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.

Erica Hoogervorst

Administrator

Erica Hoogervorst

Administrator

Kia ora, I am Erica. I am a wife, a mom, a bonus-mom (step), and a granny. Being called by one of these titles has more meaning to me that the titles I have held in in corporate. This is my first opportunity at an early childhood centre, and I truly believe that this is where I am meant to be. I consider myself blessed to be in a support position where I can watch young souls blossom with the love and dedication of a passionate team of teachers. From my desk, I get the admin stuff done that has to be done. I am organised, focused and I like order. Then there is my softer side – the creator, the carer, the dreamer and the hugger. At Young Farmers, I am in a position that brings the best of both sides of me together, and I am doing what brings me a sense of happiness, purpose, and meaning.

Paige Moir

Kākano Head Teacher

Paige Moir

Kākano Head Teacher

Kia ora, my name is Paige, I grew up in Mangawhai and have always loved being outdoors and active. I have been teaching in early childhood for 10 years and feel grateful to spend my days with pēpi and their whānau. I hold a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Infant and Toddler Education, specialising in the first 1000 days. My teaching philosophy is grounded in RIE, fostering calm and respectful environments where tamariki grow into confident, curious learners. Building strong, trusting relationships with tamariki and whānau is at the heart of my practice, ensuring everyone feels safe and valued. I am also just about to complete my training to be a qualified baby and toddler sleep consultant and love supporting families through the challenges of parenting.

Val Fletcher

Tipu Head Teacher

Val Fletcher

Tipu Head Teacher

Kia ora, my name is Val, and I am married with three adult children and 7 grandchildren. I love being in the outdoors and long-distance walking is one of my passions, along with tracing my family’s history through building my family tree. I have been working in the Early Childhood sector for many years. Over this time, I have continued to grow as a Kaiako but one that remains passionate, enthusiastic and committed to ensuring every child has a place where they feel safe, secure, loved and nurtured within a setting where they are able to reach their fullest potential alongside their whānau.

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.

Sherron Zhang

Māhuri Kaiako

Sherron Zhang

Māhuri Kaiako

Tēnā koutou, I’m Sherron! I have a deep love for creating music on the piano and expressing myself through art, and I am always seeking new experiences with a curious heart. Last year, I came to Aotearoa New Zealand from China to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. My teaching philosophy is strongly influenced by the words: “it is only the blind eye of the adult that finds the familiar uninteresting.” These words remind me to view the world through a child’s eyes — to find wonder in the familiar, and to be present alongside children as they explore and delight in their discoveries. As a teacher, I believe maintaining and nurturing authentic, meaningful relationships that are built on respect and trust with children, parents, and whānau to help children to discover who they are, their significance and what they can bring to the world around them.

Jana Labuscagne

Tipu Kaiako

Jana Labuscagne

Tipu Kaiako

Kia ora, I’m Jana Labuscagne, and I’m very excited to be joining the Young Farmers Childcare team! I’m originally from South Africa and now call New Zealand home. I have a real passion for early childhood education and love creating warm, caring spaces where tamariki can learn and grow through play. As a mum to two young children myself, I understand how important it is for little ones to feel safe, loved, and supported. I’m really looking forward to getting to know you and your whānau!

Wei Wei

Tōtara Kaiako

Wei Wei

Tōtara Kaiako

Kia ora, I’m Wei Wei I am a registered early childhood teacher from China, and I’m proud to call Aotearoa New Zealand my second home. I believe play is children’s work, and that tamariki learn best through play. I see every child as gifted and enjoy supporting their interests through exploration, creativity, and meaningful relationships.

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.

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!