number of occasions in a professional learning capacity, as well as being the tour leader for several Melbourne study tours. Bert loves cooking, especially Italian food and listening to music. I love baking and cooking for my family. When I retire, I would love to start a professional development and learning support group that will offer free PD to teachers who need support and are working in low socio-economic areas where financial resources are hard to come by. Bert and I hope to do a lot more travelling in the future and I might take up golf.

My name is Sharmini Paddick. I am originally from Malaysia but have been in New Zealand since 1996. I joined Browns Bay Preschool in 2000. I am a fully registered, full time teacher and have a Diploma of Teaching in ECE. I am passionate about learning, teaching and working with children. My husband is originally from the UK. We got married in September 2013. We have two children; Angeline (2002) and William (2003). We are Christians and our faith is important to us. We enjoy attending church together and spending time together as a family. My passions out of Preschool are; going for walks along the beach, photography, acrylic painting and I have an interest in food and nutrition. I have a Certificate in Food and Nutrition from the Open Polytechnic New Zealand. Working with children is a real blessing and I hope to continue to stay inspired.
My name is Sacha Hickman and I grew up on a farm in Northland, moving to Auckland in 1993, to study towards a Bachelor of Arts Degree. After graduating I moved to the UK to work and travel. After nine fun filled years, I returned to New Zealand with my English husband, Andrew. It was the birth of my first child, Max, in 2006 that made me re-evaluate my life and take the first steps towards becoming a teacher. I came to Browns Bay Preschool as a student teacher in February 2010. When Therese invited me to join the teaching team I was delighted. I am passionate about teaching and enjoy the fun, wonder and excitement that each new day brings. Outside of Preschool, my interests revolve largely around family life. Andy is an actor, so we go to the theatre as much as possible. Max and his little sister Ava enjoy spending time at the local parks and beaches. 

Kia ora koutou, I am Sophie Moskowitz and I joined Browns Bay Preschool in 2016. I was born in California, USA, and moved to New Zealand with my family just before I turned five. I spent my formative years in Westmere (just on the other side of the Harbour Bridge!), and completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Linguistics at Victoria University of Wellington. My partner Adam and I spent a few years travelling and living overseas, including stints living in Italy and London, as well as holidays in China, Turkey, Iran, Vietnam, Iceland, Mexico, Cuba, and so many more! We returned to Auckland at the end of 2014 and I completed my Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) in 2015. I am now living back in Westmere with Adam and our puppy Bonny. In my spare time I enjoy reading novels, cooking, yoga, swimming in the ocean, and catching up with my young niece and nephews in the Waikato. After many years of caring for children as a nanny and English teacher I am very excited to join the wonderful team here at Browns Bay Preschool. I look forward to getting to know all our children and whanau.

Hi! I am Lorelei Sta. Ines-Della Cruze. I obtained my Bachelors Degree in Education from the Philippines, where I am originally from. After graduating in 1998, I started working with young children in my country. In May 2007, with the guidance of my good Lord, I decided to immigrate to New Zealand, and since then, Browns Bay Preschool has been my second family. I am now living with my husband, Edwin, and our three boys, Alexandre John, Qenneth Dwein and Qyle Lewie. I am an outgoing and adventurous person. When I am at home I love taking care of my family and cooking for them. Teaching for me is not just a profession but a gift. I find it so rewarding that I can be part of children’s learning while enjoying the early years of their lives. At the same time, I learn a lot from them. I believe in what the bible says: “Train a child in the way he should go. And when he is old enough he will not turn from it. “ Proverbs 22:6

My name is Chantelle Skelton and I am a fully qualified and registered early childhood teacher. I hold a Bachelor of Education, and completed my studies through AUT in 2013.  I believe in the importance of providing a nurturing environment for our young children, and in following their interests through play, responding to their everyday needs, and valuing their strengths. I began teaching in late 2013, and have previously worked in two centres on the Hibiscus Coast, with the under two age group. I am excited to be joining the team at Browns Bay Preschool this year, and to be working with the two to five year old age group which is an exciting change. I have been thoroughly enjoying my time getting to know all of the children and whanau.  I currently live on the Hibiscus Coast where I grew up, and love the local area and beaches. I enjoy watching films, cooking and spending time with my friends and family. 
Kia Ora, my name is Tiana Hiini. I have been in the early childhood field since 1990. I am NZ made- a Kiwi- born and bred on the North Shore, Aotearoa. I hold a Diploma of Teaching in ECE and am fully registered. I have been at BBPS since 2010. I am very passionate about working with children and I love seeing the world through their eyes: the sense of wonder and delight, especially when they achieve their individual milestones. I love working at Browns Bay Preschool with an amazing team who share the same commitment and core values to loving and providing quality care to every child. I look forward to building a deep foundation for the love of learning with your child and watching them grow. 
My name is Meghan Major. I am a fully qualified teacher with a Post Graduate Diploma in ECE (2011) and a background in fashion and costume design (Bachelor’s Degree). I have been a teacher at Browns Bay Preschool since 2009. As of 2015 I will be working part time towards a Masters Degree in Education. I am passionate about teaching and learning and believe that learning is a life long journey. It is a privilege and an honour to be part of children’s learning journeys. I see myself as an advocate for children’s rights. I am interested in the future of education and what that will look like for families, children and teachers. Outside of Preschool I enjoy being outdoors, walking, attending my local boot camp or working in the garden. I also enjoy painting, sewing and spending time with my wonderful family. 

My name is Tanya Drake. I have two children; a son (2006) and a daughter (2009). They both attend a local primary school and love it. I have been with Browns Bay Preschool since 2014, relieving throughout the Centre but working predominantly with the Penguins, which I love. I have worked with children over the last 25 years; working as a nanny whilst in England and an Au Pair to a Swiss family. I love being part of children's lives; watching them learn and grow and taking the steps towards independence, I also love the fact that they teach me about the world around me, allowing me to take time to stop, look and wonder. Outside of Preschool my interests vary, including being involved with the MG Car Club, going to the movies, going to the gym, and anything to do with my children, including watching them at the various sports that they play.
My name is Maureen Proux. My husband, David and I have two grown up children, four grandchildren and a large ginger cat called Stanley. I like to knit and have knitted for all of my family, except Stanley. I have also knitted blankets for the children of Ukraine. I play golf and enjoy going to the movies and walking; I walk to Browns Bay Preschool most days. I work in the kitchen, helping to prepare and supervising the children’s morning tea and lunch. My favourite foods are roast duck, mussel fritters and Salmon vol-au-vents, which my husband cooks for me. I love to listen to music, especially the golden oldies! I love gardening but not the housework. I enjoy working with the children at Browns Bay Preschool.

Hello, my name is Robyn Visser and I am the administrator for Browns Bay Preschool. I have a Bachelor in Communication Studies from AUT where I majored in Public Relations. I have lived in New Zealand since 1998 and consider myself a true Kiwi. I am very passionate about reading and creative writing, and my absolute favourite book series is Harry Potter. I also enjoy travelling, and have been fortunate enough to visit many places where I have spent my time volunteering. It is exciting to join the team at Browns Bay Pre School and to be able to work alongside all of the amazing teachers and staff.