Star Team

Hi, I’m Melissa Laing the owner and manager of Star Early Learning. I started Star in June 2010 because I wanted a place that advocates for children and gives them ample opportunities to explore and develop at their own pace.  I wanted to create a space that I would have wanted to play and explore in, similar to my own childhood, filled with many rich sensory experiences in the natural environment.

I believe that with the help of an amazing team, we succeeded in this and have created Star to be standout in its field. I am extremely proud to be a part of it.

I love working alongside my team, getting to know each of their passions and strengths, and utilizing these at the Centre. I love coming into work each day and couldn’t ask for a better job

Kia ora, my name is Hayley, and I am the Head Teacher at Star Early Learning.

I have been working at Star since the start of 2021 and feel very privileged to be part of the Star whānau!

I have been working in early childhood since 2013 and have predominately worked with over 2-year old children. I believe early childhood provides many opportunities for children to grow confidence, resilience, and support children in becoming lifelong learners. I look forward to supporting you and your child in their learning journey with us.

I believe that with the help of an amazing team, we succeeded in this and have created Star to be standout in its field. I am extremely proud to be a part of it.

I love working alongside my team, getting to know each of their passions and strengths, and utilizing these at the Centre. I love coming into work each day and couldn’t ask for a better job

Kia ora! Ko Hannah Teinapi tōku ingoa.

I have a degree majoring in Te Reo Māori and Theatre Studies, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Teaching. I taught in two different primary schools in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) over three years before relocating to Whakatu (Nelson) in 2019, weeks before the birth of my daughter, Ahva.

Growing up, I always wanted to work in Early Childhood. The birth of my own child seemed like an opportune time to make the switch from Primary to ECE. I began working at Star at the end of 2019 – I am absolutely blessed to be part of such an amazing team of educators!

I have a passion for supporting and enabling the growth of our tamariki. I love watching them learn and explore, being a part of their development in such a crucial time of their lives.

I look forward to joining with you as we journey these years alongside your child.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koe.

Hi everyone, my name is Hannah and I’m excited to be joining the team at Star!

My husband Alex & I have recently relocated our family back to Nelson after some time away. We have two beautiful daughters, Savannah and Florence. We all absolutely love being back & we’re soaking up all the sunshine we can!

I’ve had many years experience in administrative roles so I’m really looking forward to being able to add value to this area where I can at Star.

Looking forward to meeting you all in time 😊

Kia ora my name is Ali Stroud, and I am excited to be joining the team at Star.

I have recently completed my Bachelor of Teaching in early childhood education here in Nelson, which is where I grew up. For the past 3 years during my study, I have loved working alongside children ages 3-5. I am passionate about supporting and empowering children as they learn and grow, and I am looking forward to meeting you all and working alongside you and your whānau.

Kia ora!

My name is Briana. I’ve lived in Nelson with my whānau since I was 5 years old, with the exception of a few years in Australia when I was 18.

My partner and I had a daughter Navy Mae in 2020, who now attends Whetū Nui.

I am currently studying towards my Bachelor of teaching Early Childhood Education and am loving it. I have always wanted to work with children since I can remember, and has been a passion of mine that’s only grown, since having a child of my own.

I grew up with nurturing, loving, and encouraging parents that taught me how to take risks (safely) and lead my own play – while confidently knowing they were there whenever needed. Starting my teaching career, this is something I really value and appreciate, and is something I see happening at Star.

I am really looking forward to getting to know you and your child more.

Ngā mihi mahana

Kia ora my name is Chris Hunter.

My husband Simon and I are part of a large blended family with seven children between us.

I am originally from Nelson and come from a teaching background having worked as a Primary School Teacher in the past. My interest in early childhood development and learning saw me returning to study in 2017 to complete my Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. While I was a student on placement during this year I was lucky enough to be sent to Star Early Learning.

I am very excited to have the opportunity to join the team at Star and look forward to meeting you all.

Kia ora, my name is Emma. I have a Bachelor in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) that I completed in 2012 and begun working at Star in March 2023. 

I grew up in a small town in South Canterbury called Waimate on a farm with my parents and older brother. I have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2007 and have moved around a little bit from my hometown of Waimate, to Queenstown and Invercargill before settling in Nelson in 2012. I live in Washington Valley with my partner Phil, our daughter Ava who was born in 2021 and attends Star with me and my teenage step daughter Mya. 

I am passionate about working alongside infants and toddlers and empowering and supporting them to learn and grow. I enjoy seeing children reach their milestones and being a part of their learning, I also enjoy being outside among nature and exploring alongside the tamariki. I have a kind, caring and quiet nature and this reflects within my teaching.

I am looking forward to getting to know your child and whānau and being a part of your child’s learning journey over their time here at Star Early Learning.

Kia ora my name is Jess Max, I have recently moved back to Nelson with my husband Nick, our 2 children, Hunter and Arlo, and our dog Shebby. I am over the moon to have the opportunity to come back and work at Star. 

I first started working at Star in 2016 when I started my Bachelor’s degree in ECE. Since 2016 I have had two children, finished my degree between being a busy Mum, moved to Christchurch for 3 years, and recently made the decision to move back home to Nelson. As a bonus, I was able to come back to work at Star which I am so thankful for!

I have always been passionate about working with and alongside young children and their whānau. I feel extremely lucky to be able to work alongside amazing kaiako at a centre that closely matches my own teaching philosophy. I can’t wait to be able to experience this exciting learning journey with you and your wonderful whānau.

Hello my name is Sophie Marshall,

My teaching journey started in 2004 when I left sunny Nelson to begin my early childhood study in Christchurch. Since then I have had experience working in both a teacher and head teacher role in several different centres in Christchurch and Nelson.

I began teaching at Star Early Learning in August 2012 and soon discovered my passion for working with children aged under 2.

My husband Luke and I have three beautiful children, Mila, Anders and Esmé. Mila is in primary school, Anders enjoys attending Whetu Nui and Esmé comes to Whetu Iti with me.

What I love most about Star is the respect based philosophy and natural environment. The incredible caring team of educarers make it such a fun place to work and play. I consider it a huge privilege to work alongside you and your child as they continue their learning journey with us.

My name is Tennille.

I was born and raised in Invercargill before moving to Nelson with my family in my early teens. I currently reside in Richmond with my partner, two school-aged daughters, two cats and two dogs. I have two older children that live and study in Christchurch.

I was raised in a large Māori family and whakapapa back to Ngai Tahu and Kati Mamoe. In my spare time I like to cook/bake and hang out with my many nieces. I finished my Teaching degree in ECE in June 2023. I also studied Business Management before deciding to pursue my passion in working with young children.

I look forward to spending time with you and getting to know you and your child along the way as we all share in this wonderful journey together.

Kia ora, my name is Alissa and I joined the Star team in 2023.

I grew up in Blenheim with my parents, my two sisters and my two nieces, and now I currently live in Richmond with my partner Chris. Once I left school I became a hairdresser and this took me traveling around Europe and Asia before finding myself back home in Blenheim. After fourteen years of hairdressing I decided it was time for a change and studied to become an early childhood teacher which I really enjoy. I enjoy getting outdoors and exploring our country, love paddle boarding, mountain biking, going camping and hiking in my spare time.

I am looking forward to being a part of your child’s learning journey and getting to know you, your child and your whānau.

Kia ora koutou, ko Esthela toku ingoa.
I am originally from Brazil and moved to New Zealand in 2014. Here I met my partner Steven and we had our son Noah, who used to attend Star; we love living in Nelson and here is where we call home.
I have a deep love for learning and before deciding to pursue a teaching career, I completed a bachelor’s degree in communication and a bachelor’s degree in gastronomy and culinary arts.
In teaching, I am passionate about forming relationships. I aim to use respectful and reciprocal relationships to support tamariki and their whānau to feel a sense of belonging, as well as support their wellbeing, culture, and identity.
I am studying full-time through the Te Rito Maioha and have been working part-time at Star during the last year; so when I am at home, I love to relax by cozying up with a book or whipping up some baked goods with Noah.
I am looking forward to working alongside you and your whānau to provide high-quality outcomes for our tamariki.
Kia pai tō koutou rā