OUR Team

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

Educational Leader

Debbie Morgan

Kia ora, I am a qualified and certificated ECE teacher, passionate about teaching, caring and nurturing children at Polkadots. I live in Waiau with my husband and have 2 grown up children.

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, tending to my garden and being involved in the community in my spare time.

Education

Bachelor of Teaching ECE 2015

KOWHAI TEACHER

Brad Price

Hi,  My name is Brad and I'm a teacher in Kowhai. 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

Abby Drayton

Kia ora, my name is Abby and I am a primary trained teacher with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Primary from the University of Canterbury. My partner and I live in Hawarden with our fur babies. I am originally from Christchurch but I moved out to North Canterbury in 2023, my favourite thing about living rurally is the sense of community and how lovely everyone is!

In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking and baking along with helping out on the farm my partner works on.

I hope to build connections with tamariki and whānau whilst also creating meaningful learning experiences that encourage creativity and self confidence. 

Education

BACHELOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING - PRIMARY 2024

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

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 a part 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

TI RAKAU TEACHER

Tammi Body

I have been teaching at Polkadots since 2023.

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.

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 from Christchurch originally but completed most of my schooling in Nelson.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, trying new things and going to new places.

Education

BACHELOR OF TEACHING ECE 2024