Our Team
Our Team
The best early learning comes from a brilliant team of educators, so we only have the most passionate, empathetic and talented people working at Inspired Minds.
Daniel
I am originally from the beautiful Waitakere City (west Auckland). I have been working in Early Childhood for the last 17 or so years in Auckland. I was lucky enough to stumble into Early Childhood education while doing my Bachelors of Education Primary. Because the early years in a child’s development has such a huge impact on a child’s life I was determined to play my part as teacher and I knew I could do more as an Early Childhood teacher rather than a primary teacher.
My parents and a few awesome teachers have taught and role modelled to me the importance of respect, imagination, and patience. I do my best every day to role model that to my children (4 year old girl and 7 year old boy) and all the children under my care at Inspired Minds. At work I love having the opportunity to watch and be part of the children’s natural development and see them developing their skills for life every day.
Before starting Inspired Minds Early Learning Centre I have worked as a teacher, team leader and the last position I held was a Centre Director in Auckland for a large Early Childhood centre.
In my spare time I love to keep active. As a newish (5years) member to the beautiful northland community my wife and I like to take our Tamariki to the different beaches, parks and walks in Whangarei. I like to fish and was playing rugby up until moving to Whangarei this summer. I keep a friendly blue dragon under my house the children like to hear stories about. My favourite superheros are Wolverine and Scrooge McDuck. I can’t wait to get to know you and your child more. Favourite Quote “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” Dr Seuss
My parents and a few awesome teachers have taught and role modelled to me the importance of respect, imagination, and patience. I do my best every day to role model that to my children (4 year old girl and 7 year old boy) and all the children under my care at Inspired Minds. At work I love having the opportunity to watch and be part of the children’s natural development and see them developing their skills for life every day.
Before starting Inspired Minds Early Learning Centre I have worked as a teacher, team leader and the last position I held was a Centre Director in Auckland for a large Early Childhood centre.
In my spare time I love to keep active. As a newish (5years) member to the beautiful northland community my wife and I like to take our Tamariki to the different beaches, parks and walks in Whangarei. I like to fish and was playing rugby up until moving to Whangarei this summer. I keep a friendly blue dragon under my house the children like to hear stories about. My favourite superheros are Wolverine and Scrooge McDuck. I can’t wait to get to know you and your child more. Favourite Quote “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” Dr Seuss
Kia
I am originally from Cape Town South Africa, born next to Table Mountain. I have two children, two stepchildren and 4 grandbabies. My family and I moved to NZ in 2003 and I really wanted to work with children and study for a qualification so when a full-time post as a ECE teacher was offered to me, I took the opportunity and started my studies. We started out in Auckland and then moved to Whangarei in 2007. Before coming to NZ, I did all sorts of jobs in South Africa including being a police officer for a short period of time after I left school where I met my husband who was also a police officer. I much prefer working with children and eventually qualified with a Bachelor of Education (ECE) in NZ. I worked both in childcare centres and as a visiting teacher for homebased childcare and owned my own homebased childcare.I believe that relationships form the foundation of caring for children, so I do my best to foster this foundation every day. Children need love, kindness, nurturing and respect to feel settled and loved and in return I like to teach children to show this to each other as well, helping their social emotional development. Fostering relationships with whanau, caregivers, and the teachers I work with is also very important to me and helps tamariki feel safe and creates a sense of belonging. Nature forms a big part of children’s development and getting children to experience nature is very important. I believe that the early years are the most important years of a child’s life.I love camping and animals (we have a zoo at home) and getting together with family and friends. I enjoy NZ and all it has to offer such as simple freedoms like being safe and all its beauty.My favourite superhero is Batman.Favourite quote: “The grandest feeling is that feeling which you call love” Neal Donald Walsch
Shelley
Hey guys. My name is Shelley. I live here in whangarei with my partner. Before becoming a member of the amazing team here at Inspired Minds Early Learning Centre I worked down the road at another centre for 6 years. I have two older sisters and I am a pretty cool Aunty to two adorable nephews and one beautiful niece. My favourite thing to do is jump in the car and just cruise. We always end up at the beach or find a stunning bay to admire. My family is everything to me. The majority of the time we are spending time together having laughs, making memories and eating food. Nearly seven years ago I became a teacher because I found out that my love for children was a passion for children. I felt like I could make a positive influence in their live. It is such a great feeling knowing that the children are gaining new knowledge about themselves. Not only are they learning everyday but also they are teaching me. Watching the children try new experiences would ave to be the best part of my day. I work with such an amazing team who I learn so much from and inspire me. We all work extremely well together and I couldn’t ask for anything better. My favourite colour is yellow. I love to swim. Bacon carbonara is my go to food and Winnie the Pooh is my childhood favourite character. I am a very bubbly person who loves to have a whole lot of fun and laughs I cant wait to meet you.
Favourite quote “a teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart”
Favourite quote “a teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart”
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Tennielle
Kia ora whanau!
My name is Tennielle Cherrington, I am a Whangarei local with 2 grown children and a wonderful partner.We are huge sport fanatics and avid food lovers, which makes for a very busy and competitive household indeed.I have been teaching since 2013 and are excited to begin a new journey in 2023 with the team at Inspired Minds, I look forward to meeting you all and working with your awesome tamariki.
My name is Tennielle Cherrington, I am a Whangarei local with 2 grown children and a wonderful partner.We are huge sport fanatics and avid food lovers, which makes for a very busy and competitive household indeed.I have been teaching since 2013 and are excited to begin a new journey in 2023 with the team at Inspired Minds, I look forward to meeting you all and working with your awesome tamariki.