Meet Our Team
Meet our teachers that pass on their love and excitement of learning to the children.
Lisa Thomas
Manager | Early Childhood Teacher
At Hope Preschool, I am able to live out my faith and love of learning every day.
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a teacher. Two of the things that are important to me are my Christian faith and learning. I have a Bachelor Degree in Christian Education, a Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching, and previous experience in accounting.
In my roles at Hope Preschool as the Manager and a teacher, I am responsible for the growth and wellbeing of both the staff and children and the overall running of the centre. I have spent most of my life in the Mataura area and I am committed to providing educational opportunities for the community, in the community.
My husband and I have three adult children and two granddaughters. We attend the Mataura Christian Church. When I am not at preschool, I enjoy spending time with my family, crocheting, and reading.
Chris Alvarez
Early Childhood Teacher
Kia ora! My name is Marychris Alvarez, but you can call me Chris. I’m from the Philippines, a mother of four—two sons and two daughters. My husband and I share a love for playing chess, which our children enjoy as well.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, majoring in Preschool Education, and a Master’s in Education, majoring in Kindergarten Education. I have nearly seven years of experience as a preschool teacher and an additional two years teaching fifth grade.
Working at Hope Preschool is a wonderful experience. I love how the teachers support one another, and how the learners are nurtured spiritually. I am deeply passionate about teaching and nurturing the young minds of our tamariki. I believe every child is unique, and I am inspired by the philosophy of John Locke, who spoke of “Tabula Rasa”—the idea that at birth, a child’s mind is a blank slate.
As teachers and parents, we must work hand-in-hand to support the holistic development of our children, striving to meet all their developmental needs. Additionally, we need to be mindful of what we teach them both in school and at home, as these lessons will shape their future.
Coralie McFadzien
Early Childhood Teacher
I live in Wyndham with my husband Donald and my two children Angus and Lucy.
Originally I trained as a Primary Teacher and in 2021 I completed my teacher refresher course. I was really excited to be offered a position at Hope Preschool as both my children attended Hope in its early years of operation and I really appreciated their values and beliefs they brought to those early years of learning.
I have come to appreciate that children are unique individuals and I love seeing their characters shining through, in their language, interactions and play. The early years go by so fast and I understand how precious they are in learning steps and character building.
My family and I enjoy getting out and about in our caravan and exploring different parts of this lovely country that we live in. We are also looking at getting on our bikes as a different way to explore the country and I personally am aiming to tackle some of our great walks as well.
Emily Tarbotton
Early Childhood Teacher
Kia ora, I’m Emily and I began teaching at Hope in 2024.
I trained and completed my Bachelor in Education (ECE) in Tauranga and have achieved my full registration. I have previously done short term covers in a few centres mostly in the North Island.
When it comes to teaching, I love the variety that each day brings, being able to foster the curiosity & discoveries tamariki have, working alongside whānau and a team of passionate kaiako who contribute different strengths to support tamariki.
In my spare time I enjoy going for bush walks & exploring the outdoors, baking and music.
Tabitha Yap
Early Childhood Teacher
Kia ora koutou and apa khabar!
Ko Tabitha tōku ingoa. Originally from Malaysia, I have been in Aotearoa since 2000. I completed my Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood) through Open Polytechnic, and I’m now teaching in Ruma Māhuri here at Hope Preschool, where I did my first student placement!
I have a Bachelor of Arts in English and Media Studies and a Certificate in Film and Television Production. I worked at Sky Television in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for 10 years before moving to Murihiku Southland. I live in Wyndham with my husband and 7-year-old daughter. When I’m not spending time with them, I love to cook (and eat!), potter in my vegetable garden, go on bush walks, watch films, read, mess around with creative artwork, and snuggle with our two cats Odin Mushroom Bean and Little Black Bean!
My interest in early childhood education stems from my journey as a full-time mum and involvement with the Southland Rudolf Steiner Playgroup: first as a parent and then as a facilitator.
I believe that tamariki are taonga, fuelled by imagination, curiosity and the need to form meaningful connections. As a kaiako, I’m guided by the values of inclusion and ngākau aroha; diversity should be celebrated as a strength and we must support emotional wellbeing to allow tamariki to fulfil their potential. It’s also essential that I cultivate whanaungatanga (relationships). We’re all in this together to support our beautiful tamariki!
Shayla Hill
Early Childhood Teacher
Kia ora, I’m Shayla, a teacher in the Kākano room at Hope Preschool.
I love ECE as I get to form relationships with tamariki, as well as their whānau and the local community. I am also extremely passionate about the sector, as kaiako (teachers) help to shape the future generation.
Hope Preschool is truly a special centre as the tamariki always come first. We have an amazing team of kaiako who are all passionate about providing quality education and care.
When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my fur baby, friends and whānau.
Venessa Marquez
Early Childhood Teacher
Kia ora! I am Venessa. I live in Mataura with my husband Noel and my son Raphael. I have a Bachelor of Elementary Education majoring in Preschool Education and have been teaching for 13 years in the Philippines and now here in New Zealand. After being in the primary level for several years, I decided to go back into my ‘first love’; the ECE sector, and New Zealand has given me the opportunity to practice it again.
I joined Hope because this institution’s philosophy aligns with my personal teaching philosophy. As an immigrant teacher it is a big factor that the centre I work in is supportive, that is why I love being a part of this team, with the amazing kaiako and management, they are able to provide me lots of space for growth, both in my career and personality.
In my free time, I enjoy spending it with my family; singing, taking a long drive; admiring the beautiful scenery and enjoying the outdoors that New Zealand has to offer.
Angel Brown
Teacher Aide
Kia Ora! I’m Angel.
I am a Teacher Aide in the Kākano Room. I started at Hope Preschool in April 2025. I am loving being at Hope. The children and teachers have been so welcoming. In September 2025 I am going to start study early childhood education.
I have had a lot of experience with children before working at Hope. I run Sunday School lessons at Calvin Community Church, I have done babysitting for families around the Southland area, and I used to teach swimming lessons. Alongside my teacher aide job I work as a resource worker.
Outside of work I love going for runs or walks through nature. I also love cooking delicious meals and trying new things!
Caitlyn Tweedie
Teacher in Training
Kia Ora, I’m Caitlyn.
I began working in the Kākano room in 2024. I am studying towards a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education so that I can become a qualified early childhood teacher!
I really enjoy working at Hope Preschool as the teaching team is super supportive and welcoming. Everyone collaborates to best suit the children’s needs and to provide high quality care and education for the tamariki in the centre. Every day is also so different, which makes it so much more fun!
I live on a lifestyle block out near Waikaka. In my spare time I enjoy show jumping my two horses, Frankie & Manu, and following the New Zealand rodeo circuit with my family.
Come work with us
We are always interested in hearing from early childhood teachers who are interested in joining our team. Please call in for a visit and drop off a CV anytime, or you can get in touch with us online.