Our Staff

Our Team

Our team of teachers are trained, experienced, qualified and passionate about seeing children become confident caring learners.

Sharon Coe - Centre Manager

I have a Diploma of Teaching and Learning (ECE) and have 38 years experience as a fully registered teacher managing childcare centres. I am passionate about Early Childhood Education and I work hard to achieve the best possible outcomes for our tamariki and their families. I am enjoying working with our team as their Professional Leader and admire their ongoing level of commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated every day in their work with the children who have lots of fun as they enjoy learning throughout their day. I believe that we are all learners together (teachers, parents and children alike) and I delight when we engage in our Inquiries and learn new things ourselves. On the days that I work I can be usually found in my office upstairs and I always welcome our families to pop up and see me if they have any concerns or information to share. I can always offer a cup of tea or coffee too!! I also graduated as a NZ School Dental Nurse many years ago now. I have two grown up children of my own and three amazing grandchildren and can often be found on Saturdays in winter out on the soccer fields supporting them as they play-smiles!!

Patrice McNeill - Head Teacher

I have a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE) and I am a fully registered teacher . I also have a degree in child psychology which supports my work with our tamariki. I enjoy leading our team and helping our children to develop their social competence and resilience capability, all vital skills for our 21s century learners and also for a successful entry into school. I am from Ireland and married with 2 children of my own.

Shalini Prasad - Teacher

I have a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE) with full NZ Teacher Registration. I am enjoying working with our infants and toddlers and supporting them as they grow and develop in a peaceful and respectful environment where the children are nurtured and learn at their own pace. I work closely with our parents and whanau in order to achieve the best possible learning goals and outcomes for the children as they explore and make sense of their world around them. I can speak several languages and really enjoy working closely with our families of different cultures. I am married and have two children of my own.

Kylie Lyons - Teacher

I have a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE) and am a fully registered teacher. I really love working with the 0-5 yr age group and especially enjoy supporting them as they continue to challenge themselves to further develop their learning in a warm friendly nurturing environment. I believe in having respectful relationships with our children and their families and that it is essential to the well being of our children. I am married and have two children of my own.

Nick Craven - Teacher

I have a Graduate Diploma (ECE) and an Arts degree in Anthropology. I am also a qualified builder. My particular interests are in creativity, music and science and I enjoy working with and supporting the children as they explore and test out their working theories of their world around them. I believe it is important for our children to have fun and develop a passion for life long learning. We are all learners together within our learning community.

Merrilyn Warren - Relieving Teacher and Elim ELC Board of Trustee Member

I have a Diploma of Teaching and Learning (ECE) and I am a fully registered and experienced teacher. I have many interests including developing the visual art and sensory play aspects of our curriculum. I also like to encourage our tamariki to explore the value of sustainability especially gardening to grow their own produce for eating such as vegetables, fruits and herbs. This supports their ongoing development of a healthy mind and body and will stand them in good stead as they move through their life long journey of empowerment and discovery.