Our People - Ako Rolleston

Meet the team

We would like to introduce you to a team of qualified or teachers in training, experienced and enthusiastic kaiako, who have a passion for lifelong learning. We strive for empowerment, a culture of diversity and excellence to guide a pathway of learning for Tamariki.

Rachael and Andrew Fearn

Owner/Manager

Bachelor in Teaching ECE, Diploma in Business Management, Member of the Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC)

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Rachael and Andrew Fearn

Owner/Manager

Bachelor in Teaching ECE, Diploma in Business Management, Member of the Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC)

First aid

Kia Ora, Andrew and I are very please to introduce ourselves as the owners of Ako Rolleston. I have been an Early Childhood kaiako for more than 20 years now and enjoyed many roles throughout this time, my passion is providing an environment for children where they can succeed and lead their learning journey at their pace, observing what makes them spark and providing opportunities for them to thrive in all aspects of life.

I have a strong interest in advocacy for children and am enjoying being a member on the Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC) through the Office of Early Childhood Education (OECE). https://oece.nz/about-us/ecac/

Andrew has been a truck driver for a many years now and has been on the early childhood journey alongside myself over the years. So it makes sense that together we provide an environment where tamariki have the best possible opportunities, learn and thrive, develop a passion for learning and are curious about the world around them.

We look forward to including your whanau in our whanau and together giving your child an amazing early childhood experience.

Kia Ora te Whānau

Ko Aoraki te maunga

Ko Pareora te awa

No Roretana au inaianei

Ko Andrew taku hoa tāne

Ko Zane taku tama

Ko Rachael taku ingoa

No reira, tēnā koutou katoa

Caitlyn Cleall

Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching (Primary)

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Caitlyn Cleall

Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching (Primary)

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Kia ora,! My name is Caitlyn I am so excited to be apart of your Tamariki learning journey! I have my bachelors degree in primary teaching but have found my passion in early childhood. In my spare time I’m taking my Labrador for walks or spending time with my friends. I’d love to include the interests your tamariki have into their learning. So anything you think would be beneficial for me to know, please do. Looking forward to getting to know you all!

Centre Manager / Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching (Primary)

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Kara Hill

Centre Manager / Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching (Primary)

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Kia ora whānau,

My name is Kara, I am a primary trained teacher and have worked with different ages in that sector for 4 years before making the change to early childhood 3.5 years ago, and have been at Ako ever since. I Have two wonderful tamariki, Ben, who is in our Wāhi Ako Pihinga Rua space and Grace, who is in our kākano (nursery) space. I am very fortunate to be living just out of Rolleston on a lifestyle block with my husband, children and their grandparents, and after preschool we get to enjoy picking our vegies from the garden, feeding the different animals, and collecting the eggs from the chooks. In my spare time I enjoy getting outside walking, gardening, going to the gym, and every now and then getting on the drum kit.

Kaiako

Diploma in Teaching ECE

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Claire Allen

Kaiako

Diploma in Teaching ECE

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Originally from the UK, Claire moved to her adopted home, Aotearoa in 1998 with her family. She has been teaching for 17 years, first as a reliever and then she fell into a full time position here at Ako. Her reason at first for choosing to move to a full time position was the connection she had with the nursery children, but this soon expanded to the entire Ako whanau and the relationships and bonds she has formed. Everyday at Ako is a happy day for Claire and everyday her goal is to give the children a place of happiness.

If Claire isn’t in the nursery caring for our youngest tamariki, she is flying through the centre covering all of our breaks, and making sure all the background jobs like the washing and the tidying is under control. Claire’s an absolute superstar asset to our team!

Curriculum Lead / Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Abby Eade

Curriculum Lead / Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Kia ora

My name is Abby

I have a Degree in Early Childhood Education and have been teaching for over 12 years. I love to see children achieve new and exciting skills that will allow them to become confident and capable learners.

I live in Rolleston and have have two young boys 5 & 4 years old who keep me busy, our weekends are spent making memories.

I look forward to working in partnership with you to support both you and your tamariki as they continue to grow and learn through play.

Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching (Primary)

Chantelle Pullan

Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching (Primary)

Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Maddison (Maddi) Woolhouse

Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Kia Ora, my name is Maddison. I live in Rolleston with my partner and our daughter Isla, who is 3 years old. I have always lived in Christchurch but recently moved out to Rolleston in late 2024.

I have been working in Early Childhood for about 6 years, including relieving and having worked at 2 other centres full time in the nursery. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education, I completed my studies in September 2023. I enjoy being a teacher because I have always had a genuine passion for children and I love being able to support children throughout their learning journey. This is very important to me and I like being able to provide learning experiences which will support them with their current interests/learning. Nurturing and caring for the children under my care is very important to me and also allowing them to feel safe and secure within their environment. I want to be a positive role model for the children and help them to learn and grow everyday.

I am looking forward to continuing my teaching journey here at Ako Rolleston and getting to know all of the families and Whānau!

Kaiako

Studying towards a Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Hilary Vedder

Kaiako

Studying towards a Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Kia Ora, My Name is Hilary and I am one of the Kaiako in the nursery.

I am excited to be part of your Childs learning journey here at Ako.

I have a passion for Early Childhood and am currently completing my study towards and ECE degree. I believe children learn best in a calm and enriching environment and look forward to fostering this in the nursery.

I live in Rolleston with my Partner and our 3 boys who keep us very busy!

Building strong relationships with children and their families is very important to me.

Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Katie MacPherson

Kaiako

Bachelor in Teaching ECE

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Kia Ora my name is Katie

I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and have been working with tamariki for over 24 years.

Every day is a different day with new possibilities and opportunities and I love it.

I have three amazing children of my own and two grand babies that I adore.

I look forward to getting to know you all.