Early Childhood Education

I have been working in the early childhood industry for 20 years now covering a range of different roles in that time. I began my journey in ECE as a nanny for 6 years in the UK and upon my return to New Zealand I began working within the centre environment. I have my diploma and bachelor in ECE as well as my certificate in Adult Teaching. I have been a Nanny, a Teacher, a Head Teacher and a Centre Manager before joining the team at Vision College. I am currently teaching level 5 students which is incredibly fulfilling and I am blessed with 3 gorgeous boys of my own.

Kia Ora, my name is Talita. I would describe myself as passionate, energetic and someone who loves all the beautiful things life has to offer. I am very passionate about the Early Childhood Education sector, and this is what has led me to tertiary education so that I may have a part in developing and inspiring future educators for our youngest and most precious citizens of New Zealand. 

I am originally from South Africa but immigrated to New Zealand in 2000 with my family. I now live with my husband and two beautiful sons who are now 10 and 7 years of age. In 2007 I graduated from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor in Teaching Early Childhood. I have been working in an Early Childhood centre for the past 10 years in all roles including teacher, team leader, curriculum leader and centre supervisor. A few years ago I decided to continue my studies and embarked on my Masters of Education journey which I completed in 2018. I believe as educators we need to be life-long learners as our industry is ever evolving and we can always develop and grow our knowledge and practice. 

When not at work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, enjoying the beautiful ocean, lakes and rivers of New Zealand by either fishing, swimming, wake-boarding or jet skiing. I also love going to the movies and just taking the time-out to relax.  I am also currently undertaking a certificate in Bible Studies in my spare time which I am thoroughly enjoying. 

The proverb (whakatauki) I feel best suits my approach to teaching and learning is:

“Poipoia te kakano kia puawai”

Nurture the seed and it will blossom.

Kia Ora, my name is Tracey and I am one of the tutors for the Level 3 Early Childhood education course with Vision College. I would describe myself as a bubbly, friendly and ambitious person who loves what each day has to offer. I started pursuing my passion in becoming an Early Childhood teacher in 2010 where I obtained a scholarship through the New Zealand College of Early Childhood Education. I completed my Diploma and during those 3 years, my passion and knowledge grew where I then wanted to strive to grow more as a teacher and as a leader of my passion. I then moved on to become a head teacher, assistant manager and then a centre manager where I was able to support, grow and develop other teachers and teachers in training within their areas of passion within an early childhood service.

I am extremely passionate about ensuring that our Tamariki are provided with best quality and care. This lead me to follow my passion through working with our new generation of teachers and helping them enter into careers as early childhood teachers.

When I am not at work I love to spend time with my 2 beautiful children, my family and friends. I love Mother Nature and exploring new beaches and areas around our beautiful country. I also enjoy relaxing and taking those moments to reflect and appreciate what life has to offer.

My name is Ellie Massey and I am a Level 3 Early Childhood Tutor at Vision College in Hamilton. I have over 10 years experience in the early childhood sector and I have taught in a variety of early childhood settings including in kindergarten and as a visiting teacher for homebased childcare. I am very passionate about quality early childhood education and I recognise the importance of lifelong learning. I inspire and guide students to become positive and knowledgeable role models that can support young children to achieve their full potential. I encourage students to build on their own prior experiences to develop a greater understanding of early childhood education, which will set them up for success in the early childhood sector

I would describe myself as a calm, compassionate and respectful person. In 1993 I gained a diploma in nursing through Wintec. After  approximately 3 years nursing at southern cross hospital - mainly in the surgical area, I became interested in early childhood. I have approximately 20 years’ experience in the childcare industry and have worked in many roles as a teacher, centre supervisor, administrator and prior to coming to Vision College I was managing a centre in Hamilton. I feel very passionate about helping students to gain confidence in their abilities and to discover their passion in life. It is so rewarding to see them grow in this confidence and discover their potential. My interests outside of work are walking, mountain biking, shopping, snow skiing, spending time with my family and travelling.

Kia ora my name is Vio Oertly.  I am a new ECE Level 5 tutor in S Block.  For the past 9 years I have been working as a Manager at a Non Government Organisation, and working with the Ministry of Education and Early Childhood Centres to deliver The Incredible Years to ECE teachers. 

I am a registered teacher myself and worked for 10 years in a local Waikato high school. I love the learning process so I am excited to be working here at Vision College with the future educators of our tamariki. 

When I am not at work I love spending time with my hubby, my daughters, my sister and my friends.  On the weekends you might find me riding my horse on our lifestyle block, trying not to get shocked while moving electric fences, or feeding the chickens, walking the dogs, possum hunting or baking chocolate brownies in the kitchen.  I also like going to church, having coffees with friends in town and going to the movies.

Kia ora. I have been a kindergarten teacher here in Christchurch for eight years as well as an Acting Centre Manager for a local community based preschool. I have my Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE) and Master of Education (endorsed in Teaching and Learning Languages). I am passionate about supporting our culturally linguistic diverse tamariki and their families to ensure they have a true sense of belonging.  I am a member of OMEP Canterbury (World Organisation for Early childhood) and I am currently the National Secretary for OMEP Aotearoa New Zealand.

As I like to help others it is a great honour to see and support students thrive and reach their full potential here at Vision College.  

Outside work I enjoy spending time with family and friends along with gardening, walking and family genealogy.

Kia ora, my name is Kate Newitt. I am a level 3 ECE tutor at Vision College in Christchurch. I would describe myself as a compassionate and caring person. I started my journey at Vision College as a student in 2017 where I completed my certificate in early childhood and care level 5. I am currently working towards my bachelor of education. In 2018 I returned to Vision College as a gateway tutor and then moved onto becoming a level 3 ECE tutor. I have a passion for teaching and love to support students to achieve their dreams! My interest outside of work include spending time with my family. I am married with 3 beautiful children. I love athletics, when I was 16 I represented New Zealand for the Youth Olympics. My children are actively involved in sports in their local community, we love travelling around the south Island for all their sports tournaments.

Hi there,  I really enjoy my work here at Vision College, whether it be tutoring, building relationships with students, or visiting them when they are on Placement in an Early Childhood Centre.  This stems from a God given passion I have for young children that I have had for as long as I can remember.  This is outworked in taking pre-school music, Sunday School, Creche for over 30 years.  During this time I gained my BA and Teaching Diploma after which I worked in Early Childhood until we had two little ones of our own.  These two are no longer little, being young adults that I count as my friends.   Whilst working here I gained my Cert in Adult Literacy, and am working towards a Leadership Diploma.  I enjoy spending time with family, the great outdoors in any capacity, craft of any type, and I really love worshipping my awesome God.

My background is in primary school, early childhood education and family support work.  I have moved back to Christchurch from Auckland where I was teaching in an Early Childhood Education Centre and prior to that I worked for SENZ, assisting sole parents back into work.  I enjoy helping people to further their education and realise their dreams.   

 I have lived much of my life in the South Island, in Nelson and Christchurch but spent the last four years in Auckland and Tonga.

During 2016 my husband and I spent a year in Tonga on mission where I managed the Acts Community Pre-school in Nuku’alofa. I still have regular communication with the Preschool and am actively involved in the professional development of the Early Childhood staff.  

When time allows, I enjoy kayaking, walking, gardening and spending time with friends and family especially our young grandson. 

I have been in education for 20 years. I have taught all ages from 0 - 60+. I love helping people grow and learn, from numeracy right through to developing character. I have a Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Adult Education and NZ Certificate of Adult Literacy and Numeracy. Aside from education - who am I? I am an avid animal advocate (I train them too) and love taking my dogs for long hikes and beach walks. I also love gadgets, technology and online gaming.