Our Team
We have a great team of dedicated teachers. Our programme will respect and reflect on the individual child’s interests, providing all children with equal opportunities to reach their full potential.
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Kristal Morgan - Centre Manager
Kia ora whanau/families. My name is Kristal Morgan and I am honoured to be looking after your children. I have worked in the early childhood sector since 2012 in a variety of different centres that cater for different cultures and religions. I graduated with my Graduate Diploma from Canterbury University in April of 2012 and have been working ever since. I also have a degree in psychology and a Gradate diploma in primary teaching. Before I studied early childhood, I spent 2 years relieving in schools all over Christchurch and have a strong knowledge of primary school teaching. I have a passion for music, traveling, running and movies. I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and that it is essential to create the right environment for each child to achieve their potential and utilise their individual capabilities. There are many facets of a successful teaching and learning environment. A teacher needs to embrace the student’s previous learning and acknowledge their culture so as to best cater to the individual needs of the child, teaching to the whole child and not just their mind. |
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Kirsten McKey - Team Leader Kauri Room Kia Ora whanau and families. My name id Kirsten McKey and I have been teaching in Early Childhood for almost 20 years.
Most of my years, I have been working in the nursery. I am a caring and nurturing teacher that enjoys being part of children’s growth and development through their learning. I live with my husband and we have two children. I really enjoy being involve in sport and spending time with my family and friends. I am looking forward to being part of the Prestons Preschool team and getting to know you and your families. |
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Katelyn Reed - Totara room team leaderDiploma of Early Childhood Education
Kia ora, my name is Katelyn I completed a Diploma of Teaching (ECE) at Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College in 2013, and prior to joining the team at Preston’s Preschool, I worked full time in a Nursery encouraging a love of learning and caring for children from three months to two years old. I have also previously spent many years working with children between the ages of 2-15 as a gymnastics coach, babysitter and nanny. I have always had a passion for working with children and believe in building strong, meaningful relationships and creating strong connections between children’s experiences and adventures at home with their families and their learning during their time at preschool. I also particularly enjoy observing and supporting children in their play as they explore, discover and learn about the world around them, as well as providing a wide variety of experiences and resources to extend and build on interests and learning. In my spare time, I enjoy mountain biking and riding different trails and tracks, water-skiing, wakeboarding, road cycling, baking, experimenting with healthy cooking recipes, growing a vegetable garden, reading, and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to getting to know you, and working alongside you and your family |
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Jasmine Bailey - Team Leader NurseryMy name is Jasmine, but most people call me Jas!
I believe that relationships are the foundations for learning and therefore I seek to build responsive and reciprocal relationships with tamariki, and their whānau is best to support their learning. Each child is unique so empowering them to steer their own learning will make it more meaningful and relevant, letting each child develop in their own way at their own pace. My main aim is to provide tamariki with a warm, rich learning environment where they feel safe to explore, initiate learning, and are free to express themselves. I have worked in Early Childhood Education for over 6 years with a passion for infants and toddlers. I love spending time with family and friends, gardening, baking, and movie nights with my husband. I’m looking forward to joining the Preston’s Preschool family and getting to know you and your children. |
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Christine Abeykoon
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Laura Chapmon- Teacher PreschoolKia Ora tamariki, parents and whānau, my name is Laura Chapman and I have been teaching in Early Childhood education for one year after graduating from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of teaching and learning ECE. I have been passionate about Early Childhood Education from a young age and really enjoy working with all age groups within Early Childhood and the different aspects of teaching they each bring. When working with tamariki I believe it is important to build reciprocal relationships with tamariki and work together with whānau, to empower tamariki to love and take control of their learning as they begin their learning journey. I have a passion for music and movement, and I enjoy having fun alongside the tamariki I am working with. In my spare time I enjoy skiing and camping and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you and your whānau.
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Sarah Mclean - Nursery teacherKia ora! My name is Sarah. I have been in ECE since 2017, and have recently finished my bachelor's at the end of 2022. Teaching is a huge passion of mine, which I find hugely rewarding in many ways. One of my main values and beliefs in early childhood is collaboration and partnership. I believe in the importance of creating responsive and reciprocal relationships with all stakeholders, including, families, children and all kaiako. I have a broad range of interests, that include hiking, reading, chilling out at home, and baking. I come from a reasonably big family, so family is very important to me. My sister and mum are also teachers! So it's nice to have had support over the years of studying, to gain ideas and inspiration. I am very thankful to have landed this job and Educare Preston's, I am excited to gain new knowledge and experience, but also to have fun!
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Juwon Kno - Nursery Teacher Kia Ora. My name is Juwon Kno and I am from South Korea. I have moved to New Zealand in early 2020 with my twin sister, and recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education at NZTC. Before moving to New Zealand, I have spent about 6 years working with children between the ages of 6-15 as a teacher at the language school in Korea.
I believe children are a gift from God and every single child is a reward and blessing. I believe that building strong emotional ties with children is crucial as it is the central foundation for their learning and development. I will actively listen and positively respond to children so that they can feel that they are accepted and important. I live with my sister and our 6 year old dog. In my spare time, I love spending time with them exploring this beautiful country, hiking and walking my dog. I look forward to getting to know you and your children. |
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Iresha Nawarathne - Nursery teacherKia Ora whanau and families, My name is Iresha Nawarathna and I am originally from Sri Lanka. I recently completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and I am currently pursuing a degree at NZTC. Early Childhood Education has been my passion since childhood, and I thoroughly enjoy working with tamariki of all ages. This is an incredibly meaningful moment for me, and I feel deeply grateful to be a part of it. Establishing strong bonds with tamariki and their families is crucial to me, as it allows me to understand and foster their holistic development. I strive to design engaging and educational activities for children, boosting their confidence and understanding. Furthermore, I delight in observing and assisting children during their exploratory play, as they delve into and absorb knowledge about their surroundings. I also leverage my creativity and skills to provide meaningful experiences for them. Outside of work, my husband and I share a love for travel, hiking, and camping in this beautiful country, as well as spending time with family and friends. I'm excited to get to know you and your children.
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Mansur Addison- Kauri Room teacherKia ora Preston’s whanau! My full name is Mansur but everyone calls me Manny. I am super excited to become a part of the Preston’s team and am looking forward to joining the tamariki and their whanau on their preschool journey.
I have recently completed the Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary) at the University of Canterbury. Previous to that I gained a Bachelor of Arts in English and Cultural Studies in 2012. I come from a family full of teachers and am passionate about education working for every learner and finding a way to implement that. The Preston’s philosophy complements my own beliefs about the individuality of each learner being given the same opportunities. I am an energetic person and in my spare time I like to play the drums, work in the garden and spend time with whanau and friends. |
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Devon Berryman - Totara TeacherKia ora whānau and families. My name is Devon Berryann and I am from the east coast of the United States. I came here to Christchurch a little over one year ago and completed my Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning for Early Childhood at the University of Canterbury. Prior to coming to New Zealand, I worked with children in early childhood centres and primary schools for about 13 years. I also hold a Bachelor's degree in Applied Behavioural Science and spent many years working to support children with disabilities and diverse learning needs. My experiences have taught me the importance of respectful relationships with children that empower and inspire them to reach their full potential, while feeling that they are loved and valued just as they are. I enjoy following children's curiosities so that together we can learn more about each other, as well as the world around us. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my partner, three children, and our little dog. I also enjoy hiking, spending time in nature, reading, cooking, baking, and different types of crafting. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone in the Preston's Preschool community, and I am so excited to be joining the team.
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Hasitha Abeywickrema - Chef
Kia Ora. My name is Hasitha Abeywickrema and I came to New Zealand very recently to work in this amazing preschool as a chef. Friends call me Hasi and I invite you to use that name as it is easier to pronounce than my full name.
This was one of my dreams realized. I am very thankful for this opportunity to work here and would love to use my culinary skills to create and serve more appealing nutritious food for our children together with our friendly teaching team. I have followed a professional course in hospitality and followed and apprenticeship in chef training. I have worked in many star class hotels in the middle east and Sri Lanka.
I have my family in Sri Lanka. My wife is currently looking after our son and I would love to see them migrate to New Zealand one day to be with me in this most beautiful country.
This was one of my dreams realized. I am very thankful for this opportunity to work here and would love to use my culinary skills to create and serve more appealing nutritious food for our children together with our friendly teaching team. I have followed a professional course in hospitality and followed and apprenticeship in chef training. I have worked in many star class hotels in the middle east and Sri Lanka.
I have my family in Sri Lanka. My wife is currently looking after our son and I would love to see them migrate to New Zealand one day to be with me in this most beautiful country.
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