Meet our team of dedicated registered early childhood education teachers

Our team of passionate and qualified early childhood education (ECE) teachers are the heart of Aubrey ELC, a unique country daycare setting. Led by our centre manager Linda, we're a team of dedicated professionals committed to providing the best possible learning experience for your child.

We believe in the power of play-based learning, and our experienced teachers are skilled at creating engaging and interactive experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and growth. As lifelong learners ourselves, we stay ahead of the curve with ongoing professional development and training. We're always looking for new ways to make learning fun and engaging for your child, and we're excited to be a part of their educational journey.

Join our community! Enquire now about enrolling your child at Aubrey ELC.

Linda Locker

Centre Manager. Foundation teacher. Started early 2008.

I believe that quality early childhood education is the foundation for future learning, success and wellbeing in later life. In early childhood, children have a greater capacity for learning, discovery, exploration, and acquiring new skills and attitudes than at any other time in their lives.

I believe quality care and education exist within a centre that provides for every child, every day, regardless of ethnicity, gender, ability, age or background. Therefore the environment should be safe, secure and be stimulating, where the children and their families/whanau can feel relaxed and accepted and, at all times treated, with dignity and respect.

I believe that providing effective communication and partnerships with parents and whanau will promote and extend each child's learning, development and potential. My belief is that childhood centres should provide a learning space where all cultures and social diversity can be shared, experienced and valued by all.

I am extremely blessed to have a very supportive husband and three very active children. In 2012, I welcomed my first granddaughter Indie, who enjoyed spending 5 years at Aubrey. My grandson Cyrus has recently started in the Teina room. We live in Stillwater and love living in this wonderful community.

Qualifications:

Diploma of Teaching in ECE
First Aid Certificate
Full Teacher Registration: 309416

Nicky Anderson

Tuakana room teacher. Started April 2012.

I grew up in a small town in the Wairarapa. I trained at Wellington College of Education, and have worked in many early childhood centres in the North Island. I travelled overseas and met my husband and we came back and settled in New Zealand. We moved to the Hibiscus Coast in 2012.

In 2005 our daughter Neve was born.

I love working at Aubrey as it has a unique and special feeling about it. I enjoy establishing long lasting relationships with children and their parents/whanau. I relish watching the children learn, develop, thrive and grow. Every age has its own milestones, challenges and rewards.

"Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will be the shapes of Aotearoa." - Dame Whina Cooper.

Qualifications:

Diploma of Teaching in ECE
First Aid Certificate
Full Teacher Registration 188792

Susannah (Sue) Murray

Teacher. Started February 2024

I’m an artist and fully registered teacher. I live in Red beach with my husband and we have 4 adult children and 3 grandchildren.

I have experience in teaching ECE level following the Te Whaariki curriculum since 1988 and teaching primary and secondary students in visual art on a part time and/or specialist role in schools as well. I have worked as an ECE teacher in a variety of roles in family owned ECE centres since the 1990’s. My last role in ECE was in management of floor staff and daily running of the centre at Snowflakes Childcare in Silverdale which was sold in 2022. I have also been tutoring students (7yrs up to 17 yrs) since 2007 and currently run an afterschool art class on Wednesdays at Silverdale Pioneer village.

I focus on theories that give children freedom to explore, develop individually and encouraging children’s social emotional learning using positive guidance techniques. I enjoy engaging children in outdoor activities such as gardening, discovering the natural world, sports games and finding creative ways to extend their interests.

Qualifications:

Diploma of Teaching in ECE
Full Teacher Registration 246173

Madeline Ormsby

Teacher. Started December 2023.

As a bit of an eccentric myself, I am a firm believer that creativity is a fundamental tool for children to have in their development. My belief is that by engaging children in creative thinking early in life, it leads to innovative and imaginative thinking later.

I gained my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Elam School of Fine Arts, focusing on painting large aquatic murals. From there, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in education, gaining my Diploma in Primary Teaching.

Before starting at Aubrey, I taught art skills to homeschooled children and volunteered at my local pony club with face painting during community events. I am elated to be a part of the team at Aubrey and to share my knowledge and skills with your children to prepare them for their exciting futures ahead.

Renee Lynch

Started 2017

I have been working as an early childhood educator since 2013. Previously I worked at a centre in Silverdale, before I was lucky enough to join the beautiful team at Aubrey in 2017. In 2018 I went on maternity leave for a year after my daughter Mila was born. She now also attends Aubrey.

I have been associated with the centre for the last 10 years as both my older children enjoyed their learning journeys here.

Aubrey is like a second family, and I know other parents feel the same.

I love Aubrey as it has the best environment and is set in the most beautiful surrounds. There are plenty of friendly animals which the children love to interact with, as they explore the environment on farm walks.

I thoroughly enjoy working and learning alongside our Aubrey tamariki, As an educator I help further develop their interests and learning through play, in a safe and friendly environment.

Emma Gravestock

Teacher. Started February 2023.

Kia Ora!
My name is Emma Gravestock and I have been working here at Aubrey and growing strong relationships with your children since early Feb 2023.

I grew up on the Hibiscus Coast and I'm really passionate about the outdoors. Since a very young age I have been going out camping, fishing, hunting etc with my family. I have always loved dancing and attended dance dimensions throughout my school years. I have always lived in Stillwater, I love the water views and healthy lifestyle of Stillwater. Over the years I have become familiar with Aubrey, the friendly farm animals and the lovely people that work here.

I studied at Ashton Warner to get my level 5 diploma in Early Childhood Education. I did a placement here at Aubrey and instantly fell in love with the warm and welcoming team as well as the environment the children were growing/learning in. I enjoy supporting your children as they grow and learn throughout the wide range of learning opportunities Aubrey provides. I love working at Aubrey and building these beautiful relationships with your children and whanau and I look forward to our years ahead.

Renee Schreuder

Teacher. Started April 2024.

Hi, I’m Renee Schreuder, and I’m currently studying through NZTC to complete my Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I’ve always had a love for working with young children and feel really lucky to be part of those early years where so much learning, growing, and discovery happens.

I’ve been working at Aubrey Learning Centre since April 2024, and I’ve absolutely loved getting to know the children and building relationships with them. It’s been so rewarding watching their personalities shine through more and more each day, and I’m really looking forward to continuing to grow alongside them. I’m a bubbly, happy person who loves to have fun with the kids—whether we’re being silly, getting creative, or out exploring together. One of my favorite things about Aubrey is how connected we are to nature. I love the indoor-outdoor flow, the way we’re surrounded by animals, and the chance to go on farm walks. It creates such a special learning environment where the kids can be hands-on, curious, and free to explore the world around them.

My goal is to create a space where your child feels safe, supported, and excited to come each day. A place where they feel comfortable being themselves, trying new things, and building confidence through play. I really enjoy being part of those small but meaningful moments—like seeing a child try something for the first time or watching them grow in their own way.

I’m so glad to be part of the team here and can’t wait to keep building connections with you and your child as they continue their journey at Aubrey.

Send Us A Message

For a free consultation or quote, please send us a message

Aubrey ELC is staffed by a close knit team of early childhood education teachers

We have a team of qualified and experienced teachers who are members of the Orewa Community of Learning Kahui Ako
Our dedicated team are committed to nurturing and developing the children in our care
Our wide range of backgrounds gives our children a broad learning experience

Aubrey ELC is located in Stillwater and welcomes families from Stillwater, Dairy Flat and Silverdale as well as the wider North Shore, Rodney and Hibiscus Coast areas

Where Young Children Explore, Grow And Learn Through Play

71 Aubrey Rd, Silverdale/Stillwater, Auckland