Our Team
Teaching Team
Our members of our teaching team are all passionate about the learning and development of children. We aim to employ teachers in training and qualified teachers who hold diplomas in teaching as well as degrees in education.
The Kopuwai Early Learning Centre - Board of Governance
Kopuwai is a community-based, not-for-profit childcare centre – the only one in Alexandra. We strive to provide excellent early childhood education and at a reasonable price. As an Incorporated Society we have a Constitution and a membership base which includes you, our families who automatically become members when your child attends our centre. We are required to have a Board of Governance in order to remain operational.
The Board of Governanceis made up of a group of parents whose role it is to oversee all aspects of the running of the centre, including financial management, policies, planning, staff management and legislative requirements. We meet bi-monthly and the minutes of our meetings are available to all of our families. Being involved, and on the board is a great way to provide feedback into how the centre is run, whilst gaining governance skills and experience. It also provides an opportunity to be part of the awesome team that make our centre amazing!
Shannon Tait
Kaiako / Teacher
Bachelor of Education ECE
I joined Kopuwai in 2008 as the Office Administrator. I then gained my degree in ECE in 2013 and transferred to a teaching position. I enjoy every aspect of our teaching and learning environment, but I have a strong passion for literacy and numeracy alongside transition to school.
I am married to Mark and we have two children, Hannah and Mika. As a family we enjoy our wonderful Central Otago outdoors via a bit of triathlon in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Maria Snodgrass
Kaiako / Teacher
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
Post Graduate Diploma in Infant & Toddler Learning and Development.
My teaching degree was completed at Whitireia in Porirua then I taught in the Wellington region prior to moving to Central Otago with my 3 sons in 2011. In 2015 I joined the Kopuwai whānau and, within this mixed age whānau setting, my continued interest and learning regarding human development and the 'first 1000 days' of life has evolved.
Outside of Kopuwai I enjoy tending my cottage garden, walking, sewing and listening to music and audiobooks.
Catherine Gale
Kaiako / Teacher
(Bachelor of Education ECE)
I have been a part of Kopuwai for 15 years as a parent, reliever and the last 10 years as a permanent teacher; I love being a part of our small community based centre.
I am passionate about ECE and providing quality care to young children.
I love sharing my passion for nature and being out in it with tamariki. While not teaching I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I have three boys who keep me on my toes!
Nicky Clouston
Centre Manager
Bachelor of Teaching (Primary Education) & National Certificate in ECE
Kia ora, my name is Nicky Clouston. My partner, Regan, and I have four children: Hamish, who is six, George, who is three, and two gorgeous stepchildren.
I grew up on a farm in Lauder and later completed my schooling and university studies in Dunedin. I’ve spent over 15 years as a primary school teacher, and I’m passionate about supporting children’s learning and development. I am privileged to be the Centre Manager at Kopuwai Early Learning Centre. It has been a joy to work with our dedicated kaiako, and to get to know our tamariki and their whānau. I love being part of such a caring, vibrant community and am committed to creating a learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to explore and grow.
Julie Gadd
Kaiako / Teacher
Diploma of Teaching - Primary
Hi. My name is Julie Gadd. I have been teaching at Kopuwai Early Learning Centre for the last 8 years. The first 3 years day to day relieving and the last 5 years in my permanent role. I am originally a primary trained teacher and prior to teaching at Kopuwai I spent 15 years teaching Year 0 to Year 4 classes. I am really enjoying my career change to Early Childhood Education and love teaching at Kopuwai.
When I'm not teaching I enjoy cooking, walking and spending time with my partner, Ross, family and friends.
Margreet ter Bruggen
Kaiako / Teacher
Bachelor of Education ECE
I joined the Kopuwai team in 2022 and feel privileged to be part of this community and teaching team. After the birth of my daughter Zoe in 2009 I saw the amazing work her early childhood teachers did for her and us as a family. I knew then that becoming an early childhood teacher was what I wanted to be when I grew up. I have a Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education and have been teaching since 2010, first in Cromwell and now here in Alexandra. My husband Richard and I immigrated from the Netherlands in 2005 after travelling both Australia and New Zealand for 2 years. I love the space and the lifestyle that Central Otago has to offer and feel very lucky to be living in this part of paradise. I feel that every child is a taonga: unique and special; worthy of excellent care, nurture and education. The way children explore and learn about themselves and their world is an exciting journey to be a part of.
Jenna Nolan
Support Teacher / Kitchen
Jenna joined the Kopuwai family around 2020 as Kitchen Support, then has moved more into a teaching support role in 2024. The children have absolutely loved spending more time with her! Jenna is a busy lady as along with children, she now has built up quite the zoo at their lifestyle block!
Lauren Sutherland
Office Administrator/ Relieving Teacher
Diploma of Teaching ECE
I joined the Kopuwai family in 2022 as a relieving Kaiako, then joined the Kopuwai team as the office administrator at the start of 2024. I have been a qualified Early Childhood Teacher since 2015. I am loving the mix of working with the children and admin work. When I am not at Kopuwai, I own my own tourism business, love spending time with my dog Lucy and exploring the amazing area we get to live in.
Gabby Geddes
Teacher Support / Kitchen
Gabby joined the Kopuwai family in 2022 as a reliever. She is wonderful with the children, getting them up and dancing, singing and moving!
She is married to Stu, and is now a grandma which she is absolutely loving! You may recognise her smiling face as she owns and operates her own business, Peanut Brittle Retro NZ.
The environment is purposefully designed with a range of age-appropriate resources and equipment to provide infants, toddlers, and young children with opportunities to explore independently through child-led learning and adult-supported experiences. Teachers intentionally support children to develop their social and emotional competence.