Kaiako
Jude Jebbink
Teacher | Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Kia Ora, I was born in Holland and now have two children in primary school. I have been with Before Six for six years, and I bring around 20 years of teaching experience with me. I am passionate about establishing strong connections with the tamariki, and I especially love working alongside children with special needs and supporting them in their learning.
Shelley
Teacher | Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)
Ko Shelley tōku ingoa. I am a teacher in the Kauri room, an age group my strengths are best suited for. With our infants and toddlers, I believe a calm, unhurried environment is essential. I graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and am fully registered. My husband and I moved to Mangawhai in 2020 to be near my children and grandchildren, three of whom are enrolled here at Before Six.
Nikki Gould
Teacher | Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
I am an ECE teacher with over a decade of experience, and I am passionate about creating engaging, nurturing environments where young minds can thrive. Since 2014, I have dedicated my career to fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in the children I teach. Outside the classroom, I enjoy soccer, motocross, and family beach adventures with my three young children.
Claire Williams
Administrator
Kia ora, I'm Claire Williams! I'm a mum of two and share my home with my partner, a dog, a cat, tropical fishies, and more indoor plants than I probably need. I'm happiest outdoors with my whānau, in the bush or at the beach. My own children were enrolled here as babies, and the teachers became like a second family to us. That genuine care inspired me to join the team myself.
Jackie Hayes
Teacher | Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
Kia ora, I am a teacher in the Kauri Room (Over 2's). I joined the Before Six team in 2025 and have loved getting to know all the wonderful tamariki and their whānau. I have been teaching in ECE for over 10 years and feel so lucky to do what I love each day. I am passionate about group mat times, following children's interests, and supporting learning through play. I look forward to meeting you all!
Laura Van de Sluis
Team Leader of the Pohutukawa Room, Curriculum Manager | Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
Hello, I'm Laura. I've recently moved to Mangawhai with my husband, Michael, and our son, Tommy, to be near family. I bring 16 years of experience in early childhood education. A qualified teacher and Ashton Warner Nanny Academy graduate, I nannied privately in London, then spent the last seven years teaching in New Zealand. Outside work I love bush walks, coffee and travel, and I'm looking forward to caring for your children.
Sidney Williams
Teacher
Hi, I'm Sidney. I spent all my childhood holidays in Mangawhai at my family's bach, built by my great-grandfather, so working here now feels really meaningful to me. I'm passionate about working with children and love supporting their learning and development. I enjoy creating a fun, safe and caring environment where tamariki feel confident to explore and be themselves, and I value building strong relationships with children and their whānau.
Ange Moore
Teacher
Hi, I'm Angela. I've called Mangawhai home for three years, here with my husband Simon and our dog Chopper. I've worked in early childhood education for over 30 years and still feel as passionate about it today. After 18 months relieving at Before Six, I'm excited to be working three days a week in a permanent role in the Pohutukawa Room. Outside work I love crafts and time with my family, especially my new granddaughter.
Piper Kinraid
Teacher | Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
Kia ora tamariki and whānau, my name is Piper and I am a newly qualified teacher here at Before Six. I have worked in early childhood education for six years and love supporting tamariki and pepi as they grow and discover the world around them. I am 25, originally from Auckland, and have lived in Mangawhai for seven years now. In my free time I walk my dog Reggie, spend time with family, and travel with my partner George.
Melissa Hendrickx
Teacher | Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
Kia ora, I'm Mel. I am a qualified kaiako with over six years of experience in ECE, and I am especially passionate about working with infants in an unhurried environment where every child feels safe and valued. My husband and I have two young boys, Leo and Theo, and we have lived in beautiful Mangawhai for nearly three years and love the coastal lifestyle. In my spare time I love baking, cooking, reading and drawing.
Shez Jebbink
Team Leader of the Kauri Room | Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
Kia ora, ko Shez tōku ingoa. I am a fully qualified kaiako here at Before Six, and have been part of the Mangawhai community since my youngest daughter came here herself. I also hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and how tamariki think and learn is a passion of mine. I love setting up messy play that inspires curiosity. I have three teenagers at home, and I love art and gardening. Ka kite anō ākuanei, see you soon!