Director

Robin McFadden

Hi, my name is Robin and along with my husband Gifford, we own and operate Jump Start Educare.  We live on a dairy farm in Reporoa.

I  have been involved in Early Childhood Education for 39 years, beginning in Playcentre with my own daughter and then progressing to a national level with the Playcentre Federation.  I have been a lecturer at Waiariki Intitute of Technology for 20 years teaching both life skills and Early Childhood Education.

After taking early retirement I then went on to undertake the running of two centre’s at Waikariki institute in partnership with others, two years on they added another centre to the complex.

In 2009 Jumpstart Educare in Cambridge was opened and I gained my Bachelor of Teaching Degree from The University of Waikato in 2007.   My hopes are to provide an environment where children/tamariki are valued and given many opportunities to play, explore and investigate their place with the guidance and knowledge of the teaching team and in conjunction with parents/whanau. 

 Manager

Gaylene Daniels

Hi, I have been at Jump Start since shortly before the centre opened in 2009.  I am a mother of 3 wonderful daughters and nana to a delightful grandson, I am very proud of them all. I have a Bachelor of Teaching and over ten years’ experience working with and alongside children. I also have experience in working with animals both for pleasure and as a career. I believe all children have the right to be who they are and they should have the opportunity to express this through their interests.

Head Teacher Rimu

Pam Radakin

Hi I’m Pam, I hold a Bachelor of Teaching, as well as a Masters Degree researching work life balance issues for teachers. I have a passion for all aspects of early childhood education which is reflected in my roles. I am a director of Early Education Waikato, and a board member for the Waikato Kindergarten Association. I am a mother to three boys and my interests include mountain climbing, travel and dance.

Rimu Teachers

Petra Campbell

I became a qualified teacher in 2009 and have worked at Jump Start since completing my Bachelor of Teaching. I am now working towards becoming a registered teacher. I have been involved in teaching for the past seven years. My son Hunter attends Jump Start with me. I simply couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I have a commitment to the learning and well-being of tamariki in my care and believe that teaching offers a never ending path of knowledge and self-growth.

Yan Cong

Hi, my name is Yan. Previously I was a Primary School Teacher in China. I graduated at the University of Waikato with a Masters in Education. I worked in an Early Childhood Education centre in Hamilton before joining Jump Start Educare and enjoy working with children.

Jade Gregory

I started working at Jump Start in May 2011.  I chose to work here because I have been personally inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to education, as is Jump Start.  I love how children are empowered through their own choices and interests, with teachers as co-learners and co-researchers on their journey.

Head Teacher Kowhai

Melanie Burt

Hi, I am Mel. I am currently completing my Bachelor of Teaching qualification at Wintec. I have been with Jump Start since February 2009, and looking after the Kowhai room since August 2009. I believe that great relationships are the key to children enjoying their time at the centre. I am a mother of 6 children and have spent the past 23 years involved with various playcentres, playgroups and schools.

I have a passion for rock music and enjoy the simple things in life like friends, family and a good book.

Kowhai Teachers

Fran Payne

Kia Ora, I'm Fran.  I have just completed a Bachelor of Teaching at the Waikato Institute of Technology.  I have been working in Early Childhood Education for 5 years and continue to love teaching children through their play.  In my spare time I enjoy the company of friends and family, whether shopping, fishing, at the beach or relaxing.

Saliloimanatu Tyrell

I am a mother of 3 boys. My youngest son Mendel comes with me and is in Rimu room. I have completed a Bachelor of Education in Early childhood in 2006. I have worked with children of all ages for the last five years. I bring bicultural and bilingual background to the centre as I can speak 2 languages.  I have a passion to work and learn together with tamariki through play.

Te Aroha Puru

 Administrator

Selena Blackett

My name is Selena and I moved to New Zealand from the UK 5 years ago. After working as a childcare reliever for a year, I developed a taste for administration when asked to help out in the office.

I enjoy camping and visiting the beach as often as possible with my family.

Kitchen Staff 

Relieving Staff

 Annette Timmins

I work at Jump Start as a permanent reliever.  As well as this, I work 4 afternoons a week at Cambridge Primary School's After School Care programme.  Prior to working at Jump Start, I worked for Special Education, working alongside children with deveopmental delays.  I have 2 daughters and love working with children.

Karen Hart

I have 2 daughters; Charlotte is 16 years old and Zy Bella is 3 years old.  I enjoy spending precious family time with my girls.  I am passionate about working with children and have 6 years experience working with children of various ages.  Our family enjoys camping trips, bush walks and a good kiwi barbeque.  I also love swimming and shopping.

Jordyn Daniels

Hi, I have been relieving at Jump Start Educare for 18 months, I bring with me experience and skills in art including special effects make up artistry. I am hoping to start training in the field of psychology next year. My hobbies include, kick boxing, painting, drawing and enjoying the sun.