Our Kaiako
Bobbie Warn
Kia ora, I’m Bobbie, Centre Manager at Pīwakawaka Early Learning Centre with a passion for empowering kaiako and tamariki to feel inspired and supported to grow and learn.
I’ve been teaching and leading within education Aotearoa for over ten years and alongside my teaching degree, I’m studying towards my masters in educational leadership. I come from a background of business management, finance and the arts – these skills support me in developing creative and engaging learning experiences for all children.
What I love most about working with tamariki is their curiosity, spontaneity and growth mindset — I believe we can learn as much from them as they can from us.
Outside of teaching, you’ll find me reading, learning something new, spending time with my family, traveling and creating.
I truly love being part of the Pīwakawaka whānau, where together we can support ngā tamariki to connect, explore and learn!”
Alison Alexander
My name is Alison Alexander. I am the Assistant Manager at Pīwakawaka Early Learning Centre.
I am a qualified registered EC teacher who loves igniting children’s curiosity, and encouraging them to explore their interests and the world around them. I enjoy sharing my love of science, participating in messy play experiences, and helping children think ‘outside the box’.
My husband Graham and I have 3 daughters, all of whom are married, and 5 grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as reading, watching a good movie, Zumba, quilting, pottering in the garden, and going for walks in our beautiful country.
Lauren Cook
Kia ora! My name is Lauren, and I am a passionate kaiako at Pīwakawaka Early Learning Centre. I grew up in Hong Kong and moved to Christchurch just over two years ago. With a background in early childhood education and a qualification as a children’s yoga teacher, I love creating nurturing and engaging environments where tamariki can thrive.
What I love most about working with children is that no two days are ever the same. I find joy in celebrating the small wins, fostering positive energy, and helping shape a brighter future. Being part of the Pīwakawaka whānau allows me to support tamariki as they grow in confidence, curiosity, and connection.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy baking, trying new foods, and traveling. I look forward to sharing laughter, learning, and meaningful moments with our tamariki and their whānau!
Aleithea Smith
My name is Aleithea Smith, and I am one of the kaiako at Pīwakawaka. I have been a kaiako for over 10 years and have been with Pīwakawaka for a year and a half. I am the mother of two beautiful little girls and one furry dog. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and taking our dog for walks. I love to travel and go on road trips, often visiting the West Coast to see family and have adventures in the wilderness. As a teacher, I believe in the importance of kaiako and tamariki learning alongside one another, allowing tamariki the time and space to learn in their own unique ways.
Leah Shannon Jackson
Hi, my name is Leah and I’m a teacher at Pīwakawaka Early Learning Centre. I am currently studying my teaching degree through Te Rito Maioha. I love teaching because of the amazing relationships that I’ve been able to build with children, as well as helping them to learn. Outside of preschool, I like to do all things creative; from drawing and painting to embroidery and crafting while watching my favourite TV Shows.
Grace (Xiaojie) Wang
Kia ora! I’m Grace, a student teacher at Pīwakawaka Early Learning Centre. Before teaching, I worked at the Belgian Consulate in Shanghai, China, where I discovered my true passion: helping people, building friendly connections, and bridging cultures through communication skills I now love applying to support children’s growth.
What I love most about Pīwakawaka is our warm, family-like environment where teachers mentor me and children inspire me daily with their wonder and sincerity.
Outside teaching, I enjoy painting, crafting, storytelling, and exploring nature, always looking for ways to spark little imaginations.
Nevaeh Barnes
Kia Ora, my name is Nevaeh and I am a relief teacher at Pīwakawaka Early Learning Centre. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Criminal Justice at the University of Canterbury and work at Pīwakawaka on my days off. I love helping out around the centre and spending time with the children building strong individual connections. In my spare time I volunteer for St John doing the therapy pet work and also rehoming greyhounds. I look forward to seeing you around the centre!
Marinda (Yinfeng) Lin
I absolutely love being a teacher! I was a teacher in China for a few years, and I’m so excited to begin my early childhood education journey in New Zealand！
Being with children brings me so much happiness – it’s like breathing in the sweetest of flowers. Every child shines in their own special way, and I feel so lucky to see that light in each of them.
Educating doesn’t just reveal the children’s light – it ignites my own.
Many things ignite my passion – art, immersing in nature, and the wellness wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine.
I’ve found a true sense of belonging at this center. We are very close to one another.
Shayna Dixon
I am one of the Kaiako at Pīwakawaka Early Learning Centre. I have been a teacher for the last seven years, completing my Bachelor of Education(ECE) in 2021. I’ve had over 11 years of experience working with children through other areas of education, such as Teaching children to swim, after-school care, and Camp Counselling in America. I’ve recently spent the last two years working in Germany as an English Educator in a bilingual Kita.
These experiences have helped to shape my beliefs and values around NZ Education. I believe that every child is an individual and should be treated as one while uplifting their own culture and identity. My goal is to ensure each child has fun learning, grows beautiful friendships and becomes a confident learner who is a part of their community.
I have recently moved to Christchurch but my home town is Palmerston North. In my free time, I enjoy going on walks, exploring nature and travelling.
I look forward to being a part of your Tamaiti journey!
