Meet Our Team
Katie Hoppe
Centre Manager
Katie Hoppe
Centre Manager
Kia ora, I’m Katie Hoppe, the Centre Manager here at Young Farmers. As a local to the Kumeū area and a proud mum of two beautiful children, I bring with me over 16 years of experience in early childhood education. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children, families, and teaching teams to grow in environments grounded in connection, curiosity, and care. I believe that every child has 100 languages and many more to explore, express, and make sense of the world around them. At Young Farmers, we honour these languages by creating rich, meaningful learning experiences inspired by nature, community, and each child’s unique identity. I can’t wait to meet the tamariki and whānau who will become part of our Young Farmers whānau, and look forward to the beautiful learning journey ahead.
Nicola Ward
2IC/Farm Manager
Nicola Ward
2IC/Farm Manager
My ECE background is rooted in the Playcentre philosophy of child-led, adult supported play. With my partner of 30 years, I have 4 young adult children, born in 3 different countries of this wonderful world. With a strong affinity with the outdoors and a lifelong love of all creatures, I believe passionately in a simple grounded environment for children, where they can be immersed in the ebb and flow of nature, and free to follow the rhythms of their own learning journey. I look forward to walking alongside our Young Farmers families as we tread this path together, supporting and guiding tamariki as they explore all that our enriching rural lifestyle has to offer.
Mon Doyle
Tipu Kaiako
Mon Doyle
Tipu Kaiako
Kia ora, I'm Mon! Passionate, enthusiastic, happy go lucky, big kid at heart. Hakauna Matata is my philosophy for living life and teaching. I’m energetic, a horsey girl and a mother to four amazing young adults. My partner Steve and I have lived rurally and raised our children in the Kumeu/Waimauku community. I have been teaching in ECE since 2011 and haven’t looked back. As a teacher, I believe communication and working with families is important. I'm looking forward to meeting you!
Emmaus Courtney
Kākano Kaiako
Emmaus Courtney
Kākano Kaiako
Kia Ora! I’m Emmaus, and I have a background in Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). I’m passionate about creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences for children, using provocations and hands-on learning experiences to spark curiosity and creativity. I particularly love working with pēpi, getting to know them as individuals and supporting their growth in a warm, nurturing environment. I have two children of my own and am an avid equestrian, which inspires my love for teaching and connecting with Tamariki.
Abby Pearl
Garden to Table kaiako
Abby Pearl
Garden to Table kaiako
Tena koutou, I am Abby Pearl, passionate plant addict, botanical health nut and big bubble lover!
I have studied organic horticulture, personal training, nutrition, permaculture and herbalism.
I have a background in natural health and herb farming, I made and sold my own herbal range of moisturiser, oils, tonics and balms to treat animals and humans alike. I also have a background in teaching garden to table and I am delighted to share with you my love for gardening and the pleasure of eating and sharing home grown food. Regenerative gardening and a close relationship with nature is one of the most meaningful actions communities and individuals can take to combat climate change as well as supporting your own mental and physical wellbeing.
I love inspiring tamariki to work with nature, enhancing the soil life and fertility, to get outside in the fresh air and use their hands, minds and bodies to explore and create.
Janie Owen
Cook
Janie Owen
Cook
Hi, I'm Janie! I'm passionate about baking and cooking, with over 7 years of experience working in Early Childhood Centre kitchens and 4 years focused on baking. I love spending time with family and friends, enjoying beach walks and exploring new food experiences. I'm a true foodie at heart! I also value health and fitness, keeping active through the gym and F45 training. Most importantly, I'm a proud mum of two and a loving, passionate Grandma of one.
Infants
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Toddler
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Preschool
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Happy Environment
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