Our Teachers

Meet our team of passionate, experienced teachers.

At Gumboots, our teaching practice is built on aroha, respect, and inclusion, ensuring that every child feels a sense of belonging and is supported in their unique learning journey. Relationships are at the heart of all we do, and we actively foster an environment that reflects, values, and empowers all tamariki.

  • Helen Davison

    I’m a fully registered teacher with a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Literature and History and Postgraduate Diploma of Management Studies. I am proud to be part of our team of wonderful teachers and whānau in our unique, rural, community owned centre and am passionate about the nurturing and empowering environment that we create for our children to grow and thrive. I have a lifestyle block with my husband and two children and enjoy hanging out with my family and dogs at the river, the beach, socialising with friends, and being a dedicated chocoholic.

  • Chelsea Agnew

    I have been teaching in Hawkes Bay for several years. I hold a Bachelor of Teaching and am fully registered. My passion is teaching children how to be independent and to do things for themselves.

    I like to squeeze in a run or a workout before starting the day at Gumboots. I am a cat lady and have a beautiful ragdoll cat and a golden Labrador who I take for a daily walk, actual more like he takes me for a walk! In the weekends I enjoy relaxing at our beach house in Waimarama.

  • Lindsay Averill

    I have been teaching here for a number of years. I have a Diploma of Teaching and I am a fully registered teacher. I have many years of early childhood experience both here and in the UK. I married a Kiwi and live on a farm with 3 children. At Gumboots one of the places I enjoy spending time with the children is outdoors, playing and learning together, listening to and respecting children's ideas and preferences. The outdoors is where I ride both horses and bikes in my spare time.

  • Mel Grupp

    I have been teaching at Gumboots for a quite a few years - first as parent-help and it evolved from there. Now, I am studying for a Bachelor of Teaching ECE and are really enjoying the challenge.

    I love getting creative with our Gumboots children and helping them explore their interests so they can learn through their play. When I’m not at work I would like to be snowboarding or at the beach.