Meet the Team

Ko Sandra

I am the Manager of Te Whare Ako and I live with my husband Jeff. Between us, we have four grown children, 2 grandchild and 4 fur babies! We enjoy going away in our motor home at weekends and travelling.

I have been an ECE teacher since 2000 and hold a degree in (ECE) Teaching and a Graduate Diploma Specialist Teaching - Early Intervention. I worked for 18 years in Kindergarten before making the great decision to join the Te Whare Ako whānau. 

I am a true advocate for children of all cultures and ages and love to "yell from the rooftops" the importance of quality education and creating independent resilient people. 

Angie

Ciao! My name is Angie and I am the team leader at Te Whare Ako. I am living in Waiwhetu with my partner Solomon, my stepsons Luca and Theo, our flatmate Ben and our cat Molly. And yes, the cat is the boss in our house.

I was born in Italy, did my music degree in Vienna and my graduate diploma in teaching in Wellington. Te Whare Ako is an amazing place for our tamariki. I love the diversity of language and culture we all share on a daily basis. 

Anju

I am AnjuPreet Manocha married to Umesh Manocha and a mother of two grown-ups who are 15 and 19 years old. I came to New Zealand in 2011. I did my Graduate Diploma in Teaching Early Childhood Education from Victoria University in 2013. I enjoy working with children and listening to them. It fascinates me how children learn and explore things and share their learning through different experiences. I want to be part of their learning journey and make it our learning journey.  

Karen

Kio ora, my name is Karen.

I am married to Kevin and between us, we have 5 grown-up children and 2 grandchildren. My main interests are ten pin bowling, walking and gardening.

I have been a teacher since 1999 and hold a degree in Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE) through Canterbury University.

I love being an early childhood teacher because I feel I make a lifelong impression on young children's lives. When I see a child's eyes light up when they learn something new or make an exciting discovery about something, it just makes my day! Our tamariki (children) are so precious. I love working with them every day and watching them grow into responsible, independent and confident learners. 

Leah

Kia Ora Te Whare Ako community. I’m Leah Gamboni and I’m really excited to be working in our waka huia room. I am married with three adult children and two grandchildren. Ten years ago I made the wonderful decision to work in early childhood, as I realised the part I could play in supporting our tamariki during crucial times in their lives.

I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and love that I continue my own personal learning journey each day alongside these amazing children!

Hope

Kia Ora! I’m Hope. I live in Upper Hutt with my Partner, Lee and our 5-year-old daughter, Mackenzie.

I am currently working towards my Bachelor of Teaching through the Open Polytech and love putting all of my fresh knowledge and skills into practice with these beautiful tamariki! I have always had a passion for teaching and nurturing growing minds!