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Meet Our team.

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Debbie McCabe

Owner and Manager

 

I have worked in early childhood in both New Zealand and Australia since 1986.

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I completed my original diploma in 1995 and became a registered teacher when returning to New Zealand in 1999. I went on to complete a Degree in Education in 2015.

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 In 2006/2007 My husband and I purchased Tree Bears, which fulfilled my dream to own a small boutique family-orientated preschool.

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My personal teaching philosophy has been strongly influenced by Te Whāriki, the New Zealand early childhood curriculum. For me, it reinforces my belief about reciprocal relationships, as being a very important tool that supports our children’s learning. 

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I enjoy being a part of both the Nursery and Preschool, getting to know children and families.

I wear many hats supporting families, teachers and managing the centre but for me the best part is being actively involved and engaged with children. 

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Manon Rackett

Nursery Teacher


My name is Manon, and I am thrilled to be working at Tree Bears.

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Early childhood teaching is something I am really interested in and keen to learn more about since having my own children, Lola, and Summer.


I am French but have lived in both Australia and New Zealand for over 10 years now.

 I work mainly in the Nursey here at Tree Bears

I am really looking forward to working alongside all the children here at Tree Bears.

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Kim-michelle Flanagan
Preschool Teacher
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Hi, my name is Kim-Michelle, I have been teaching young children since the early 2000s and completed my Diploma of teaching in 2007.

I base my own teaching philosophy on building respectful relationships with families and working alongside children to build and extend their natural curiosity and love of learning.

 

I enjoy spending time with my dog Hazel, I also enjoy building Lego, music, crafting, colouring, and reading.

Working in this beautiful village is both tranquil and peaceful I really enjoy being surrounded by nature. I really enjoy working at Tree Bears, it is such a lovely village.

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Tony Wang

Preschool Teacher

 

My name is Tony. I moved to Hanmer Springs in 2022 with my wife, Yifan. I previously worked in Christchurch at an Early Childhood Centre.

I have completed my level 5 in Early Childhood papers. Here in New Zealand.

 While I lived in China, I also worked in Early Childhood and before that, I helped build rocket ships!

 

I believe that the children should always come first and that we must listen to the child and take their lead on their learning journey.

 

I am a huge believer that learning should be fun and inviting for all.

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Yifan Jia
Preschool Teacher
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Hi, my name is Yifan. I am originally from China. I moved to New Zealand with my husband Tony in January 2018.

 I have worked at Tree Bears since January 2022 after completing my Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary) in New Zealand, I have a daughter Elena who attends Tree Bears.

Before moving to New Zealand, I worked with young children for 3 years.  I am dedicated to creating a secure, challenging environment that is flexible engaging, and fosters potential. I look forward to working alongside families and children so children can reach their full potential.

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Maddie McCabe

​Nursery Teacher

 

I have been involved in Tree Bears since I was 2.5 years old when my Mum and Dad moved to Hanmer Springs.

I attended Hanmer Springs School and then went on to attend the local area high school. During my high school years, I was part of a gateway program that gave me the opportunity to undertake work experience here at Tree Bears. After finishing Year 13 I joined the Tree Bears teaching team. 

I have known since I was young, that I wanted to work with young children, following in mum's footsteps.

I plan on furthering my education in the next couple of years.

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Michaela Crean

Teacher/ Admin support

 

Kia ora Whanau

My name is Michaela and I am just returning after an extended maternity leave.

 

I worked at Tree Bears in both the Nursery and Preschool for 5 and a half years before having my son Lachie.

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I have my diploma in Early Childhood education and care and then will further my studies later down the track.

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I am looking forward to reconnecting with the tamariki and whanau as well as building relationships with the ones I am yet to meet.

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