Meet Our Team
Centre Manager (Qualified ECE) - Clare Kinney
Kia Ora Whanau
I'm the Centre Manager here at Chapel Hill Kindergarten.
My husband and I are part of the family at C3 in Rototuna.
I am fully qualified and registered with a diploma level 7 of Early Childhood Education.
I love leading teams and caring for families and I have been involved in the early childhood sector for 31 years
I love to create exciting and challenging environments where children can develop their sense of curiosity and I look forward to sharing your child's learning with you so we can work in partnership to support your child's development.
All whanau are welcome, and I hope that they also experience a sense of belonging within our kindergarten.
Teacher (Qualified ECE) - Nerolle Bracegirdle
Kia Ora, Hello.
Teaching in Early Childhood is a passion of mine.
I enjoy bringing new experiences to the children and challenging them to extend their ideas and abilities.
I value the relationships formed with our tamariki, parents and whanau.
I love being a part of your child's journey as they explore, experiment and develop into confident, competent learners.
As a Christian, I am am truly blessed to teach in a Christian environment instilling Fruit of the Spirit and values and the knowledge of who we are in Christ.
I am married to Quentin and we are the parents of 3 teenagers.
We attend Northgate Community Church.
I enjoy a good bush walk, bike ride and a good cup of coffee! I love to experiment with baking and cooking... and eating it too!
Teacher (Qualified ECE) - Beatrice / Yi-Ling Lu
Dear children and families,
My name is Beatrice, and it’s a pleasure to be part of the Chapel Hill kindergarten team! I was originally from Taiwan and moved to New Zealand years ago with my parents and brother. Since then, I’ve been blessed to find faith in Jesus, complete my education, become an early childhood teacher, get married, and welcome two beautiful daughters.
The greatest milestone of my life was getting to know God and being baptized. I’m so grateful for His mercy and guidance through my life. My family and I meet with the church in Hamilton.
Professionally, my background includes working in a Montessori centre and a baby room. Outside of teaching, I love gardening, reading, and cooking. I can't wait to get to know you all and share this journey together.
Teacher (Qualified ECE)- Kimberley Odendaal
Kia Ora,
My name is Kimberley Odendaal. I am a South African Indian, coming from the beautiful city of Cape Town. I moved to New Zealand in December 2022 with my husband of six years and my two and half year-old daughter. I am a qualified Public Relations Officer as well as an ECE and primary school qualified educator. I believe in the importance of the foundation in a child’s schooling; hence I became a teacher.
I enjoy anything related to creative arts, I love reading, spending time and doing fun activities with my family, catch ups and socials with friends and visiting the many beautiful playgrounds around Hamilton, especially the ones with cafes.
I love being a part of the Chapel Hill Kindergarten family!
Teacher (Qualified ECE) - Christine Fourie
Hello,
My name is Christine. I am from South Africa, however I have lived in New Zealand since the year 2000.
God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and two amazing children.
I enjoy being out in nature with my family; whether it’s a bush walk, climbing a mountain or picking up rocks or shells on the beach.
I also love baking…and eating it – yum!
As a follower of Jesus I believe that children are a special gift from God that require nurturing and guidance to grow into healthy, thriving human beings.
What a privilege and joy it is to be part of the Chapel Hill kindergarten team and to be able to teach the children about Jesus and His great love for them!
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ ”
Matthew 19:14
Teacher (Qualified ECE)- Kaye Eric
Kia Ora,
I am married and we have a 4 year old son. I have a Bachelor of Education (ECE) and am a registered teacher. I belong to the Activate Church family.
I am a creative thinker who enjoys music and visual art as well as marveling at the world that God has made for us to enjoy.
In my many years of teaching in Early Childhood Education I have worked at a variety of centres. I love the heart of sessional kindergarten and the opportunity we have here to teach the children about the God of the universe who loves each one of us so immensely.
It is an honour to be a part of this dynamic team of teachers here at Chapel Hill Kindergarten.
Teacher (Qualified ECE)- Sarah / Yiyuan Wang
It is such a privilege to be part of the Chapel Hill Kindergarten community. I am originally from China, and I have been living in Hamilton for the past 10 years. I started my journey in New Zealand at Hamilton Christian School in where I experienced God's love and became a Christian.
Having experienced so much love from God, I am passionate about sharing that love with the people around me. I believe children are very special and precious in God's eyes and I feel grateful to part of their journey. I look forward building warm, respectful relationships with tamariki and whanau, supporting children to grow with confidence, kindness and joy.