Our People | ottawa-preschool

Sharon

Centre Owner

Bachelor of Teaching E.C.E

Hi, My name is Sharon McFarlane, I am the owner of Ottawa Garden Preschool and Nursery, I brought the preschool back in 2003. I have a bachelor of teaching and am currently working towards my full registration, so I am working on the floor alongside my teaching team. I enjoy working with all children, both in the under twos and over. Seeing their bright bubbly faces as they walk into the preschool is one of the best feelings you can get as you know they feel safe, welcome and a strong sense of belonging. My aim as the owner is to insure a professional but fun working enviroment for my teaching staff, where they know they are valued as individuals and their strengths are always maintained in their teaching practice. I have two children, Melissa who is the centres manager and Steven who is a painter and decorator.

Kate

Teacher

Bachelor of Teaching Primary,

provisionally Registered

Melissa

Centre Manager

Bachelor of Teaching E.C.E,

Fully Registered

Hi my name is Melissa and I am the centre manager here at Ottawa Gardens Preschool. I have been working here since 2003. I moved down from Wellington to work with and alongside my mother Sharon (centre owner) I have a bachelor of teaching and am working towards full registration this year. I haven't always been manager however love the challenge this role brings me. Having a fantastic team under me helps me to be the best manager I can be. I have a strong passion for working with under two children and meeting their needs. My other passion is Ottawa Gardens preschool and to maintain a professional, homely, inviting place for all children and their whanau. I have two children Hailee and Cohan whom both attended Ottawa Gardens Preschool and were lucky enough to have mum and nana with them while they attended preschool. I love working with the staff here and our unique and naturalistic environment and a philosophy based on relationships within our preschool whanau and community. I look forward to meeting you, your child and whanau.

Peter

Head Teacher

Bachelor of Teaching E.C.E,

Fully registered

Hi, My name is Peter I have my degree in Early Childhood Education through Te Tari Puna. I have 3 beautiful daughters, Lucia, Rebekah and Gabriela who have all attended or currently attend Ottawa Gardens Preschool. I have been working at Ottawa Gardens Preschool and Nursery since 2016 working full time. One of my strengths is building strong relationships with the tamariki and their whanau. I enjoy taking the tamariki outside and offering experiences based around their current interests and getting my ukulele out and singing waiata (even though my voice isnt too flash). I love working at Ottawa Gardens Preschool because of the homley feel the building and teaching staff provide, making the tamariki feel safe and valued.

Ashleigh