Raumati - Our Team

Yvonne Chapman
Centre Director

Kia ora. I have been a qualified early childhood teacher for many years and I am very passionate about providing quality education and care in today's challenging society. I enjoy every opportunity that arises to spend time with staff and the children. I have an 'open door' policy and invite staff, parents and children to pop into the office to say “hello” or have a chat on a regular basis. It doesn't always need to be formal! I get a lot of enjoyment from working with such a diverse group of people who provide a warm and caring learning environment for young children and their families.

My husband Derek and I enjoy beautiful Raumati South. We have three adult children and a collection of pets.

Jo-Ann Murray
Centre Supervisor

Kia Ora. I have worked in the field of early childhood education since 1993 and am a qualified early childhood educator. I have been with Chelsea House since it opened in 2000.

I am passionate about the value of quality early childhood education and am proud to be associated with a centre that prides itself on creating a stimulating, nurturing, respectful environment for the child. I enjoy the variety of experiences within my role at Chelsea House and am fortunate to be able to meet the parents and children throughout the Centre.

My husband Mike and I have lived in Paraparaumu for the last 30 years and have four adult children and four beautiful grandchildren.

In my spare time I enjoy gardening, watching cricket, listening to music, reading, enjoying various crafts and spending time with my family.

I look forward to meeting you and your families throughout your time at Chelsea House.

Aynsley Wicht
Centre Administrator

I have been working at Chelsea House since October 2005. I started in the After school/Holiday programme and in the Young Children’s licence. In 2007 the role of Centre Administrator became available and having relieved in the position was delighted to be offered the job.

I was born in Wanganui and moved to Tawa as a small girl. I was educated locally. I worked for the government in Wellington for many years and relocated back to Wanganui in the late 1980’s. I then worked for the national bank of New Zealand.

In 2001 I moved to the Kapiti Coast with my husband Colin. We Share Milked on a local farm until it sold in 2005. I am stepmother to his three sons.

I love working at Chelsea House. I enjoy interacting with the parents and seeing their children grow day by day.

Julia Mildenhall
Senior Teacher Young Childrens

Kia ora. I started teaching at Chelsea House in 2002. I love working with the children and their families at Chelsea House. I am currently undertaking specialist training for children with special needs.

My family and I have lived on the Kapiti Coast for 19 years. I like to spend my spare time with my family, listening to music and reading.

Trish Ness
Senior Teacher – Infants and Toddlers

I have taught young children in several centres around New Zealand before joining Chelsea House in 2005. I find the little ones fascinating and very rewarding to teach.

I am a fully qualified teacher with a special interest in literacy, music and language.

Hazel Ollernshaw
Room Coordinator – Stepping Stones
Working with children who are getting ready to go to school brings enormous pleasure to me - and keeps me feeling fit and young! I have lived and taught children on the Coast for many years.

Outside of Chelsea House, I am passionate about social issues and I am the current chairperson for the Kapiti National Council of Women. Our family is all grown up now but Keith (my husband of 40 years) and I have six grandchildren to keep us on our toes.

Karen Bishop
Room Coordinator – Young Children’s License

Prior to joining Chelsea House in 2004, I worked with children with special needs at St Patrick’s primary school in Paraparaumu. My passion for working with young children and watching them thrive in a stimulating and enjoyable environment led me to complete my Diploma of Teaching. I am working towards being a full registered teacher.

My two sons and husband keep busy with our many sporting activities. In my free time I enjoy reading, walking and playing touch rugby over the summer months.

Kelly Archer
Senior Teacher Infants and Toddlers

My name is Kelly and I am very happy and privileged to be part of the teaching team at Chelsea House. I love being a positive, enthusiastic and encouraging educator with your child and look forward to meeting your family.

I have a supportive family, a gorgeous Dalmatian dog named Poppy, and a black and white cat called Tim Tam. I love living by the beach and have done so for the last 10 years. I graduated from Palmerston North Teachers College in 1981 and since then have taught in Wairarapa, Porirua, Wellington and Kapiti Kindergartens.

Thank you for this opportunity to participate and share in your children’s lives – the most important job in the world!

Rachel Cullen-Gloag

Rachel Cullen-Gloag
Room Co-ordinator Young Childrens

I have worked at Chelsea House since 2003 and hold a Diploma of Teaching (ECE). I really enjoy being a part of the team in the Young Children’s licence and am proud to be the Room Co-ordinator for Room 4.
My husband and I have two little boys who I am fortunate to have attending Chelsea House with me. I particularly enjoy being involved in outdoor activities with my family and when I have time I love reading a good book.
I enjoy the challenges and rewards of teaching while focusing on, and supporting, the children’s strengths and interests in a fun learning environment.

Sandra Douglas
Cook

Before Chelsea House, I owned my own café. Nowadays, I prepare delicious and healthy children’s meals and snacks for all the Chelsea House children, including those with special diets.

With five daughters plus teaching young children to swim for seven years, children have certainly been around for most of my life. It is very rewarding to still be around young children at Chelsea House.