 |
My name is Rachel Strong, and I am the Managing Director of Piccolini Preschool and Nursery. I am a mother of three young children and I am passionate about families and early childhood. I believe in the benefits of children being cared for at home, but also appreciate the need for children to socialise and be engaged in a preschool environment. I established Piccolini after seeking a high quality preschool which catered to the growing needs of my children for interaction, development and education. I believe an environment which fosters love, care and positive values are vital to a child’s development. I have a BCom in Marketing, and Management and Employment Relations from the University of Auckland, and have completed the theory component of a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. |
 |
Hi, my name is Kelly Ives, and I am the Supervisor at Piccolini. I am a mother of three young children, 2 of whom are part of the Piccolini family. I trained in the UK at Greenwich University, London, where I obtained a BA (Hons) Physical Education. I taught for 7 years in the UK before returning home to Hawkes Bay. More recently I have held the position of Sports Director at Iona college where my role involved a great deal of co-ordination and coaching/managing. As a parent, I am passionate about preschool education and children’s development prior to starting school. |
 |
Hi, my name is Melissa. I am a trained and fully registered kindergarten teacher.I have taught kindergarten aged children for over twenty years and am enjoying the opportunity to teach a younger age group.I have lived in Hawkes Bay since 2002 with my husband and three boys, Jeffrey, Benjamin and Joshua. I love teaching early childhood and look forward to many happy moments caring for your children.Piccolini Preschool encompasses all that I think an early childhood centre should be and I feel very proud to be a part of it. I am eager to watch it grow in the years to come. |
 |
My name is Pip Donovan. I have a degree in Education and I have enjoyed teaching for almost ten years.While living in Wellington I had the privilege of managing an early childhood centre. During this time I gained many valuable experiences and took on the role of an adult educator.After a year in New York City I am excited to be back in my home town of Havelock North.Piccolini has given me the wonderful opportunity to teach and learn alongside my daughter, Ruby. We are loving being part of the Piccolini family and building on new relationships in this community. |
 |
Hi, my name is Liz Payne. I obtained my Diploma in Early Childhood in 1998 from Massey University. I have experience as a Kindergarten teacher and more recently in early childhood centres. Whilst at home with my two beautiful daughters, I was a part-time home educator and marked PORSE ECE papers. I am thrilled to be here as part of the Piccolini team! |
 |
My name is Louise Newton. I initially trained as a primary school teacher and more recently completed my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I have since gained experience working in a Montessori centre. I believe in providing children with a caring and nurturing environment where children feel loved. |