Our Team

Genevieve Hathaway – Director

Kia Ora. I am a qualified and registered early childhood teacher with 30 years experience. I have been on an amazing journey over the years, working in different early childhood settings and learning so much along the way. Teaching children respect for people and the world in which we live is the core of my philosophy. Children deserve our respect. They deserve energetic, passionate teachers and a quality learning environment. I believe in providing excellence in education for our young children to enable them to become confident, capable, enthusiastic learners who are well prepared for the next stage in their learning journey.

Jordan West – Teacher

I moved to Auckland from Wellington in early 2020 and soon after joined the team at Sunbeams Kindergarten. I am a qualified and registered teacher and I am passionate about early childhood education. I have been working in the industry for eleven years with several years specialising in teaching infants and toddlers. At Sunbeams I have also been working with the older age group gaining experience across all levels of young children’s early learning and development.

Elise Donovan- Teacher

Kia ora! I’m a qualified kaiako (teacher) with a Pasifika Speciality endorsement, passionate about creating a positive and nurturing environment where every tamaiti (child) is celebrated for their unique interests and strengths. My teaching philosophy is grounded in respect, inclusivity, and embracing biculturalism. I’m dedicated to providing authentic, high-quality education that encourages tamariki (children) to believe in themselves and their love of learning. I believe in prioritising respectful relationships, advocating for inclusive child-led play, and nurturing exploration, discovery, creation, and imagination. I love sharing my passion for creativity, nature, and sustainability with tamariki, inspiring them to thrive through a strong connection and kaitiakitanga with nature. I’m excited to get to know you and your tamariki and be part of their learning journey at Sunbeams.

Alice Lou – Teacher

I am an enthusiastic and dedicated Early Childhood Education (ECE) teacher with nearly four years of experience working with children. As an ECE teacher, I support young learners’ physical, emotional, and social development to reach their potential.

Fluent in English, Chinese, and French, I embrace cultural diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment for all children. With a warm, patient, and reflective approach, I build strong relationships with children and their families, helping each child explore their world and develop confidence.

Madeleine Greig – Teacher

Kia orana! My name is Madeleine, I am a qualified and registered teacher. I grew up here in Tāmaki Makaurau and live locally.  

As a teacher, I believe reciprocal respect is the foundation for quality early childhood education. It is my responsibility as an educator to facilitate and support our youngest learners in developing a strong and secure sense of self to carry with them as lifelong learners. I feel that children learn best when we respect them as such, and work from an agentic view of all children, families, and communities. I am looking forward to getting to know the Sunbeams community. 

Stacey Ralston – Teacher

Since achieving my Bachelor of Education, specialising in early childhood in 2013, I have worked both in the public and private sector. I have held many hats within my working life which brings variety to my offerings as a Kaiako.
For me the most important thing is relationships.  I value time and space for children to learn who they are, their image of self, viewing my role as Kaiako as one of supporter and co creator when invited.  I view respectful, responsive relationships and positive guidance being key to success for all learners.
I enjoy many areas of the curriculum but have a strong connection with the areas of social and emotional competence, where through play and real life opportunities tamariki learn and grow, developing the ability to articulate and advocate for themselves, developing their Agency.
I also enjoy cooking, storytelling, puppets, gardening, crafts, science and experiments, projects and puzzles.

Elle Campbell-Blomeley – Teachers’ Assistant

Kia ora! I was born in Hamilton and I spent the first few years of my life in Whangamata where my family is from. I moved to Auckland when I was three and I’ve lived here ever since. I enjoy learning about history, I love reading, art, hiking in the bush and would love to do some more travelling overseas.

I started my journey at Sunbeams in 2016 and have really enjoyed working with the children and supporting their growth and development. I have learned so much about early childhood education since I started and enjoy the challenges and rewards that each day brings.

Neevah Souness – Teachers’ Assistant

I was born in Titirangi, Auckland and raised in many areas in Auckland throughout my life. My whānau is originally from further up north in Opononi. I am the second oldest of 5 siblings, including 2 younger twin sisters who inspired and influenced my love for a career in Early Childhood education.
I have started my new career journey as a teacher’s assistant here at Sunbeams and have learned many things about early childhood.  I hope to move further with my career in early childhood and continue to help with the growth of our new generation of tamariki.
In my life I’ve learned to try new things and experience what I can be grateful for, I love spending time with my whānau and trying new food places. Although I have many places I’d like to visit soon outside of New Zealand, I love finding the beautiful sights that we have in Tāmaki Makaurau.