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.

Talia Goodger – Team Leader

Kia ora! My interest in early childhood education started at Playcentre with my own children. I was so inspired by this incredible time in childrens’ lives, that I decided to change careers, from television production manager, and go back to university to gain a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education to become a teacher!

I believe that children thrive where they have the time, space and resources to discover things for themselves, and I love being part of these discoveries and seeing the world through their eyes. I am excited to be part of this kindergarten community and to be an active part of your child’s 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.

Christie Sage – Teacher

I am a qualified, registered teacher and really enjoy exploring and extending children’s interests in fun, authentic and meaningful ways.
I love anything to do with art, music, dance and drama, and messy play. I also believe that it is important to provide opportunities for children to problem solve and use real-world tools in their designs and constructions. Therefore, I am a strong supporter of encouraging children to give new things a go and to challenge themselves. This I believe strengthens independence, their sense of perseverance and their self-confidence.  I am also passionate about exploring the natural environment with children as there are endless possibilities to learn about nature and the wider world.
I look forward to learning about each child’s interests and getting to know their personality and supporting them as they grow as capable, confident and caring young learners!

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.

Alexandra Hathaway – Teachers’ Assistant

I am an enthusiastic, fun and nurturing person and love spending time with children and sharing special moments. It is important to me to build and nurture relationships, be a great communicator and a positive role model.

I enjoy working in early childhood education and love being part of the Sunbeams team. I am a founding staff member and helped set up the kindergarten in 2014. I support the teachers in providing a high quality learning environment for our children where every day is a day filled with possibilities, fun and laughter!

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.