Our Awesome Amy

My passion for teaching grew in 2014 when I was a full-time nanny for 3 tamariki. This was where my passion deepened. I realised I had more to give and wanted to be a part of a team, this is when my teaching journey began. After a lot of hard work, perseverance and dedication I completed my Bachelor of Teaching (early childhood education) in 2017 through Te Rito Maihoa. 

I have been a part of the Riverton childcare whānau since 2016. When I first began, I was part of the over twos. In 2019 I became part of the Explorer’s room (under twos) which is my passion. I look forward to coming to work every day as it is always fun and filled with great learning opportunities for myself and the tamariki. I look forward to being part of your whānau journey at Riverton childcare. I enjoy jet boating with my friends in my spare time.

I was born in South Otago, Lovells Flat and raised in Central Otago in Tarras.  I moved to Roxburgh in my late teens and lived overseas for a couple of years before moving to Queenstown.  I worked for ten years in hospitality, and then found early childhood education and went on to gain my qualification.

I have 18 years experience in ECE, managing two centres and co-owning one.  I have taught in semi-rural centres in Roxburgh, Cromwell, and Alexandra before moving south.  My move south was for a change in lifestyle and scenery.  

I have one grown son and am close to my extended family.

I have worked at Riverton Childcare as a Teacher’s Aide since 2007. I have one daughter, Siobahan and a gorgeous wee grandson Harlem. I have lived in Riverton all my adult life but grew up in Cromwell.

I enjoy working with the tamariki and following their interests to help them grow and develop. I form close relationships with tamariki and their whanau and provide consistent care. I like working as part of the team at Riverton Childcare and think we work together well, supporting each other in our teaching.

I am a member of the RSA and attend club nights on Friday. I like to go to Invercargill in the weekend and relish the opportunity to rummage in the secondhand shops.

Since March 2019 I have also been the cleaner for the Explorer’s area. 

 I am born and raised in Riverton. I’m married with two young tamariki. I have been working at Riverton Childcare since March 2019 and I am loving every moment of it and intend on studying in early childhood education in the future. Having my own tamariki I believe I can bring a different perspective to the Childcare and also take away a lot of new strategies and experiences that will help me be a better teacher and mother.
I have learnt so much already and I love being a part of the learning journey of the tamariki I have met, as well as getting to know the tamariki and their families individually.
My hobbies include sheep farming, scrapbooking and anything to do with animals. And I take great pride in being a volunteer for furever homes where I foster kittens til they can be rehomed.
I consider my strength as a teacher to be knowing the tamariki well, responding to their individual needs and being a flexible member of the team.  

I’m Renée, an Australian married to a local man, who has been working in early childhood since 2008. I have learnt so much and I’m still learning more every day. My hobbies are netball, gardening, art and crafts, and travelling. My goals in life are to always have a go at everything and just be happy for each day. I consider my strength as a teacher to be loving and caring for the tamariki and I can build relationships with each of them and their family to make them feel as welcome as possible.

In the future I would like to complete my teacher training in ECE Education as I feel this is my passion and I want to develop my skills further.