Our People
We are Parent Governed and Teacher Lead.
Our dedicated team of highly qualified and experienced early childhood teachers provide a safe, nurturing and inspiring learning environment to grow and learn in.
Senior Teacher/Manager
JULIE PEAL
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)
Kia ora, I am from Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington) is also a place I call home. My teaching journey began 4 decades ago, in a small community ECE centre. Within this whānau based learning space the value of parent and grandparent engagement in children’s learning environments became woven around my teaching beliefs from the beginning, and this also brought me to NPCC in 2023. What I like most about teaching is seeing the world through children’s eyes by listening to their stories as they put their ideas into the world. “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” – Dr. Seuss When I am not at NPCC, being in nature is my joy.
Teacher
NERA YARKER
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)
Kia ora, My teaching career started in the Philippines where I taught for several years before migrating to New Zealand. I have been associated with NPPC for many years, my children attended from 2001, and I started teaching at Northcote Point Community Creche in 2010. I believe all children are unique individuals and should be treated with respect regardless of gender, ethnicity and culture. "Children may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel" - Maya Angelou My husband and children are passionate about sports, so when I am not at NPCC you will probably see me at the football pitch or tennis court cheering for my boys.
Teacher
ERICA MILLS
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
I’ve grown up in West Auckland surrounded by the Waitakere Ranges and beautiful beaches. My teaching journey begun over 13 years ago, working with all age groups in various settings, until finding my place here at NPCC. I believe in forming lasting relationships to help children grow to be capable and competent. “Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.” -Marilyn Monroe When not at NPCC I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Teacher
CARA HAN
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)
Kia ora, Annyeonghaseyo, I am originally from South Korea but moved to New Zealand in the early 2000s with my family. I now consider Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) my home. My teaching journey began just over ten years ago, and during this time, I have taught in various early childhood education (ECE) centres. My teaching philosophy emphasises the importance of building relationships and fostering kindness. I believe that relationships are a two-way street, and kindness enhances all types of connections. I aspire to be remembered as a kind person and kaiako (teacher), and I want our tamariki to learn the importance of being kind to others. Treating our tamariki with kindness recognises their value and they in turn recognise the value of others including parents, kaiako, whanau, and friends. My teaching philosophy closely aligns with NPCC’s values and philosophy, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to teach, learn, and grow alongside our tamariki and whānau at NPCC. "Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow" – Swedish proverb When I am not at NPCC you can find me singing, dancing, making music with my two boys, and taking walks with my family.
Teacher Aide
ANJI SIMMONS
Kia ora, I grew up in Northcote, Auckland and raised my family here. I have been working at Northcote Point Community Crèche part-time since 2013. Prior to this all three of my children attended the centre. I’m a great big kid at heart. I really enjoy working with all the children on all levels and watching them grow. When not at NPCC sports plays a big part of my life, including coaching netball and basketball. I love all animals big or small, two dogs, birds and a cat fill my home.
Financial Administrator
MELISSA CHAPMAN
I have grown up and spent most of my life living around Birkenhead and Northcote, this area will always feel like home. My daughter started here in 2022 and I soon after was successful in my application for the role as the administrator. Spending a little bit of time with the children here is an added bonus! “Treat other people, the way you want to be treated” When not at NPCC I spend my time with my husband and three children.