Jo

Kia ora koutou, ko Jo tōku ingoa.

I have been part of the infant and toddler team here at The Garden since 2019 and became a registered early childhood kaiako in 2021. 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 consider it a privilege to be entrusted with the care and education of our youngest tamariki, and prioritise their safety and wellbeing, as well as their developing independence and emotional intelligence. The rate of learning and development at this age still amazes me so much, and I feel so lucky to be able to play a role in fostering this and see so many important moments of discovery. I believe that natural environments can provide some of the richest learning opportunities for our tamariki and encourage both an interest in, and respect for nature through my teaching practice. 

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. During this time, I have been living in Whakamārama, where I feel right at home surrounded by farmland and animals, including my pet sheep called Daisy who lives just over the fence at the neighbours.

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, eating out at local cafe’s and restaurants, or getting my ‘healthcare’ fix watching my favourite health related programmes on television.

Ngā mihi.