Meet Our Team
Nicole (Coley) Whiu
Centre Manager
Kia ora, my name is Coley, I’m the Centre manager here at CELC.
I’m married with two older tamariki whom I’m very proud of. I’m from Wellington but have loved living in Ōtautahi for over a decade now.
I enjoy taking my dog MooMoo for walks, spending time with whānau and friends, gardening, shopping, movies and attending Hot rod events.I’ve been a kaiako for over two decades now and enjoy forming relationships with the tamariki and their whānau. I’m very privileged for families and whānau to trust me with their precious loved ones. I
It’s important to me that families and whānau feel 100% comfortable with myself and our team to in trust us looking after their tamariki. I’m dedicated to helping grow little minds into strong confident and competent tamariki who will further excel themselves, in their future.
Iris Zong
Owner / Educator
Kia ora, nihao, hello everyone. My name is Iris.
I own Cashmere Early Learning Centre with my husband, Jack. Having grown up in a household where education was a way of life, I gained a unique perspective on early childhood education.
With the dream of creating a beautiful space for my younger child, Chloe, and the little ones in our neighborhood to flourish, explore, and blossom, I took ownership of CELC in 2018, despite lacking formal training in ECE.
It has been nearly six years since then. My passion for nurturing young minds shines through in every aspect of our preschool. I have initiated numerous small changes and ambitious projects. I am immensely proud of both myself and my dedicated team for transforming my dream into reality.
I look forward to building relationships with you and your beautiful children, where we will all enjoy building on our strengths and learning together.
Michelle Cross
Kaiako
Kia ora koutou e te whānau
Ko Michelle toku ingoa.
My name is Michelle.
I live locally in Beckenham with my husband, two children and our dog, Dudley. I was born in Lower Hutt but have spent most of my life living here in the South Island. The majority of my formulative years were spent growing up here in Ōtautahi / Christchurch. I was living in the United Kingdom for 9 years and this is where I met my now husband.
I have been working in early childhood for 30 years now. Over that time, I have worked both here and in the United Kingdom in a variety of roles including management, curriculum leadership, Head of Foundation Stage, and play specialist but the role I most enjoy is being a kaiako.
If I was to describe my teaching philosophy in one sentence it would be ‘a tōna wā’ / in their own time. Each tamariki is unique. It is therefore my job as kaiako, to know each tamaiti well. Only then, and in partnership with their whānau, can I then ensure that I am intentionally providing quality learning opportunities to support and develop their uniqueness further.
'He māramatanga tō tēnei whetū, he māramatanga anō tō tērā whetū' –
'Every star has its unique radiance and brilliance'
Holly Farmer
Head Teacher
Kia ora e te whanau, I’m Holly!
I have lived back in Christchurch for about six years now and live locally, I can often be found in our local café’s, eateries and local walks and parks.
I have been teaching in the ECE sector for 17 years know so have extensive knowledge of our curriculum and have a great understanding of the needs and wants of our tamariki. I strive to impart our tamariki with the collective skills and knowledge they need to head into further education and the wider world with competence, confidence and great decision-making skills. I ensure that all tamariki know and understand their value as individuals and that their contribution to the world is valued and important, even at this early age.
I live with my partner, son and my dog Lollie. I like doing DYI and are always thinking creatively when upcycling or repossessing furniture or household items. I also love growing an edible garden and relish the lovely Canterbury sunshine!
Jessie Trevella
Kaiako
Kia ora, I'm Jessie
My passion for early childhood education is fueled by witnessing the remarkable developmental growth that young children experience in their early years, a journey that has become even more meaningful as I watch my own daughter learn and grow. Since beginning my career in Early Childhood in 2018, I have cherished being part of children’s joyful discoveries, emerging identities, and growing sense of self. My personal philosophy is grounded in the partnership between whānau and kaiako, fostering a supportive, interconnected, and reciprocal network that honors and affirms the many facets of tamariki's young lives.
I have a deep love for the outdoors, whether it's going for walks or swimming in the sea. This connection to nature profoundly influences my teaching practice, which embraces nature-based play, creative arts, and sensory and messy play.
My respect for early learning inspired me to pursue a Master's in Developmental and Educational Psychology. This has allowed me to deepen my understanding of these formative years and enhance my teaching to better support the incredible young learners I work with.
Hayley Rouse
Kaiako
Tena Koutou katua, my name is Hayley
I live in Halswell with my partner Mathew and cats Leo and Otis. I am originally from the North Island born in a small town known as Tokoroa. I have enjoyed exploring Otautahi / Christchurch and looking forward to forming a life for myself here.
I have been working in Early Childhood for four years now, and most of that has been through my studies as a student, the past year has been as a qualified preschool Kaiako/Teacher. My passion in ECE is watching tamariki/children develop and flourish into their full potential, watching them step into their Mana/pride and glide through their learning goals.
I align closely with a Māori health model, where tamariki are supported as a whole (Spiritual, Mental, Family, Physical).
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi
With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.
This whakatauki talks to the community. It acknowledges that everybody has something to offer, a piece of the puzzle, and by working together we can all flourish.