Our Staff

Fairleigh Kindergarten employs a Centre Manager and 6 full time teachers. We have a ratio of 1 staff member to every 8 children.

The team are all fully qualified ECE teachers. The current staff names and photographs are on the Management Board display board inside the main foyer for your information. If you have any enquiries at any time, you are always welcome to approach a staff member.

Staff are committed to providing quality early childhood experiences for children and are consequently involved in ongoing professional development.

Current staff are pictured below:

Rebecca Glithero

Centre Manager

Diploma of Teaching (ECE with Honours)

First Aid Certificate Level 2 Emergency Management

Kia ora,

I have worked in early childhood for over 25 years. I first graduated in 1999 with Diploma of Teaching ECE and taught at here in Christchurch for a number of years. I then moved to teaching in the mornings and running the administration in the afternoons, where I managed the enrolments and finances. After a break to raise my children, I began working at Fairleigh in 2011, firstly as the Administrator and then took over as Centre Manager in 2018.

My role is to manage the administration, finances, policy development, HR, health and safety, and assist with teaching in the kindergarten as needed.

As Centre Manager and feel proud to be part of Fairleigh's growth and development. I am passionate about providing high quality early childhood care and education to our community and feel privileged to be working with a fantastic team of committed professional teachers and parent volunteers.

Maree Jolly

Curriculum Leader

Diploma of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

Certificate in Management (Early Childhood)

First Aid Certificate

Tūturu | Full Practising Certificate

Kia ora,

My name is Maree Jolly, and I am excited to be a part of the Fairleigh Kindergarten wh ānau.

I have been in the Early Childhood Sector for over 30 years in the role of owner, manager, and teacher.  I believe that relationships and respect are at the heart of all practice.  It is a joy to see children’s independence flourish in a positive, holistic environment and I feel privileged to becoming a part of it here at Fairleigh Kindergarten.

Nga mihi ki a koutou.

Dominique Murphy

Teacher

BTchLn (Primary)

Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

First Aid Certificate

Tūturu | Full Practising Certificate

Kia ora,

I graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2011 with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Primary and worked through various schools. I also spent time relieving at different early childhood centres around Christchurch, mainly long-term positions, and gathered experience and a passion for early childhood education.

In 2013 I decided to complete a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from University of Canterbury to further my passion for this field. I started working at Fairleigh Kindergarten in February 2014 and have loved being a part of a learning environment with a strong focus on community, relationships and striving for children to become independent, competent learners.

I am passionate about empowering children to give things a try and to develop skills that will equip them to become independent learners. I see conversations, questioning and engaging with children as a part of growing their minds and understanding of the world around them and I feel privileged to be a part of this important stage in children’s lives.

Emma Morland

Teacher

BTchLn (ECE)

First Aid Certificate

Tūturu | Full Practising Certificate

Kia ora koutou,

I began my teaching journey relieving at centres around Christchurch and decided that this was a place I could really make a difference. I went on to graduate from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education in 2013. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work in some incredible places both in New Zealand and London and gain experience within a variety of settings.

My approach to teaching is calm and nurturing with an emphasis on strong relationships and the individual child. I love having the opportunity to empower children to grow into capable, confident learners with their own unique strengths and personalities, cultivating curiosity and supporting them to discover their worlds.

I feel extremely privileged to be a part of this amazing team of dedicated teachers in a kindergarten where the emphasis is strongly on the community.

 Ngā mihi nui,
Emma

Victoria Watson

Teacher

BTchLn (ECE)

First Aid Certificate

Tūturu | Full Practising Certificate

Kia ora,

I graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2019 with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education. I was then lucky enough to start my teaching journey here at Fairleigh Kindergarten at the start of 2020.

Teaching in early childhood education has always been a passion for me as I endeavour to provide children with high quality learning. Building strong reciprocal relationships with children and whānau is at the heart of my philosophy along with allowing children to be competent, confident and empowered learners. I feel very privileged to be working alongside the community and experienced teachers here at Fairleigh Kindergarten.

Jess Cunnold

(Currently on Parental Leave until January 2025)

Teacher

Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

First Aid Certificate

Tūturu | Full Practising Certificate

Kia ora koutou katoa,

I graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2020 with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood). Prior to this diploma I have had experience with children as a professional nanny (within New Zealand and London) and as a relief teacher.

I graduated from Otago Polytechnic in 2012 with a Bachelor of Nursing- many of the skills gained during this degree such as a commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi, strong relationship building, and child-centred care are things that I bring to my practice as an Early Childhood educator.

I am heavily inspired by Magda Gerber’s RIE philosophy and my mantra towards my teaching practice is to be “calm and unhurried”. I have a passion for implementing kaupapa Māori throughout my teaching alongside children and their whānau.

I feel very privileged to be a part of the Fairleigh Kindergarten community and to play a role in children’s learning journeys.

Ethan Watchorn

Teacher

BTchLn (ECE)

First Aid Certificate

Tōmua | Provisional Practising Certificate

Tēnā koutou katoa. 

I graduated from the Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha (University of Canterbury) with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education in 2023. This is my first full-time teaching role since graduating and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the Fairleigh teaching team and community.

I am very passionate about providing rich and meaningful learning experiences for tamariki. My teaching approach empowers children through recognising their individuality and allowing them to prosper in their strengths. Matauranga Māori is an integral part of my teaching practice and is embedded in all aspects of what I do as a kaiako, with these practices being influenced by Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

I feel privileged to be part of the Fairleigh Kindergarten team and play a role in the learning of all tamariki.

Charlotte Williamson

Teacher

Diploma of Teaching (ECE)

First Aid Certificate

Pūmau | Full Practising Certificate

I have worked in early childhood for many years and held a range of roles within the sector.  

Children learn as they play. I believe in developing a strong sense of belonging by building relationships with children and their families to provide a fun, positive, nurturing environment where children can grow and learn to become confident and competent learners.

A positive collaborative team approach ensures quality outcomes are provided for all children.