
Dedicated & Qualifed
MEET OUR LYNFIELD TEAM
We have a committed team of experience teachers who have served us for a long period of time. Our teachers value each child as an individual and provide many opportunities for them to learn. We are also committed to uphold a high percentage of qualified teachers. As a multi-cultural team, we bring with us a diversity, which has helped us design a rich teaching and learning programme, which is culturally rich and intellectually stimulating. A team that has put in years of experience into creating a home away from home, a place which fosters curiosity, a place of exploration, research and discovery. Developing meaningful relationships with children and families is something that is highly valued and what we strive to achieve.


Jonna Ramirez
Centre Manager
Tena Koutou,
My name is Jonna Ramirez and I am a fully registered ECE teacher. My family migrated to this country from Manila in 2010 and since that time, I have been teaching in ECE. I completed my Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) from the University of Auckland. I have experience working the youth and children with special needs back in my home country. Being in ECE has further nurtured my passion for working with children of different ages. I love the energy and the curiosity they bring every day.
I have three grown up children who keeps me grounded by being my tough critics. In my free time, I like going to the gym and I also collect and grow indoor plants. I look forward to getting to know you and your child.

Seema Sidana
Room Leader
Kia Ora,
My name is Seema and I moved to New Zealand in 2008 from India. Since then I have been a part of Rising Stars team. I love being here in this country & my work place which is my extended family. I love being with children & supporting them to become confident & happy learners. Meeting their families and making them believe & trust me gives me immense pleasure and I get to learn so much about the other cultures. I am glad I chose this profession which keeps me energetic & motivated.

Amber Lepine-Williams
Room Leader
Kia Ora,
My name is Amber. I am a mum of two wonderful tamariki of my own. I have always loved being around children; I love their honesty, how inquisitive they are, and the fantastic things they say.
Our children are precious and they need a nurturing environment to explore their potential in their own time. I am part of a wonderful team who can that can provide that.

Gloria Menezes
Room Leader
Kia Ora,
My name is Gloria Menezes I am from India. My family and I migrated to New Zealand 17 years ago and I have been at Rising Stars ever since.I have been a Primary school teacher in India and I thoroughly enjoy working with children.
I have completed my Bachelor's in Teaching Early Childhood Education. At Rising Stars I work with the babies and I enjoy every moment of my interaction with them.

Andra Bobermien
ECE Qualified Teacher
Kia Ora Whānau
My name is Andra Bobermien and I am a qualified and registered teacher from Germany. I have been living in Aotearoa for over 10 years. In 2013, I started working at Rising Stars Lynfield and enjoyed looking after our preschool children in the Matariki Room. Past three years, I have been working at different ECE centres to experience and learn about other philosophies. I believe in the importance of natural based education and I am looking forward to provide great care for your children. During spare time, I like doing art and crafts, cooking, gardening and exploring the outdoors with my family.

Lingling Ding
ECE Qualified Teacher
Kio ora, 你好!My name is Lingling. I’m from China. I’ve done my study of Graduate Diploma in ECE teaching in New Zealand. As an experienced and qualified ECE teacher, I’m committed to help our tamariki with the skills they need to have a happy, bright and healthy future. Besides that, I’m willing to work collaboratively with our families, whanau and other communities to promote the development and learning of our learners.

Elizabeth Budai
ECE Qualified Teacher
Kia ora!
My name is Liz Budai and I am a Early Childhood Teacher of Waita room at Rising Stars Childcare Centre of Lynfield.

Sweta Subedi
Teacher
Kia ora!
My name is Sweta & I am from Nepal. I have been living in New Zealand since 2002, I have been working as a teacher at Rising Stars for 10 years with a diploma of early childhood education pasifika level 5. I love to travel to different countries and learn and have an interest in learning new cultures. I also love working with children and enjoy taking care of them!

Pavithra Sandamalee Somaratne
Teacher
Ayobhowan! Kia ora! Hello!
My name is Pavithra and I am from Sri Lanka. I was a primary school teacher in my home country for more than 8 years and after moving to New Zealand, I got inspired by the ECE education system here. I have worked with Rising Stars for the past few years and feel proud to advance my career with them. I live in Auckland with my husband and three lovely children. My interests are cooking and trying different recipes and spending some quality time with my family.

Neeraj Vashista
Teacher
Namast
I am Neeraj from the vibrant and colourful country.... India. I have done my Masters in Literature and Graduate Diploma in Teaching and have 16 years of teaching experience. I came to New Zealand in 2007 since then working in this industry. I was full-time registered teacher but from last few years working as a relief teacher. Teaching is my passion and I love to be with children as they are our source of inspiration rather I would say... they are my heart beats. Working with Children takes us to the different world where we face lots n lots of challenges but it's a very good learning for us too. I am fortunate to be the part of this wonderful team of Rising Stars.

Luvisminda Arriola
ECE Qualified Teacher
Kia Ora!
My name is Minda Arriola. I am a Pilipino by birth and a citizen of this beautiful country, New Zealand. I am married with 4 children and 6 grandchildren. I have been with children in the ECE sector here in NZ for the past 18 years and yet, until now, I am still enjoying my time with them. For me, living is incomplete if I am not teaching or nurturing or educating someone.

Victoria Lynn King
Cook
Kia Ora!
My name is Victoria King. I was born and raised in Auckland. I have three children two live in Auckland and one is in Madrid Spain.
I love the great outdoors and I reside in the forest of the waitakere ranges and go on many tramping trips around different parts of New Zealand.
Cooking and baking is something I have always enjoyed doing and I believe that healthy food is the basis for a healthy life.
I attended a food safety course with the New Zealand school of food and wine. Providing nutritious food for the children at the Rising Stars is something I enjoy and feel is an important role to play.