Committee

Cheryl Greenfield Chairperson
Cheryl Greenfield is Head of Programme of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT). Originally trained as a primary teacher, then spent 15 years in Playcentre working at both centre, regional and national levels. Cheryl‘s research has included children’s intersubjectivity and children’s perceptions of outdoor play and being outside at their early childhood centre for the last six years. She has recently completed her Masters of Education thesis on children’s and adults’ perceptions on being outside. Cheryl is a strong advocate for children’s right to freely access optimal early childhood outdoor environments. Cheryl is widely published on a range of subjects and her other passions and teaching areas include the expressive arts and human development. Cheryl has visited Reggio Emilia and has been a member of RE Provocations since it’s inception.

Jacqui Lees Secretary
I became interested in Reggio philosophy when I was teaching in the USA. When I returned to New Zealand I began working at Pakuranga Baptist Kindergarten and began attending RE Provocations conferences and workshops with the teachers in my team. I was able to go on a study tour to Reggio Emilia in 2008 and since then we have been working with greater intensity to implement Reggio philosophy in our Centre.

Chris Cole Treasurer
Chris has been involved in early childhood for the last 8 years as Managing Director of ECE Management. He is involved with 2 early childhood Governance Committees where his expertise in business is appreciated. Chris is presently on the Reggio Children International Network Finance and Membership Sub-Committee. Chris is looking forward to supporting RE Provocations with their future endeavors, especially bringing the exhibition to New Zealand.

Diane Toal Committee Member
I have been on the RE Provocations Committee for the last 5 years, with 3 of these as Treasurer. I am committed to the objectives and principals of our organization and wish to see it continue in the positive spirit that it has been operating over the last 7 years. I have been very fortunate to have visited Reggio Emilia twice and have gained knowledge from these visits and other wonderful professional development opportunities. In my daily work, I pass on this passion to other practitioners, which I hope will benefit children’s learning.

Kate Martin Committee Member
I have been on the RE Provocations Committee for two years. I work at Tots on Triton Early Childhood Centre as the Preschool Supervisor and enjoy supporting my team of teachers in implementing the principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy into our centre life. I was introduced to the Reggio philosophy whilst I was training at UNITEC and it has influenced my teaching philosophy and practice ever since.

Bridget Gerrard Committee Member
Hi my name is Bridget Gerrard and I live in Dunedin. I completed a Bachelor of Teaching Degree at the University of Otago in 2001, and a Masters in Education at MasseyUniversity in 2007. The majority of my teaching has been with Year 4-8 children, however I have taught from Early Childhood up to Year 13. It was whilst I was teaching at an Early Childhood Centre that I was introduced to the Reggio Emilia Philosophy. I found this very interesting and stimulating and would like to further my knowledge on the theory. I feel privileged to be involved in the Reggio Provocations Committee and enhancing and expanding the Reggio principles and values throughoutAotearoa. When I’m not teaching I enjoy being with friends and family, and I have a 10-month boy, Harry who keeps me extremely busy!