Staff

Merren Goodison

Diploma of Teaching ECE

I began my teaching career back in the late 70's, huge changes have taken place in ECE since then and I am very happy to still be involved and still be excited by the learning that takes place in the years from 0 to 5. I opened Raglan Childcare and Education Centre in 1997. Angela and I worked together there, endeavouring to meet the needs of the Raglan community and provide a beautiful and stimulating environment for the children. Together and with one further partner, Max King, we opened Matapihi Kindergarten in May 2009. For a long time I dreamed of a country centre where we would be surrounded by New Zealand's beauty, and the natural environment would have a large influence on our programme – Matapihi is that dream, a labour of love. Outside of the centre I enjoy sculpting with clay, so sharing clay and other art processes gives me great joy in my day to day work with children. I also love to be in the outdoors, gardening, caring for animals, and enjoying the small wonders that surround us.

Angela Kimber

Bachelor of Teaching ECE Honours

I began my teaching career in 1997, when Merren opened Raglan Childcare Centre and told me I was going to work with her there! I discovered I really enjoyed working with young children and developed a strong interest in how they learn, so then worked on obtaining my Bachelor of Teaching degree. Some years later Merren and I began a search for country property to open our dream centre and we found it here at Matapihi.

I love books and reading and enjoy sharing this passion with the children on a daily basis.

I have three adult children, two of them are Early Childhood Teachers and the other is a London based musician. I am also the very proud Grandmother of three beautiful granddaughters.

In my spare time I love to read, garden and care for my two crazy dogs.

Joel Goodison

Bachelor of Teaching ECE

I have been teaching since 2008. I received my Bachelor of Teaching ECE in 2013. I have always been passionate about working with children and find the profession to be extremely rewarding and loads of fun. I particularly enjoy working outdoors and feel very lucky to work in such a beautiful and natural environment. Through my practise I hope to support children in developing a connection and respect for the natural world.

I enjoy promoting physically active play within the centre as I believe this is an essential aspect of education to ensure children’s holistic development and well-being.

Music and movement, story telling, and the arts, are also areas of the curriculum that I particularly find joy in incorporating into my practise.

I believe in the importance of developing caring, reciprocal relationships within the entire learning community and I am committed to learning from those around me. For me, being a teacher is an exciting journey and one that is filled with smiling faces, laughter, wonder, discovery, creativity, adventures, and awesome people on a daily basis.

HOW LUCKY I AM!

Lindy Moir

Bachelor of Teaching ECE

Kia ora Koutou

I`m Lindy Moir, married to Peter and have 3 children, Wesley, Justin and Jade. I have lived in Raglan for about 26 years now. I have a Bachelor of Teaching and have been in the Early Childhood Sector for 34 years, working in Australia and New Zealand. I have been fortunate to have worked with Merren for about 10 years and Angela and Joel for about 2 years. I have an Australian/Aboriginal heritage of which I am very proud. I love teaching children about other countries and have a huge respect for culture and languages. I enjoy playing my guitar and adding new songs to our repertoire. I absolutely love teaching at Matapihi Kindergarten! It provides a wonderful connection to nature, and inspires me to be more creative!

Sam Kimber-Bell

Graduate Diploma of Teaching ECE

I have been teaching for five years. I am married to Monique and have a daughter named Belle. I also have an Honors Degree in Commerical Music and am passionate about music eduation. I love working at Matapihi. It is an awesome early childhood centre with great staff.