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.
Yumi Yang
Centre Assistant Manager
Kia ora，您好,
My name is Yang Yang, you can call me Yumi. I am a registered ECE teacher. I was born in China, and moved to New Zealand in 2015. I studied with New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC)and graduated with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education). I love to discover the world together with children. As an Early childhood teacher, I will create a nurturing, stimulating, and multicultural learning environment to encourage exploration and discovery. I also believe in the strength of whanau support and connection. I look forward to meeting and establishing new relationships with all parents and whānau.
My working years in Lynfield: 5 years.
Jyoti Talwar
Room Leader
Kia Ora everyone,
My name is Jyoti Talwar and I am originally from Mumbai, India.I have completed my bachelors of teaching from New Zealand tertiary college and I am now a Qualified teacher. I live with my 15 year old son and my husband. I like to think of myself as a kind and gentle person. I am deeply passionate about working with children and helping them to get a good start in life. It's my pleasure to work alongside the Rising Star's team, children and whanau. I will be glad to share your child's early learning journey with you all.
My working years in Lynfield: 6 years
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.
My working years in Lynfield: 18 years.
Henrietta Casanare
Room Leader
Kia Ora Whānau,
I’m Henrietta Bais Casanare, a fully registered teacher, and I’ve been working in Early Childhood Education for 17 years — 7 years in the Philippines, 8 years in Singapore, and the last 3 years here at Rising Stars Preschool Lynfield.
Teaching is my passion, and I especially enjoy helping tamariki explore early writing and literacy in fun and meaningful ways. It’s such a joy to be part of this wonderful preschool community and to work alongside an amazing team, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the growth and success of our Tamariki.
My working years in Lynfield: 3 years.
Neeraj Vashista
ECE Qualified 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.
My working years in Lynfield: 13 years.
Pavithra Sandamalee Somaratne
ECE Qualified 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.
My working years in Lynfield: 6 years.
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.
I have been working in the centre for 13 years.
Iswarya Balamurugan
ECE Teacher
Vanakkam,
My name is Iswarya Balamurugan. I am from Tamilnadu, India. I came to New Zealand in 2018 with my family. I joined Rising stars in 2021. I love to be with children, encouraging children with their development and supporting them in their activities. I am so blessed to be here in this country.
Ranjeshini Nair
ECE Teacher
Hi, Iam Ranjeshni Nair(Riya). I did Certificate 4 in ECE, still left to complete. I love working in early childhood as m compassion about children. I love helping children to develop in early learning skills for their coming future. With my skills, empathy, patience in listening and kindness for building trust, fostering positive and supportive relationships for children.
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.