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, I’m Laura. I came to New Zealand in 2023 and completed my Master of Teaching and Learning (ECE) at the University of Otago. I am now a provisionally registered early childhood teacher.
I feel very grateful to be part of the team at Riverton Childcare, and I’m passionate about building warm, respectful relationships with tamariki and whānau. I love supporting children’s learning through play, curiosity, and exploring rich learning experiences together. 

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.