Star Team

Casey McLennan | BT (ECE) | Head Educarer | Full Time

Kia ora my name is Casey McLennan and I am the head educarer here at Star Early Learning. I have two children, Stella and Roman that are the absolute loves of my life. We try to go on many adventures together in our spare time and I simply adore my role as a mother.

I love my role at Star, which began in February 2013.  Shortly after starting I began my journey working towards a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, in which I graduated in 2016.

My passion in life is for children and providing a safe, nurturing environment for them to learn and thrive. My goal is to create an environment where families feel comfortable that their most treasured possessions are being cared for by people they know and trust. I recognize this can be a hard time to think about early education for infants and toddlers but when you have a team so passionate about caring for your whānau hopefully this transition can be an easy one!

ABBY PESTELL | BTL (ECE) | EDUCARER | FULL TIME

Kia ora, my name is Abby Pestell.

I grew up in Nelson, when I finished high school I then moved to Melbourne to study dance for a year where I completed a certificate 4 in Dance. In my second year in Melbourne I worked as a nanny and at Mount Hotham Ski Field at a children’s snow park. After 2 years in Melbourne I moved to Christchurch to begin my studies as a teacher.

I have a Bachelor in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood). I found my passion for working with infants and toddlers when I was on a placement here at Star whilst studying at Canterbury University. After completing my studies I taught in Christchurch for over a year and have now moved back to Nelson to be closer to my family. 

From a very young age my Mum said I would always talk about wanting to be a teacher when I ‘grow up’ and well here I am. I love watching children grow and learn, I enjoy being part of their learning journey, supporting them where I can and scaffolding their learning, also building relationships with their family and whānau.

I look forward to getting to know you and your child and sharing special moments with them as we start our journey together. 

KELLY ANDREW | DIPTCH (ECE) | EDUCARER | FULL TIME

Hi, my name is Kelly Andrew. I was born here in sunny Nelson, and have recently returned home after living in Wellington for the past five years with my partner and son Carter.

I have moved back home to be closer to my family and truly believe since having my son, just how important it is for children to develop relationships and spend quality time with close family.

I have a diploma in Early Childhood and have been working alongside children aged 0-5 years since 2010, absolutely loving the daily challenges and joy it brings.

I believe early childhood is the most important part of a child’s life as it shapes and develops a child for their growing future. I believe that children’s independence should be encouraged while being given time, space and respect to make choices regarding their learning and development.

I am passionate about children’s learning and development, believing that it should be shared, celebrated and enjoyed, while allowing children to construct their own knowledge and understanding through learning naturally at their own pace, building on their strengths and following their individual interests.

I feel very privileged to have become a part of the amazing Star team and look forward to working alongside you and your family.

RACHAEL BRODIE | BEd (ECE) | EDUCARER | PART TIME

Kia ora, I’m Rachael. I have a bachelor of education and have worked in Early Childhood Education since 2006 both in Wellington and Nelson. I live in Brightwater with my husband and our three boys. We love going camping, having weekend adventures and spending time in the outdoors. 

My passion in ECE is in infants and toddlers and especially to be inspired by pikler principles. I love supporting children to be involved in respectful routine times and to delight in rituals throughout their day. After a few years being away from ECE it is wonderful to be back and to be part of such a forward thinking and passionate team. I look forward to getting to know all the families and tamariki here at Star. 

SOPHIE MARSHALL | DIPTCH (ECE) | EDUCARER | MATERNITY LEAVE

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.

I began teaching at Star Early Learning in August 2012 and soon discovered my passion for working with children aged under 2. In 2015 I took some time off teaching as my husband Luke and I welcomed our beautiful wee daughter Mila into our family and again in 2018 to welcome our son Anderson.

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.

SOPH SHORT | STUDENT EDUCATOR | Part TIME

Kia Ora Whānau, my name is Sophie Short and I am a part time educarer as well as a student here at Star Early Learning. I live on the Port Hills with my partner Jonathan and our Cat Eddie. In my spare time I enjoy going on bush walks around our beautiful region, writing and playing music and reading.

I have worked with children since I was 18, starting out as a nanny for PORSE where my love of working with children grew. I started my journey towards becoming a qualified Early Childhood teacher in February 2016 as I am interested in child development and working alongside families.

A few of my favourite activities to do here at Star are the music and movement, reading stories, and getting out in our awesome outdoor environment. I believe in supporting your child in their journey to independence, social skills, and will offer them challenges to build on their current knowledge, skills and interests.

I love working at Star because the team are very passionate about their jobs and are very supportive of one another. Best of all we like to make learning fun and meaningful for all.

I look forward to meeting you and watching your child learn and grow.

JESS MAX | STUDENT EDUCATOR | Part TIME

Kia ora, my name is Jess Max, I live in Wakatu with my husband Nick and our dogs Simba and Shebby. In my free time I love to get out in the beautiful Nelson sun and go on adventures with our dogs, spend time with friends and family and work on our house.

I started working at Star in October 2016 and started my Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) in February 2017, I am very excited for this journey and to pursue my passion for working with young children. I have always loved what children are about, honesty, loving and carefree and I can’t wait to work alongside them and watch their personality and confidence grow.

I love working with the Star team as they are all incredibly passionate teachers and I am looking forward to growing as a teacher with their guidance and support. I look forward to all the fun and learning we will have together.

LILY MCINTOSH | STUDENT EDUCARER | Part Time

Hi I’m Lily McIntosh. I am a first year student with Te Rito Maioha/Early Childhood New Zealand. I have a passion for working with children and am loving being on this learning journey alongside them. Children bring me so much joy, we are continuously learning from them, as they are from us and it is a privilege that I can be a part of their first few years of life.

I love to spend my spare time in the outdoors, whether that’s playing Football, Touch Rugby or going for an evening run. I also enjoy dancing and love to spend time with my family and friends.

I feel very lucky to have become a part of the Star team and look forward to getting to know you all!

LAURA WILLIAMS | STUDENT EDUCARER | Part Time

Kia ora! My names Laura Williams, I’m currently in my first year studying towards my degree in early childhood education while working part time at Star Early Learning. I began working at Star back in 2015 doing casual relief work before moving to Wellington. After completing my level 4 certificate in Early Childhood Education and working for a few years I decided it was time to move home and be with my whānau.

In my spare time I enjoy horse riding, reading, spending time with my friends and going on adventures around our beautiful country!

Since I was a child I always knew this was the career path I wanted to take, I have a passion for working alongside young children and watching them develop and learn new skills.

I’m looking forward to meeting you and beginning this journey together!