Sarah Matenga-Principal

Bachelor of Tch; Lrn E.C.E., Registered Teacher

Kia ora

Ko Sarah Matenga toku ingoa.

I have been working at ECCC since 2002. During this time I have enjoyed many roles within the centre. Currently I am the centre Principal/Licensee which is an exciting role as I get to work in all areas of the centre and liaise with families and other agencies. Early childhood education is certainly my passion and I couldn’t think of a more rewarding job than to be a part of shaping our next generation, especially alongside the dedicated team we have here 🙂

I have four children of my own and am very fortunate to have my daughter Joy working here alongside me at ECCC.

My personal philosophy is…”When the Centre and Families work together and build a strong relationship, the child has the foundation to  learn and grow and achieve anything”

Nicola Forrester -Deputy Principal

Diploma of Teaching ECE, Registered Teacher

Kia Ora my name is Nicola. I've been extremely lucky and have taught here at ECCC since 2007. I started my teaching journey in the under twos however now i am working in the over twos as 2IC and work mainly with the 3 year olds alongside Annie. I feel extremely fortunate to have had my 3 tamariki attend here alongside me. ECCC holds a special place in my heart and feels like a home away from home for myself and my whānau/aiga.

Joy Matenga -Under 2's Supervisor

Bachelor of Tch; Lrn E.C.E., Registered Teacher

Kia ora, my name is Joy Matenga and I have been working at ECCC since 2012. I am the under twos supervisor and feel so blessed to work in such an amazing environment alongside Kirsten and Leanne. All 3 of us love getting out in to the neighbourhood on spontaneous excursions and we are so lucky to have a gate that backs out on to the red zone (or 'the meadows' as we like to call it) so we spend lots of time exploring the meadows, foraging for fruit and just following the tamariki as they take the lead.

I have 3 beautiful sons, Sailor, Archer and Sonny who also come along to ECCC with me. We refer to the centre as a home away from home and it really does just feel like one big whānau here at ECCC.

Sarah McRae

Diploma of Teaching ECE, Registered Teacher

Kia ora, my name is Sarah McRae and I began working here at eccc in 2014. I am a registered teacher and have worked with all age groups over my time here and am now the curriculum leader, working mainly with our 4 year old 'cabin kids.' 

Relationships are very important to me and I believe tamariki who have a strong sense of belonging are then able to thrive and grow to their full potential.

My husband and I have two adult sons who we love dearly and are very proud of.

Annie Fox

Bachelor of Tch; Lrn E.C.E., Registered Teacher

Kia ora, my name is Annie.  I have had the privilege of working at ECCC since 2004 since I was first training and could not have had a better foundation to build my experience on.  I work primarily with the three year olds with Nicola.
I have a great interest in literacy and communication and this age group certainly provides some wonderful conversations throughout the day together with all of the tamariki. 
I have two children of my own, Emma and Josh who are adults themselves now.  I believe relationships are paramount for a child’s development and learning.  A sense of humour is also very important.  I cannot think of another job that gives you so much joy and laughter. 

Shalai Schwalger-Blazey

Experienced Unqualified Teacher

Talofa, I'm Shalai. I started at ECCC as a student in 2018 and not long after that I was offered some permanent hours. I then went on to have my beautiful son Kairo who is my pride and joy and comes along to the centre with me so for now my studies are on hold while i make the most of my son being young. I work with the awesome 2 year olds alongside Rachel. I believe that preschool should feel like a home away from home and i will make sure that you and your tamariki feel like aiga.

Rachel Young

Bachelor of Education Secondary
Post Grad Diploma ECE, Registered Teacher

I was lucky to have a teaching placement at ECCC while studying in 2016 and even luckier to begin teaching here in 2017. I work with the two year olds alongside Shalai  as well as working closely with the babyroom Kaiako when a tamaiti is transitioning to the over 2s. I love the combination of helping support tamariki developing independence whilst still ensuring they are getting the nurturing and emotional support they need to thrive. 
We have such a special outdoor setting including access to the meadows where we can explore, forage, ride bikes, blow bubbles and just be. I am passionate about creating a sense of community and working with and getting to know whānau to best support tamariki. 
I live locally with my tamariki Hazel & Angus and my husband Conan. I feel very fortunate to work in such a fun and caring environment that has relationships and the wellbeing of tamariki at the heart of everything we do. 
Poipoia te kākano kia puawai 
Nurture the seed and it will blossom.

Kirsten Oates

Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education 
Certificate in Babies & Toddlers Care 

Hi my name is Kirsten Oates and I have been teaching at  ECCC since 1989.

I have a Certificate in Infant and Toddlers. I work with the under twos along with Joy and Leanne. This is an area I feel very passionate about and young children never stop amazing me.

I am married and have two gorgeous sons, who also attended ECCC when they were young and I also have a beautiful grand daughter.

My family and my job is the reason I wake up happy every day!

Leanne Heyward

Experienced Unqualified Teacher

Hi my name is Leanne Heyward and I began working here in April 2007 as a teaching assistant.

Over my years here I have developed my skills to become an experienced teacher, in all areas of the centre.

I am now based in the under twos area but occasionally work in the over twos if i am needed.

I believe the children and their families who attend the centre need to feel safe, happy and cared for, like a home away from home. Also for their time at the centre to be fun of course.

I have two adult children of my own who mean the world to me and whom I am very proud of.