OUR Team
CENTRE MANAGER
Kirsten Price
I have been working at Polkadots since November 2014 and in this time I have completed my Bachelor of Teaching through the New Zealand Tertiary College. During my training I was very lucky to experience contrasting centres in both the North and South Island and gained so much knowledge that has shaped me into the teacher I am today.
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, singing and dancing (though not always very good...), being creative and getting outdoors and exploring.
Teaching is definitely my passion and I find great importance in child led play, allowing the child to explore the environment at their own pace to make sense of their world! I have a great passion for getting messy and creative, using te reo naturally within the environment and upholding tikanga values throughout our day.
Education
BACHELOR OF TEACHING ECE 2017
ADMINISTRATOR
Anna Armstrong
Kia ora, I am the centre owner of Polkadots and am incredibly passionate about the education and care we provide to every child to flourish.
We opened the the centre in 2007 and I have been very fortunate to see so many local children grow and thrive over the years. I absolutely love being at the Centre and engaging with our tamariki and whanau.
I live with my husband and 3 boys near Mt Lyford on a sheep, beef and deer farm. I play hockey and love watching my children’s sport too.
Education
DIPLOMA OF TEACHING ECE 2002
TI RAKAU TEACHER
Anna Crean
I live in Culverden and have completed my Bachelor of Teaching while working at Polkadots, I have been here since 2017.
I love sharing learning experiences with the children and building strong relationships with children, families and colleagues.
I love sport and spending time with family and friends.
Education
BACHELOR OF TEACHING ECE 2020
MANUKA TEACHER
Cheyenne Hearne
Kia ora, I have been at Polkadots since 2020. I have always been passionate about working alongside tamariki, so I decided to further my career and study Early Childhood through New Zealand Tertiary College. I'm currently in my third year of Bachelor of Teaching and thoroughly enjoying it.
I'm from Christchurch originally but completed most of my schooling in Nelson.
I'm currently spending most of my time in Big Dots but still get to visit the Nursery.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, trying new things and going to new places.
Education
BACHELOR OF TEACHING ECE 3rd Year student
KOWHAI TEACHER
Brad Price
Hi, My name is Brad and I'm the teacher in the prep room. I'm a primary trained teacher with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning and a bachelor of arts in philosophy and classical studies. In my spare time I enjoy casually cycling, reading and a bit of gaming, as well as creating some pretty nifty things with Lego. I hope to bring an energetic, fun and enthusiastic perspective to everyday to help create exciting learning environments for the children
Education
BACHELOR OF TEACHING PRIMARY 2021
KOWHAI TEACHER
Levi Stephens
Kia ora, My name is Levi. Myself, my partner Tim, our daughter Tazmin and fur baby (cat) Louie moved to Culverden in December 2021 when we purchased our first home leaving behind sunny Nelson. Previously I have worked and studied as a teacher aide and also managed afterschool and holiday programmes. I absolutely love watching children grow and learn within their environment. I'm very excited to be part of the Polkadots whanau, I have completed my ECE certificate level 4 and then plan to do more studies and training within Early childhood education.
I am looking forward to supporting your tamariki develop and grow into confident learners.
Education
LEVEL 4 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & CARE CERTIFICATE 2023
MANUKA TEACHER
Melissa Garreffa
Hi, my name is Milissa and I moved to Mt Lyford 2 years ago from Australia. I have been teaching in Australia for 10 years and have a three-year-old daughter. In early childhood I place priority on wellbeing, relationships and having fun! I think children learn best when they are following their interests and exploring. I can't wait to meet you all and become part of the team at Polkadots.
Education
BATCHELOR OF TEACHING 2014
MANUKA TEACHER - Maternity Leave
Katie Jamison
Kai ora I'm Katie I live in Hawarden on a sheep and beef farm with my partner, Will & our daughters.
I've been working at Polkadots Preschool since 2012. After working for a year, I absolutely loved it and felt so passionate about working with the children so I then went on to studying by correspondence through New Zealand Tertiary College and graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.
I have worked in both the nursery and the preschool environments at Polkadots.
I have such a passion for the children and love working and learning alongside them as they explore and discover the world around them.
Education
BACHELOR OF TEACHING ECE 2017
MANUKA TEACHER
Biddy Lott
Hi, my name is Biddy. I live in Waiau with my husband Billy and three children Henry, George and Charlotte. We operate a contracting business and a beef farm. I have a large garden that keeps me very busy when I’m not teaching.
I have been apart of the Polkadots environment since 2007 teaching in both the Preschool and Nursery. I have a passion for Early Childhood Education and enjoy engaging with all the children and encouraging them to develop their knowledge, skills and interests.
Education
DIPLOMA OF TEACHING ECE 2007
MANUKA TEACHER
Tammi Body
I have been teaching at Polkadots since January.
I live on a farm near Waiau with my amazing partner Clint, we have 3 beautiful school aged girls.
I love spending time with my family, getting away for a weekend and watching my girls weekend sports.
I hope to make the tamariki at Polkadots feel safe in this environment and instil them with confidence and resilience.
Education
Will be looking at ECE training in the near future.
RELIEF TEACHER
Gemma Chick
Kia ora, I have been teaching in the Early Childhood area since 2007, and all of those wonderful years have been here at Polkadots. I have experience in all age groups but particularly enjoy working with tamariki aged 2-4. I love exploring children’s interests with them and doing projects to extend their current knowledge.
I have lived in the Hurunui area all my life and have a wonderful husband and two beautiful children - Leo and Scarlett. My husband and I lease one of our family farms which is a dairy farm of 350 cows. I love to travel and have been to many parts of America, England, Europe and Greece.
Education
DIPLOMA OF TEACHING ECE 2011
MANUKA TEACHER
Becky Harwood
Kia ora, I am an experienced Early Childhood teacher.
I have worked at Polkadots since 2022. I live in Culverden with my wonderful family and am studying to gain my Bachelor of Teaching in ECE.
Education
First year teacher in training Bachelor of Teaching ECE
RELIEF TEACHER
Karen McKenzie - Philips
Kia ora, I am a qualified certified Early Childhood teacher. I hold a Bachelor of Teaching in ECE.
I have worked at Polkadots since 2008. I live near Waiau on a small farm with my husband Graeme. We also run an airbnb on our property. I have a passion for providing children with experiences to extend their thinking and holistic development.
Education
BACHELOR OF TEACHING ECE 2005