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Meet The Team
Our dedicated team are here to inspire & guide your children's learning & curiosity
Caryn Mawkes
Centre Director
Diploma Teaching (ECE)
Post Graduate Diploma in Educational leadership (ECE)
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Since opening Rockabye in 2003, I have always believed that communication is the key to building strong connections with families.
Relationships are at the heart of everything we do, and our incredible teachers play a pivotal role in creating a warm, home-away-from-home environment for the children in our care.
As a self-proclaimed social butterfly, I thrive on connections and place immense value on family. I’m lucky to have the unwavering support of my husband, Dave, and our teenage daughter, Stella, who loves popping in during the holidays to spend time with the children.
Outside of Rockabye, I’ve rediscovered my love for golf, enjoy walking with friends, tackling challenging hikes and exploring new cities whenever I get the chance.
My office door is always open—I’m more than happy to chat about your childcare needs and share what makes Rockabye such a special place.
Louise Sladen
Centre Supervisor
Diploma Teaching (ECE)
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Louise is proud to have worked at Rockabye since the very beginning back in 2004, helping to make the centre a well-known one within the local community. Louise was a teacher on the floor for many years then moved into a managerial position and became the supervisor.
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As the supervisor Louise has the privilege of leading a team of dedicated educators, ensuring the highest standards of care are met, and creating a safe, stimulating environment for children.
Louise’s leadership style is collaborative, supportive, and focused on creating a positive work culture where all team members feel valued and empowered. Louise also prides herself on the ability to communicate effectively with parents, teachers and children. She has also developed a strong foundation in childcare practices, child development, and the importance of building positive relationships with children, their families, and the community.
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When not at Rockabye Louise enjoy hanging out with family & friends, hiking, playing golf and travelling.
Louise continues to be excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of Rockabye.
Jessica Cordery
Head Teacher - Pre School
Bachelor of Education (ECE)
Jess joined the Rockabye team in 2018. She has always had an interest in and curiosity for learning, so teaching seemed like the perfect fit. She graduated in 2020 and it was during her studies that Jess started at Rockabye.
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She believes that communication between home and the centre is vital as we work together to ensure that all children explore their full potential and grow up to be competent and confident learners and communicators.
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In her free time, Jess enjoys spending time with her family, caring for her pets, and relaxing at home - whenever she gets the chance.
Kookie Kaur
Bachelor of Education (ECE)
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With 15 years of experience as a fully registered and qualified ECE teacher, Kookie brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to Rockabye and has been part of the Preschool team since 2021.
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Kookie strongly values the importance of building strong relationships with the children and families as this is a key to creating a sense of belonging and help children feel safe, settled and secure.
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In her spare times and on the weekend Kookie loves the outdoor and heading on adventures. She also has a big passion for yoga and swimming.
Yeunhee Park
Bachelor of Education (ECE)
Yeunhee discovered her passion for early childhood education as a teenager while babysitting children. Her journey in this field has continued to evolve ever since. Yeunhee started at Rockabye in 2022 as a student and continued on as a Preschool teacher fulltime once she graduated in beginning 2023.
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She enjoys working in the ECE sector as every day is always a new and exciting time for children to learn, grow and explore the environment around them.
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In her downtime, Yeunhee enjoys spending time with family & friends, watching movies and staying active with the gym and pilates. When she has a moment to herself, you'll often find her in the kitchen baking.
Nikki Tang
Head Teacher - Babies & Toddlers
Bachelor of Education (ECE)
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Originally from China, Nikki moved to NZ in 2016 and pursued her interest in early education and completed her degree in with NZTC in 2021 Nikki started at Rockabye as a student in 2021 and enjoyed her time on placement that she joined the Rockabye family.
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Nikki strongly believes in the team and being able to provide a haven where all our children and teachers can thrive. The best part of my day is walking in and being cuddled by 5,6 or 7 children who are just so happy!
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Nikki spends her downtime shopping or staying active at the gym.
Wei-Xin Teo
Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)
Originally from Singapore, Wei Xin was raised in Auckland and graduated from the University of Auckland in 2023. While on her final student placement Wei-Xin expressed an interest in joining the Rockabye team and has been onboard ever since.
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Teaching with love and kindness are at the heart Wei Xins teaching philosophy.
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When she’s not teaching, Wei Xin enjoys spending time in nature, exploring her love for music, spending time with loved ones & keeping healthy with pilates.
Leila Ziqing
Certificate in ECE
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Initially being a Rockabye reliever Leila came on board fulltime in 2023 in the babies and toddlers room. Leila finds joy in working with children, especially seeing the world through their eyes and sharing in the moments that bring smiles and laughter every day.
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She also says it is so important to have fun and make awesome memories that will live in their hearts forever – making children their own unique selves.
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Outside of work, Leila enjoys weekends with her partner & friends, exploring the beautiful outdoor, doing something creative and staying active at the gym.
Brooke Parlane
Studying towards Bachelor of Education (ECE)
Brooke has been part of the Rockabye family since 2022. She works across both classrooms and is currently completing her Bachelor of Teaching.
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As a teacher Brooke is passionate about her role and believes it’s one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. She embraces the individuality of each child, understanding that every child has unique needs and learns in different ways.
Outside of work Brooke enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also likes going on hikes with her dog ad keeping fit at pilates.
Glenda Raybould
​Glenda has been working here at Rockabye since 2021 as the kitchen assistant.
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A proud cook, Glenda thrives in the kitchen, where she crafts delicious food for the children. A talented cook and baker, she enjoys experimenting with flavours and healthy ingredients.
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In Glenda’s spare time she loves spending time with friends and family, reading, traveling and checking out the next best series on Netflix.
Gladys Chivasa
Gladys was born and bred in Zimbabwe and arrived in NZ in 2023. Family to Gladys is very important.
She is married and has four daughters. Two are with her in NZ, and the older girls are back in Zimbabwe. As a family, she likes playing games and exploring Auckland.
Since arriving in NZ, Gladys wanted to continue her passion for working with children. Gladys will often be found chatting to parents or having fun outdoors with the children