Team Leader
Qualified Registered Teacher

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.

With over 20 years experience in early childhood education, I believe strong, respectful relationships are the foundation for meaningful learning. I aim to bring heart, dedication, and fun to every connection I make with tamariki, whānau, and kaiako and the wider community. I’m looking forward to making connections with you and your whānau.

Qualified Registered Teacher

Kia Ora! I’m Brittany, a fully registered early childhood teacher with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education (2013). As a mum to three: Mason, Aria, and Zack, I understand the importance of nurturing children’s growth and love for learning.

I’m passionate about creating a safe, engaging environment where children can explore, discover, and thrive, while supporting their independence, curiosity, and unique potential.

Qualified Registered Teacher

Kia ora, my name is Auleen Kaur.

I gained my Early Childhood Education degree from Open Polytechnic in 2017 and have since worked with children of all ages across various Auckland centres. I joined The Garden in 2023, where my own daughter, Mavleen, also attends. I am passionate about creating warm, beautiful environments that spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. Outside of teaching, I enjoy DIY projects and spending time with my husband, Sukhjeet, our daughter and close friends. I look forward to building strong, positive relationships with our tamariki and whānau.

Teacher Support

I am Shathi Bishwash. I am from Bangladesh. I completed my graduation and postgraduation from Bangladesh. Hopefully soon I will study in ECE. I am a teacher support at The Garden ECE, Gate Pa. I am married. I have a precious family with my husband and baby daughter. I love to play with children and communicate with people. My favourite hobbies are painting, crafting and drawing.

Qualified Registered Teacher

Kia ora koutou, ko Jo tōku ingoa.

I have been part of the infant and toddler team here at The Garden since 2019, first in Omokoroa and now in Gate Pa. I love being part of a wonderful team of like-minded kaiako and our wider ‘Garden whānau’. Our philosophy fits perfectly with my values of kindness, respect, and fairness, and my belief that tamariki learn best when they are surrounded by a beautiful, homely and natural environment, where they feel safe, loved and nurtured, and have the freedom to explore, play, and follow their natural curiosities, in their own individual ways. 

I grew up on a farm in the King Country, which gave me many valuable learning opportunities, and my love for animals and nature. After spending most of my twenties working as a healthcare assistant, in Hamilton, and overseas while travelling, I pursued a career in Nursing.

After a short time working as a Registered Nurse, I became an Aunty and soon realised that working with young children seemed like a much better idea for me, which I have done since 2013.

When I’m not at The Garden I enjoy spending time with family and friends, including my four nephews, experimenting with growing plants, going for beach walks and looking for treasures and eating out at local cafe’s and restaurants.

Qualified Registered Teacher

Kia ora e te whānau, ko Lynnette Robertson toku ingoa. 

I was born in New Zealand and spent many years living in Australia and London. Both my children were born in England, and we returned to New Zealand when they were young. They grew up at The Mount, and after traveling for many years, are now living in Hamilton and here in Tauranga. I am now loving being Grandma, or “Nannette” to my beautiful mokopuna. 

I have worked with infants and toddlers for many years and am passionate about ensuring our youngest tamariki have the best possible start in their learning journey. I believe that whanaungatanga provides the foundation for the trusting relationships that pēpi need to feel safe and loved, enabling them to grow and learn. 

Qualified Registered Teacher

Kia ora,

Ko Sharlene toku ingoa,

I have been working in the Early Childhood Education sector for 20 years.  I hold a Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood.

I have four children of my own and two grandchildren who are twins.

Teaching our tamariki is so rewarding.  Supporting their interests and ideas and seeing them develop at an unhurried pace is so very important to me.

In my spare time i enjoy spending time with family and going on walks.

Qualified Registered Teacher

Kia ora whānau! I'm Minjuan Wang, but you can call me Sammi. Originally from China, I've been living in New Zealand with my family (my husband and my son) for more than six years. During my free time, you'll often find me exploring new destinations, diving into a good book, or enjoying beachside adventures with our furry friend, Cooper. I completed my studies in the field of early childhood education at Toi-Ohomai and I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where tamariki feel valued and respected.

Teacher in Training (ECE)

Kia Ora! I’m Trinity, I was born in Tauranga, New Zealand where I was raised alongside four siblings.

In my spare time I love being outdoors, fishing, camping and hanging out with my whanāu. 

I am currently in my first year of studying for my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education, which has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I hope to use that passion to inspire, nurture and empower the young lives I have the privilege to teach everyday.

Teacher in Training (ECE)

Kia ora!

I’m Sammy, originally from Auckland, raised in Hamilton, and now loving life in beautiful Tauranga. I went to high school in Papamoa and have always felt at home by the beach. After school I was working in retail, including Mitre 10 just across from The Garden, I followed my passion for early childhood education and joined The Garden team in 2022. I started as an unqualified teacher and, with the support of Rachel, Mornay, and the team, I began my ECE studies a year later, at the moment I am in my second year of my Bachelors. I’m passionate about helping tamariki grow, learn, and build strong values like whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and aroha. Outside of work, I love photography, travelling, music, beach days, and spending time with my friends and whānau. You’ll find me in the Kākano room with our amazing tamariki. I can’t wait to connect with you and your whānau!

Qualified Registered Teacher

Hello, I'm Kim. 

I have transferred from Omokoroa to Gate Pa, so have the pleasure of continuing my employment with Rachel and Mornay.  I have 30 years plus of ECE experience. I am a permanent reliever at 'The Garden Gate Pa' working 4 days.  I live in Omokoroa and live with my husband Craig. I have six wonderful children (5 daughters and 1 son) whom have given me 14 wonderful grandchildren. 

My key values as a teacher are to provide a warm homely nurturing environment, with the key values of love, respect and kindest.

I love meeting people and building relationships that support the growth of your tamariki.

In my spare time I like to spend time with family and friends, take walks, read and cook.

I look forward to meeting you.

Chef and Support

My name is Tanisha and I am the centre cook. I previously worked as a cook in a rest home but after extending my family I took on the role as the centre cook at The Garden Tauranga.

I love what I do and enjoy watching all our children at The Garden grow, learn and thrive. 

I have 2 children, a daughter aged 10 and a son aged 3 who is also thriving at The Garden. I love fishing and spending time with family.