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

Meet the Aubrey teachers, our team of dedicated registered early childhood education (ECE) 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 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 also enjoyed spending time at Aubrey before going to school and my other granddaughter Mila recently joined the Tuakana room. We lived in Stillwater for many years and loved living in this wonderful community.

Qualifications:

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

Nicky Anderson

Head Teacher, Teina cottage. Started 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

Madeline Ormsby

Qualified Teacher, Tuakana room. 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.

Qualifications:

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary)First Aid Certificate
Provisional Teacher Registration 417804

Renee Lynch

Teacher, Tuakana room. 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

Part time Teacher, Teina cottage. 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.

Sisi Jia

Qualified Teacher, Teina cottage. Started March 2026

Kia ora, my name is Sisi.

I am from China and have been living in New Zealand for ten years. I began working in early childhood education in May 2022 and completed my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education at New Zealand Tertiary College in 2023.

I enjoy learning and growing alongside children. I observe their interests and support their development through play. It is very special to see children learning happily and feeling comfortable in their daily lives.

My teaching philosophy is based on respect and love. I respect each child’s interests, culture, and family background. I truly love my work and care deeply for every child.

I currently hold Provisional Teacher Registration with the New Zealand Teaching Council. I have completed Child Protection Training and hold a current First Aid Certificate, including Infant and Child First Aid and CPR.

Qualifications:

Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
First Aid Certificate
Provisional Teacher Registration 431505