Our People

Tracy Bedford

Centre Manager

Tena Koutou Katoa

Ko Tracy Bedford taku ingoa

Ko Wellsford ahau

Ko Learning Adventures toku kura

No Reira

Tena Koutou Tena Koutou Tena Koutou Katoa

I have been an early childhood teacher for over 15 years, I have worked both in New Zealand and in England. My passion for teaching children started as soon as I left High School, this is when I moved to England from my home town in Zimbabwe and studied for my Montessori Diploma. I then moved to New Zealand and started working in Early childhood Centre’s inspired by the Reggio Philosophy. I have two children of my own, a young vibrant toddler girl and an older boy. My husband, children and myself live in Wellsford where we have a mini farm we look after and keeps us busy.

Melanie McLean

Head Teacher Infants

Hi I’m Mel. I am originally from Australia but moved here when I was 5 years old.

I love sports and have played tennis since a very young age. I also enjoy netball, rugby and league…I am a huge Warriors fan!

I have always loved being around young children. This started for me when I coached netball and tennis through my school years.

I have a Bachelor of Teaching and through my studies came my passion for teacher under twos. I am excited to be part of your journey here at Learning Adventures Rosedale.

Manzine Guo

Head Teacher Toddlers

Ni Hao, my name is Manzine, I am originally from Southern China. I speak English, mandarin and Cantonese. I came to New Zealand with my sister when I was 18 years old. I spend 4 years in wellington where I did my ECE study. I have now settled in Auckland with my Husband Francis. We love to travel and do lots of outdoor activities. A passion of mine is working with children, and establishing an open relationship with my fellow Kaiako. The Children and their parents are my priority, and with their collaboration I aim to create a rich environment full of learning experiences that promotes exploration and develops their social, emotional and cognitive development.

Sarah Jones

Head Teacher Preschool

Kia ora, my name is Sarah Jones. I am a mother of two young children and hold a bachelor or Education. I have been working in the field for over 10 years, as well as having a background in homebased education. I place a huge emphasis on relationships between children, their whanau and Kaiako. I believe this is vital for learning and development. I have a passion for music and dance and can often be found having a groove with the children. I endeavour to provide all children and their whanau a warm welcoming homely environment.

I look forward to getting to know you and your child/ren and joining them on their learning adventure.

Emily Divitt

Acting Head Teacher Toddlers

Hi, my name is Emily,

I have been teaching for quite a few years now and hold a Bachelor of teaching degree.

I really enjoy developing relationships with each child and watching them learn and develop new skills and abilities throughout their time with us.

When I’m not teaching I am enjoying my time with my husband Chris and twins Alexis & Olivia.

We also own two beautiful dogs, Bella who is a Siberian Husky & Toby who is a blue merle Border Collie. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you & your child.

Kelly Sutherland

Teacher Infants

Hi I’m Kelly, I have been here at Learning Adventures Rosedale since January 2015 and finished my degree in November 2014. I have an older son Lucas who is at school.

I have a great passion for children and setting up engaging, inviting environments where they are free to explore their creative sides. I like to give them opportunities to expressive through the arts, music, dance and dramatic play. I try and encourage the children in my care to freely explore all areas, and build their confidence to try new activities.

In my spare time I love spending time with my family and friends. I love spending time at the beach or in the outdoors. I look forward to getting to know you and your family and achieving your aspirations for your child.

Kayla Porter

Teacher in Training Infants

Hiya, My name is Kayla

I moved to Kumeu from up north with my partner after I finished my study as a nanny at the Ashton Warner nanny academy. From studying there I also have my level 5 ECE certificate.

I have worked with three families as there nanny .The family’s that I worked with included infant, twins and school aged children.

When I get spare time I like to take my surf board down to Muriwai beach for a surf or take the truck to Woodhill to go off-roading.

I am passionate about children having the freedom to explore their surroundings the outdoors and any new environments. I believe in having a trusting and caring relationship with the children and their family.

Catherine Doody

Teacher Aid Infants

Hi I am Catherine

I have been at Learning Adventures for 11 years now, I love working with children of all age groups. Before starting at Kids Planets I was an enrolled nurse at Starship Childrens hospital, I really enjoyed this job but family commitments saw me moving on.

My family and I lived in Hong Kong for 2 and half years. While I was there I worked in a daycare.

I have two children Justine and Logan who are both now young adults. My husband and his two teenage children also live us, which is fantastic as we have a huge big happy family.

Kylie Henderson

Teacher Preschool

Hi I’m Kylie and I have been a qualified ECE teacher since 2001. I have a passion for working with children over 3 years of age.

I especially love taking mat times, where I get to teach the children different songs, some beautiful dance, and give them a love for reading.

In my spare time I enjoy walking, I have really enjoyed taking part in Round the Bays and the Colour Run and look forward to doing more fun outdoor activities like these.

I also love to shop, so if you don’t see me going for a nice long walk on a sunny day you might find me looking for lots of fun resources for the children at the mall.

Brie Power

Teacher Preschool

Hi, my name is Brie

I have a strong passion and interest for visual art experiences and I aim to encourage children to be creative. I believe that the arts provides children with the opportunity to express themselves, find empowerment and allows them to experience fun and joy.

You will often find me exploring our beautiful country with my friends and family, or sitting on the beach down in the beautiful coromandel.

I am so excited to work alongside the teaching team at Learning Adventures Rosedale, as well as with the tamariki and their whanau.

Toni Benjamin

Teacher in Training Preschool

Hi, I'm Toni. I have worked in Early Childhood for almost 3 years and I am currently studying towards my degree in Early Childhood Education. I have chosen this field as I find it very rewarding watching children grow and learn while being alongside them to help support them.
I believe that children should be in an environment that is challenging whilst still allowing them to take risks and problem solve.
I have 2 sons and 2 stepdaughters.

Megan Parr

Chef

Hi I am Megan

I have been a chef at Learning Adventures for the past 3 years, prior to working here I was a Chef at various restaurants both here in New Zealand as well as overseas in the UK. I have been a Chef for over 13 years, I love to cook and find lots of healthy recipes both at home as well as at work.

I chose to come and work in early childhood, so I could spend more time with my daughter, who used to attend Learning Adventures prior to starting school.

I have two children who both go to Primary School. On the weekends I like going to my bach up north where I can spend time on the beach with my family