Roger Tan

Franchisee Owner

Hello, my name is Roger Tan, I am from Beijing in China. I have a deep passion for providing quality childcare and education. I take great joy from observing and encouraging children as they develop into life-long learners, creating, discovering, making social connections and becoming confident in their abilities. It is my aim to provide an environment when your child can grow healthily and happily.

I am very excited to share with you my beautiful pre-school in Albany, with brand new equipment, wonderful staff and advanced management support and experience. Please come by soon and see it for yourself. We would love to show you why we are so successful. We will be opening in July 2018. Please call our head office for enquiries, email us or visit our website for updates.

Joy Cho

Centre Manager

Kia Ora. My name is Joy CHO. I am originally from Korea and I have been living in New Zealand since 2000. I did my Diploma in Early Childhood Education in Christchurch and graduated at the University of Canterbury. I am a dedicated and fully registered early childhood teacher with a passion for children’s learning and care.

I believe children’s early stage of life is so crucial to the adult they will become, and I love having a part of and making a difference to their learning and development. Here at Just Kidz Albany we incorporate Te Whariki into our everyday life, I especially enjoy encouraging Parents, Families and Whanau into taking part in our service as well as adopting parents’ contribution in their children’s learning and development. I believe that each child is unique, competent and capable. I enjoy working collaboratively with families, children, parents and teachers towards the common goal of ensuring that children have the opportunities to gain knowledge in all areas that are meaningful to them. We have the most wonderful team of teachers here at Just Kidz Albany and I feel privileged to be part of it. I look forward to working with you and your children.

Emma Kwon

Assistant Centre Manager

Kia Ora.

My name is Emma Kwon. I am from Korea and arrived in New Zealand since 2011. I finished my graduate Diploma of Teaching in New Zealand Tertiary College.

I as a fully registered teacher have five years of experience in Early Childhood Education Sector and have been working with all age group from infants to pre-schoolers. I am a person who thrive in a challenging environment that I can implement my great initiative and ability to organise and manage tasks to a high standard. I will always endeavour to provide a wide range of learning experiences and creative environment. Here at Just Kidz Allbany, I am look forward to working with you and your children.

Jay Lee

Head Teacher Infants

Hello. My name is Jay Lee and I am the head teacher in Kiwi room. I am originally from South Korea and arrived in New Zealand in January 2004. I raised up in Auckland for the last 16 years and I would say I am local resident in North Shore. I love the unique nature and the relaxed lifestyle here in New Zealand. I have all my family members here, my parents, my sister’s family, my brother and most of my extended family from my mum’s side.

Since I was young, I loved being around children and I have always wanted to work with children. I really appreciate my time here at Just Kidz with all your children. I have studied Bachelor in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) with NZTC and currently working on my provisional registration. However, by the end of this year, 2020, I plan to apply for the full registration. I also have First Aid Certificate.

I have been working with children for about 7 years to date. I love working with the families through sharing my professional experiences and knowledge and I am open to accommodate the uniqueness of each family has. I enjoy building relationship with families and sharing my love and passion for the children in their early years. I really look forward to work with all of you! 😊

Bora Kim

Infants Teacher

Kia ora whanau,

My name is Bora Kim. I am originally from Korea and came to New Zealand when I was 11. I studied ECE in Unitec and have many years of experiences working with children.

I am passionate about working with children and helping them to reach their full potentials. I believe every child has their unique characteristics and that my role is to provide a safe and enriching environment for them to learn and grow.

Ning Wang

Head Teacher Toddler

Kia Ora.

My name is Ning Wang. I am originally from China and I have been in New Zealand for 10 years, I finished my Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education 2013 at Wintec (Waikato Institute of Technology). I have been working with children in a variety of age group for 6 years.

I am passionate about working with young children and I believe that each child should be valued as individual and competent learner. I enjoy the every moment working with children and I truly believe that this is crucial time to instill a love of learning in children to become lifelong learners.

Anne Naude

Toddler Teacher

Kia ora

My name is Anne. I am originally from South-Africa and arrived in New Zealand early in 2019. I completed my bachelor’s in education through the University of South Africa in 2013. I also have many years of experience in childcare and development, ranging in ages from birth to primary level.

In my personal life I am a married mother, and this is where my great love for young children and my interests in their development and personal growth originated.

I have a keen interest in alternative teaching strategies and my belief is that learning is an active process that requires learners to be involved and excited about the activities they participate in. I encourage child-initiated activities and provoke ideas through open ended questions and play.

I am always ready for a new challenge and look forward to being a part of the exciting learning journey of each learner and family at Just Kidz Childcare.

Cynthia Joo

Toddler Teacher

Kia Ora,

My name is Cynthia Joo. I am Korean and I have been in New Zealand for 12 years. I studied Bachelor of Education – Primary teaching in AUT (Auckland University of Technology).

I have been working with children in different age groups since I was in high school. I love working with young children. My personal teaching philosophy is about leading children to be successful participants in our society. I believe building positive relationships with children is the most crucial thing. This also enhances positive class atmosphere, which will help students to feel safe and protected.

I am very happy that I can start my new journey with Justkidz Albany and I will try my best to lead children to become lifelong learners.

Sunny Choi

Head Teacher Preschool

Kia Ora,

I am Sunny Choi, born in Korea and have been living in Auckland since 2004.I have been a ECE teacher for four years, working mostly with toddlers and preschoolers in New Zealand.

I believe that children are capable and competent. I as a teacher need to allow them to have endless opportunities to explore and experiment and be in control of their own learning. My philosophy in ECE teaching revolves around the belief that children are mighty learners capable of many things and naturally eager to learn. I as a teacher need to facilitate children’s need to learn by offering them with whatever they need whether it be materials, guidance, motivation or basic care; teachers are there to help a child through their experiences.

I am very excited to get to know children and their parents/whanau in Justkidz, Albany and be part of your child’s learning journey.

Danika Bristowe

Preschool Teacher

Hi everyone!

My name is Danika and I have been a qualified teacher since graduating from AUT in 2014, where I specialised in the Montessori philosophy. I live in Torbay with my daughter where we enjoy walks to the local beaches with our dog Karma.

I enjoy watching children grow and develop while facilitating a learning environment which allows them to discover and learn through play as well as through their peers and educators. I believe that each child has their own needs and interests, and these should be encouraged holistically in their learning environment.

I feel that children can learn a lot through the natural environment the world has to offer where they can acquire skills that will assist them in becoming independent, confident and self-reliant individuals.

We have a great team and learning environment here at Just Kidz Albany and I look forward to working with all the children and whanau that come through our door.

Joo Young Lee

Preschool Teacher

Kia Ora!

My name is Joo Young Lee but most people just call me Joo; I’m a teacher with the Pukeko’s (4-5 year old) and am a father of 2 lovely girls. I got my Diploma in Teaching (ECE) at NZTC in 2016 and have been in ECE ever since.

I got my first taste of ECE when my daughter was born 9 years ago and decided to pursue it professionally in 2015. I base my teaching on relationships and trust with children and their whanau. I believe that trust is an essential bond for teachers and children, and stability should be built on this trust. I also believe that every child is unique and we as teachers or care providers shouldn’t hinder a child’s development based on our own stereotypes, instead allow them to explore their potential and support them in their learning journey.

I believe that it takes a team effort in leaving a positive experience/influence on a child, and would like to invite families to come and join us in making a positive impact for their children.

Danien Van Heerden

Cook

Hi, Everyone. My name is Danien Van Heerden and started at Justkidz Albany as a cook. I am originally from South Africa, my husband and I decided to move to wonderful New Zealand 6 year ago. In my spare time, I enjoy baking, cooking and spending time with friends and family. I feel super privileged to be part of the Just Kidz Albany team, providing all the little ones with healthy balanced meals..