Our Awesome Mel

Hello, kia ora.  My name is Melissa, but most people know me as Mel. 

I am a Southland girl, who has lived in Riverton for the past 13 years. I now live rurally, just out of Riverton, with my fiancé Scott and our three tamariki. 

In 2019 I graduated from Te Rito Maioha with a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). 

Most of my teaching career has been here at Riverton Childcare. It has been such a privilege to get to care for so many wonderful tamariki during that time. The relationships I have formed with them and their whãnau are something I treasure. It is lovely to see these now-grown tamariki out and about and for them to still say hello. 

After a short break away I am now back as Team Leader of the Explorers’ room (Under twos). I am loving being able to grow in this leadership role and work alongside the wonderful, nurturing team we have. 

Hi.  I'm Beverly and I joined the team at Riverton Childcare in March 2022 - after two years of trying to get here but shut out by Covid regulations.  I moved to Riverton from the Philippines with my husband and daughter. 

I have taught kinder aged children since 2016.  I enjoy having great relationships with parents and co-teachers.  I respect the differences of each learner and believe that every experience should be child-centred to promote their independence.

We are looking forward to making our home in NZ and enjoying our family life here.

Kia Ora! My name is Joey Zhao. I'm so excited to be joining the lovely team here. I moved down to beautiful Riverton from Auckland, and I absolutely love the sense of community here. I studied at the New Zealand Tertiary College, graduating with my Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE) and becoming a registered teacher in 2025.

I am deeply committed to fostering children's inquiry-based learning. My goal is to encourage tamariki to "learn how to learn," helping them develop the skills they need for life-long learning. I believe that “a child is a treasure, to be nurtured, to grow and to flourish.” I am really looking forward to building strong, positive relationships with all our whānau and tamariki. I believe that when we work together, we can create the most amazing learning journey.

Kia Ora Riverton Childcare community.  My name is Ness, and I'm very pleased to be joining this lovely learning environment.  I come to Riverton Childcare after  4 years of relieving at a preschool in Winton.  I have a background in farming, fishing and hospitality, plus 20 years as a stay-at-home parent to our 6 tamariki.  During this time, I was involved in many playcenters and preschools throughout Southland and South Otago.  I enjoy the great outdoors and am very passionate about our beautiful South Coast, forests and wildlife. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all, and participating in the learning experiences and growth of your tamaiti.

Hello, Kia Ora Riverton Childcare Community. My name is Jillian (Jill) Fenton, and I am so grateful to be home in Riverton, where my education began.

I grew up locally, on a sheep farm, and have returned home to be close to family. I have three awesome daughters who have also made Southland their home. I enjoy the outdoors, history, travel, music and sharing a good coffee at the local cafes! As a lifelong learner, I have been involved in education and pastoral care of children and their whanau for the past 21 years in Christchurch.

I remain young at heart, and it is a privilege to be caring for and supporting your children in their learning journey here at Riverton Childcare.

Kia ora. I’m Louise, and am thrilled to be returning to the Riverton Childcare team. After spending 9.5 years in Papamoa Beach (Tauranga), it felt time to return to the riveria of the south. It has been awesome reconnecting with my loved ones and embracing the feeling of ‘home’.
My own family consists of my husband Trevor and adult children, Mikayla and Reuben, who fill me with absolute pride.
I bring with me over 18 years experience in the early childhood sector, and continue to feel honoured to play a part in the formative learning years of our most precious tamariki. I pride myself on the relationships I form with tamariki, their whānau and my fellow kaiako. I enjoy being part of a fun, supportive, creative environment where all children feel valued and respected as they navigate and conquer so many developmental milestones.
I look forward to getting to know you and your wonderful tamariki as I gain a deeper understanding of their interests, passions, and what makes each of them a unique and special person.