Our Team

Katie Beecroft • Service Provider

Kia ora, my name is Katie.  My husband Rob and I are the proud owners of Open Spaces!  We took over the centre in 2020 and have since put a lot of aroha and hard mahi into creating a beautiful, warm, welcoming environment for our most precious tamariki to thrive, learn and play in nature.

I am from a business / administration / financial background.  I spent 10 years travelling the world and have lived in many different countries before returning to NZ where my heart resides.  My daughter Summer attended Open Spaces when we relocated to Whangarei in 2019 and now goes to Glenberive Primary.

Lynda Robinson • Lead Teacher Under 2s • Registered Teacher

Kia ora, my name is Lynda

I have been working at Open Spaces since early 2019.
I love teaching in the Teina room (Under 2's).  I endeavour to build a calm and respectful environment.

I have 3 adult children, as a family we all moved up from Auckland in 2018 and love Whangarei.  Our family has expanded to include a dog, 2 cats and 3 sheep.

Kia ora, my name is Nikki.  I have been at Open Spaces since November 2021.  I have been working in Early Childhood for over 20 years.  I have a teenage daughter Capri who attends Whangarei Girls High.  I am the Tuakana (over 2's) team leader.  Working with children at this age is such an amazing experience.  I am passionate about the environment and upcycling.  I believe children develop when they are having fun.

Teamwork makes the dream work!

Karen Lee • Head Teacher • Registered Teacher

Ko Mataatua ko breadalbane nga waka.  Ko Mania te maunga. Ko hotea te awa.  Ko Ngati Pukenga te iwi.  Ko Pakikaikutu te whenua.  No Whangarei ahau. Kia ora, my name is Karen, and I am the Head Teacher at Open Spaces.  I have lived in Whangarei most of my life.  I live with my partner Nicholas and our 2 sons Logan and Mason. I am passionate about sustainability and nature.

Jo Harvey • Teacher Over 2s • Registered Teacher

Kia ora, I'm Jo.  I have been teaching at Open Spaces for over 10 years.  I live locally and have 2 adult children and 1 primary aged child and 1 in intermediate. My personal teaching philosophy is based around the emotional well being of tamariki, I focus on each individual child's needs and how I can best meet and support these.

Louise Oclee-Brown • Teacher Over 2s • Registered Teacher

Kia ora, my name is Louise.  I moved to New Zealand from England over 10 years ago, and love the beauty and nature that surrounds us in Northland.  I live locally with my husband Guy and our 2 children Alfie and Charlotte.

I love working in ECE in New Zealand and especially at Open Spaces as I am passionate about nature-based education and believe that children learn best when spending time outdoors and exploring through play.

Julie Warren • Teacher Over 2s • Registered Teacher

Kia ora, my name is Julie.  I had been relief teaching at Open Spaces for 2 years, before accepting a permanent position mid 2025.  

I grew up in the Hokianga but have been living in Whangārei for over 20 years. I have been a qualified ECE teacher since 2005.  I live in Whakapara on a lifestyle block, with my husband Mark and two teen children, Max and Stellar.

I am passionate about child-led learning in a calm and caring setting, where children feel confident to explore and develop their learning and interests. I love the natural environment at Open Spaces, and the home away from home feeling.

Trinette Bird • Teacher Under 2's and Over 2's • Unregistered

Kia ora, my name is Trinette.

I have been working at Open Spaces, both in Teina (Under 2's) and Tuakana (Over 2's) since 2018.  My husband and I live in Glenbervie, we have two grown up children, Matt and Jaime.

My teaching philosophy reflects a nature-based practice in a natural environment.  I believe tamariki should be able to grow and develop at their own pace, while having the nurturing support of kaiako.

 

Hello, my name is Maria, but I'm also known as Lola.  I have a teaching background, born to a family of teachers.  I have an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, majoring in English / History.

I have been working at Open Spaces since 2017.  I started as a reliever and now I am in charge of the kitchen, cooking for the little ones which I love doing.  I have a certificate in Basic Food and Safety.