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 (Unqualified) - Elmien Erasmus

Kia Ora, My name is Elmien. I love being part of Chapel Hill Kindergarten community. I have lived in Hamilton for almost 4 years and have worked here at Chapel Hill Kindergarten for 2 years. I love what I do and am so grateful and proud to be working with our special tamariki each day.

I grew up in South Africa and moved to NZ with my husband and three Children. We are part of the Hukanui Reformed Church.

My favourite things to do in my spare time are exercising, doing crafts and spending time with my family.

I'm excited to have fun teaching and learning new things everyday with the children.

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