MEET OUR TEAM
Glynis Hibbott- Centre Owner/Director
Registered Teacher
I have been involved in many aspects of Early Childhood Education for the last 25 years, from Kindergarten teaching to lecturing and leadership in initial teacher education. I have a certificate in Early Childhood Development (developmental psychology), a Degree in Education specialising in Teaching ECE, a Post Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education specializing in ECE. My passion throughout all these experiences is a focus and advocacy for the rights of all children and their Whanau, to experience the best environment, within an early childhood education centre, for their optimal learning and development. I believe that children learn best when they experience an environment that allows them to grow, physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually by providing a space where they are free to explore through play and real life experiences, including animal husbandry, in a variety of natural environments. Where these children are empowered to take responsibility for their own and their peers learning, becoming a community of learners who share and care for each other.
Rhiannon
Head Teacher
Hi, my name is Rhiannon, I am the head teacher here. I am fully registered and qualified as an early childhood teacher as well as recently completing my first postgraduate qualification (Certificate in management) I have always had a fierce passion for working with and advocating for children, which I was lucky to discover early and have spent my life since my teens working towards this goal. I have over 10 years of experience working with young children and consider myself to be kind, bubbly, and enthusiastic. I believe in providing authentic experiences for children to develop lifelong skills such as risk management skills and the development of empathy.
Rajesh Kumar Tiwari
Registered Teacher (Master of professional Studies)
Kia ora, Hello, Nameste
My name is Rajesh, I have been here at Farm Friends since 2014. I enjoy working with children and encourage group learning and close parent-child-educator partnerships. I greatly value the importance of a natural environment and sustainability as our learning environment for the wellbeing of our children. I believe that our daily interactions with nature in early years shape our empathy towards living and nonliving world.
Jordan McQuoid
Registered Teacher
Hiya, my name is Jordan McQuoid and I am a qualified and registered early childhood teacher.
I pride myself on valuing each family and their culture as well as their involvement in their child's learning. As teachers, I believe we are here to guide and support you and your child on your learning journey and help them to become confident and capable learners.
Jasmine Hohua
Student Teacher (Full Time)
I joined the Farm Friends team as a volunteer late 2016. I was so happy to join the team full-time, I love the way the children are able to fully immerse themselves in nature, similar to my own childhood.
Hope Wright
Student Teacher (Full Time)
Konichiwa, my name is Hope and I am about to begin my last year of study towards being a qualified Early Childhood teacher. I am a half-Japanese vegetarian and my passions include animals, sustainability, and the outdoors. I got into teaching 2 years ago because I believe children are extraordinary human beings who are capable of being the change we need in this world. I value compassion above anything else and hope to inspire the children I teach to do everything with love. I absolutely love being an Early Childhood teacher and see it more as a passion rather than a job.
Steph
Steph was initially a parent here at Farm Friends and is now our cook, Steph cooks amazingly tasty and nutritious meals for us. Using many natural ingredients, minimising the use of sugar in her baking.