The WELC Team
Karen Skewes - Head Teacher
I have a bachelor of teaching, early childhood education, and am the curriculum leader in the infant and toddler room. I was born in Christchurch and have spent many years on the coast living, working, and raising four beautiful children. I have a strong passion for providing quality education for children and respectful environments that embrace a sense of well-being for all.
Kylie Kennard - On Maternity Leave
Hi my name is Kylie Kennard I have been working here at Westport Early Learning Centre since moving to Westport with my husband in March 2012. We have a 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son who attends WELC so my spare time is kept very busy. Before moving here we lived in Auckland where I worked at a model and talent agency called Red11 for 4 years as the creative and social media assistant as I have a degree in Graphic Design. But I decided on a career change as I have always been passionate about children so I now hold a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood and have recently become fully registered.
Chenelle White
I am originally from Australia where I completed a Bachelor of Education (Primary) in 2003. In January 2012 I moved to Westport with my partner and began doing relieving around the school in Westport and at the Westport Early Learning Centre. I am a teacher in the over two area, and very much enjoy working with both the infants and toddlers and with the older children. I relish the fact that the early childhood curriculum document Te Whaariki is child focused and supports the development of each child individually, with a holistic approach, which is what has drawn me to stay in this field of education. I also cherish the close and genuine relationships with our children, families and fellow teachers we have here at The Westport Early Learning Centre.
Lisa Williams
My name is Lisa Williams and I am excited to be on this learning journey with you and your child/ren here at Westport Early Learning Centre. I moved here with my family from the North Island, Gisborne’s East Coast a year ago. Please feel free to share with me any aspirations or interests that your child has, this helps to extend their learning here at WELC. We are all so lucky to have a beautiful environment and people involved in this centre. Looking forward to meeting you, Lisa.
Lyn Oates
Larraine Ranger - Reliever
Marilyn Smith
Courtney Wilson - Administrator
Julie Mairs - Curriculum Leader
Kia Ora, I am proud to say that I am from Westport and completed my schooling here at Buller High School. I ventured off to Christchurch in 2017 where I completed my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) degree. Fast forward to 2021 and I returned back home to our beautiful town and to WELC. Within the Early Childhood Environment I strongly believe in the value of child-led play and testing out working theories in an unhurried environment. I also value the importance of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga where I strive to create a ‘home away from home’.
Linda Shearer
Kia Ora whanau, my name is Linda Shearer, I am a born and bred West Coaster having lived here for nearly all of my 61 years. I have five adult children and 7 grandchildren who mostly live in the South Island so it is great that we can all get together and celebrate family milestones. I have been teaching ECE since 2004 and actually started my teaching career in the original WELC in Orowaiti Road before the existing centre was built. I was part of the WELC family until 2012 when I left to take up a new challenge. Moving forward to 2021 my desire for wanting a new direction in my journey has led me back to WELC. I am looking forward to building relationships with the family and whanau. I am also looking forward to discovering the tamariki's personalities and current interests. Please feel free to approach me to discuss your child's learning journey. Move forward