Meet The Team
Mission:
KangaKare Childcare, Rochestown, Cork is a purpose-built childcare facility where the needs and interests of children come first.
It is designed to provide a healthy environment which opened its doors in October 2002. It is s a childcare service based on very solid foundations with a strong belief and commitment to child centred practice that take precedence over everything we do. Our centre is led by a qualified and experienced Manager who guides a team of qualified, committed, and caring individuals who offer high levels of care and stimulus for each individual child.
Vision:
Our aim is to continue to improve our happy, safe, and stimulating learning environment where your child is supported during play and education, where he/she is welcomed, valued, respected, and encouraged to reach his/her individual potential socially, emotionally, physically and academically. The sky is the limit.
Value:
- Kind, friendly and secure environment
- Innovative design & technology throughout the nursery
- Nurturing & experienced staff
- Developing your child to the best of their ability
- Exploration through play to stimulate & enhance children’s development.
Choosing the right day care for your child is an important decision for any parent. At Kangakare Childcare we understand exactly how important it is for both parents and children. We offer quality and peace of mind to you and your child in convenient locations.
As well as providing full day and part day care for children aged 6 months to 12 years, we also provide school collection service and an out of school club for children aged 5 years upwards.
We have a large outdoor play area, with playground equipment and a safety surface.
We respect the parent as the main educator and care giver and support parents in offering continuity and consistency of care to their families.
Commited to Quality Practice
Kangakare Childcare are committed to quality practice, we ensure our standards continue to improve by actively encouraging on-going staff training and development.
- KangaKare Childcare are registered with TUSLA
- Members of Early Childhood Ireland, National Standards of Siolta and Aistear
- Healthy Ireland Smart Start Award
- Our centres operate strict door policies with coded door entry systems & CCTV cameras for added security.
May
Manager
Mayada is the Cork Branch Manager at Kangakare and has been a dedicated member of the team since joining as a student in 2016.
She holds a BA in Early Childhood Care and Education from MTU, which she completed in 2017, and has continued to grow within the organisation through her commitment, experience, and passion for early years education.
Mayada began her career in the Baby Room before progressing to the Preschool Room, gaining valuable hands-on experience across all age groups. This broad experience has strengthened her knowledge, leadership, and ability to support both children and staff throughout the service.
In her role as Manager, Mayada is deeply committed to maintaining high standards of care and education. She also serves as the LINC Coordinator for the Cork branch, promoting inclusive practice and ensuring that every child is supported, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.
As both a leader and a mother of two daughters, Mayada brings warmth, understanding, and a strong child-centred approach to her role. Her dedication, experience, and leadership make her an integral part of the Kangakare community
Sarah
Assistant Manager
Sarah is our Cork Creche Deputy Manager who has been with us since January 2007.
Sarah holds a QQI Level 6 in Advanced Childcare with Special Needs. She also holds a Diploma in Montessori Education (3–9 years) and Child Behaviour. Sarah is currently in the final stages of completing her Degree in Early Years Education & Care. Sarah is deeply passionate about children’s rights, valuing the voice of the child, and creating an inclusive, supportive environment for all.
Sarah started as an assistant in our pre-school room and over the years gained experience throughout the setting. Sarah went on to becoming assistant manager in 2020.
Sarah is a dedicated staff member as well as a proud mother of two daughters, one who has finished her time here at Kangakare, and another who is just beginning her journey with us.
Bridget
Interim Deputy Manager
Bridget has twenty-five years’ experience and has been with Kangakare for the last eighteen years.
Bridget has worked in many rooms during her time at Kangakare beginning in the baby room and then gained experience in the toddler room.
Bridget has spent the last number of years enjoying her time in the preschool room. The children have a great love for Bridget and fondly refer to her as “the tall teacher.”
Bridget is also the acting Deputy Manager, a role in which she continues to support staff, families, and children with dedication and care.
Michelle
Educator
Michelle has over 15 years of experience in childcare and has been a valued member of the Kangakare team since 2017.
She is a compassionate, caring, and creative educator who is deeply passionate about supporting children through their early developmental stages. Michelle takes great joy in capturing those special “awe” moments and celebrating the important milestones children achieve while in her care.
She builds strong, secure bonds with the children, creating a nurturing environment where they feel safe, loved, and supported. Her warm and engaging approach leaves a lasting impression, with many children from older rooms returning to visit her in the baby room.
Michelle’s dedication and genuine connection with the children make her an integral and highly valued member of the team.
Danielle
Educator
Danielle has almost two years of experience working with Kangakare and brings over 10 years of experience in childcare.
She has worked mainly in the Baby Room, while also gaining experience across a range of age groups. Danielle also spent a year living and working in Australia, where she continued her work in childcare and gained valuable insight into different approaches to early years education.
Danielle is a warm and dedicated educator who enjoys building strong relationships with both children and her colleagues. She values the close, family-like atmosphere within Kangakare and takes pride in being part of a supportive and caring team.
Carmen
Educator
Carmen is a dedicated Early Years Educator she holds a QQI Level 8 qualification, along with a Master’s degree in Drawing and Illustration, and Bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Primary Education.
She brings over two years of professional experience working in both England and Spain, where she has developed a strong understanding of diverse educational settings and approaches. Her experience has allowed her to build a well-rounded perspective on child development and inclusive learning practices.
She is passionate about supporting children’s learning through creativity, artistic expression, play, and exploration. With her background in illustration, she enjoys incorporating visual arts into daily activities to inspire imagination and engagement.
In addition, she has experience as a volleyball coach, which has strengthened her enthusiasm for developing children’s motor skills through movement, active play, and teamwork.
She is committed to fostering a warm and developmental environment where every child feels valued and supported. She is also fully aware of the importance of teamwork with her colleagues and always promotes a collaborative, positive atmosphere, recognising that strong communication and cooperation are key to providing the best possible care and education.
Shauna
Educator
Shauna is a dedicated Early Years Educator who holds a QQI Level 6 Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education.
She has developed a strong passion for working in the Baby Room, where she enjoys creating a warm, nurturing environment in which children feel safe, secure, and happy.
Shauna finds it especially rewarding to support each child as they grow and reach important developmental milestones. She enjoys planning and implementing meaningful, fun, and engaging activities that promote early learning and development.
Her caring and attentive approach helps ensure that every child feels supported, valued, and encouraged throughout their early years journey.
Alanis
Educator
Alanis is a dedicated Early Years Educator and Room Leader in the Fledgling Room. She holds a QQI Level 6 qualification from Portobello Institute and has been a valued member of the Kangakare team since September 2024.
During her time at Kangakare, Alanis has gained experience across a variety of settings, including Afterschool, ECCE, and Preschool rooms, strengthening her knowledge of early childhood development.
She is passionate about supporting children’s learning through creativity, play, and exploration of the natural world. Alanis is committed to creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
She also places great importance on building strong relationships with families and working collaboratively with her colleagues, recognising the importance of communication and teamwork in providing the best possible care and education.
Estrella
Educator
Estrella is a qualified Level 8 teacher from Spain with a strong passion for nurturing young minds and supporting children’s development.
She holds a Master’s degree in Autism and Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language, allowing her to support diverse learners while introducing language in a fun and meaningful way.
Estrella has also completed a variety of professional courses, including emotional intelligence, school life, bullying prevention, and learning strategies. She is committed to ongoing learning and staying up to date with best practices in education.
She loves working with children as they learn and grow, creating a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued. Estrella encourages cooperation, empathy, and kindness from an early age, while also inspiring creativity and curiosity about the world around them.
“Education does not change the world; it changes the people who are going to change the world.”
— Paulo Freire
Isobel
Educator
Isobel holds a QQI Level 6 qualification and is currently working towards completing her Level 8 degree, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development.
She began her journey at Kangakare as a student and has since gained valuable experience working across all rooms. Isobel is currently based in the Fledgling room, where she is thoroughly enjoying supporting the youngest children in their early stages of development.
Isobel is passionate about building strong, trusting relationships with both children and their families. She is dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels safe, supported, and valued.
She takes great joy in supporting children as they reach important milestones and in being part of their learning and development journey.
Ashley
Educator
Ashley holds a QQI Level 5 qualification in Childcare and is currently working towards her Level 6 award, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development.
She works as a support educator, where she plays an important role in nurturing young children’s development and supporting their daily experiences.
Ashley is a caring and attentive educator who ensures that every child feels safe, supported, and valued within their environment. She is passionate about early childhood education and recognises the importance of creating positive early learning experiences.
Her dedication to supporting children’s growth and development is evident in her daily practice, and she continuously seeks to expand her knowledge and skills to provide the highest quality of care and education.
Ammoura
Educator
Ammoura is a caring and enthusiastic Early Years Educator who holds a QQI Level 6 qualification in Early Childhood Education, completed in Spain. She has two years of experience working in a creche in Ireland and joined the Kangakare team in June 2025.
She has mainly worked with toddlers, where she has built very strong relationships with the children in her care. Ammoura truly enjoys working with children and has a natural ability to make them feel safe, happy, and understood.
At the beginning of the year, she put herself forward for a Room Leader position in the toddler room, showing her motivation to grow and take on more responsibility. Ammoura works closely with her team to ensure a safe and happy environment for the children.
Raquel
Educator
Raquel holds a Level 8 qualification in Early Childhood Education in Ireland and has two years of experience working in the sector.
She has been part of the Kangakare team for the past eight months and is currently based in the Toddler Room, where she enjoys supporting children in a warm, engaging, and rewarding environment.
Raquel is a hardworking, positive, and kind educator who is passionate about supporting young children’s development. She is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children feel confident to explore, learn, and grow.
She values teamwork and takes pride in building strong, trusting relationships with both children and their families, recognising the importance of collaboration in providing high-quality care and education.
Kathleen
Educator
Kathleen holds a QQI Level 5 qualification in Childcare and has been a valued member of the Kangakare team for the past six months.
She began her journey as a floater, gaining experience across different rooms, and is currently based in the Toddler Room, where she enjoys supporting children during this important stage of development.
Kathleen is passionate about promoting healthy development and supporting children as they begin to socialise and build relationships with one another. She focuses on encouraging confidence, empathy, and independence, helping children to express themselves and learn how to interact positively within their environment.
She has a particular love for working with toddlers, embracing the joy of watching their personalities emerge and supporting them as they navigate new experiences and challenges. Kathleen is dedicated to creating a warm, caring, and engaging environment where every child feels supported, valued, and part of a community.
Ellen
Educator
Ellen is the Room Lead in the Preschool 1 room and has been a valued member of the Kangakare team for the past three years. She holds a Level 8 degree in Montessori Education and brings both expertise and passion to her role.
Ellen is deeply committed to early childhood education and takes a child-centred approach to supporting each child’s individual development. She creates meaningful learning experiences that encourage curiosity, independence, and confidence.
She places great importance on building strong, positive relationships with both children and families, recognising that trust and open communication are essential in creating a supportive and inclusive community.
Ellen takes pride in creating a warm, welcoming, and engaging environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to explore, learn, and grow through play-based and Montessori-inspired learning.
Emma
Educator
Emma holds a QQI Level 6 qualification and has been a valued member of the Kangakare team for the past seven years.
She is a caring, positive, and optimistic educator who brings enthusiasm and creativity to her role each day. Emma has a particular passion for sensory play and enjoys creating engaging, hands-on activities that encourage children to explore, discover, and learn through experience.
She is always patient, kind, and attentive, ensuring that each child’s individual needs are supported in a warm and nurturing environment. Emma’s willingness to fully engage in activities alongside the children helps to create meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences.
Kayleigh
Educator
Kayleigh has over eight years of experience working in childcare and has been a valued member of the Kangakare team for the past two years.
She has worked with children across a wide range of age groups and is currently based in Preschool 1, where she brings warmth, experience, and consistency to her role.
Kayleigh has a genuine passion for working with children and takes great pride in supporting them as they learn, grow, and develop their own unique personalities. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing and caring environment where every child feels safe, happy, and confident to explore, discover, and learn each day.
Shannon
Educator
Shannon has six years of experience in childcare and has been part of the Kangakare team on and off during that time. She also completed a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, further strengthening her knowledge of child development and support.
Throughout her time at Kangakare, Shannon has gained experience across a variety of rooms, beginning in the Fledgling room and expanding into Sessional Preschool and Afterschool settings. Over the past year, she has continued to build her experience in the Baby, Fledgling, and Toddler rooms, before taking on a Room Lead position in Preschool 2.
Shannon is highly regarded by the children, who affectionately refer to her as “the silly one,” reflecting her fun, playful, and engaging approach.
She is passionate about supporting children to become confident, independent, and agentic learners. Shannon promotes strong values of teamwork and inclusion, creating a positive environment where both children and staff feel supported, respected, and encouraged to thrive.
Norah
Educator
Norah has over ten years of experience working in childcare, supporting young children in their early learning and development.
She is currently a Preschool 2 Room Assistant at Kangakare, where she enjoys guiding and supporting children as they learn, play, and grow each day in a positive and engaging environment.
Norah also has previous experience working as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA), where she supported children with additional needs and helped to create inclusive, nurturing classroom environments. This experience has given her valuable insight into supporting a wide range of developmental needs.
She is passionate about building strong, positive relationships with children and supporting their confidence, independence, and overall development. Norah’s calm and caring approach makes her a highly valued member of the team.
Patricia
Educator
Patricia is a committed and enthusiastic Early Childhood Educator with over two and a half years of experience working at Kangakare.
She holds a Higher National Diploma in Early Childhood Education and is currently progressing towards a Level 7 degree, reflecting her dedication to continuous professional development.
During her time at Kangakare, Patricia has developed strong practical and leadership skills. She previously worked as a Room Leader in the Toddler Room and is currently part of the Preschool 2 team, supporting children in their early learning and development.
In addition to her professional experience, Patricia has spent over three years volunteering with youth organisations in Spain, which has strengthened her ability to connect with and support children from a wide range of backgrounds.
Patricia is known for her cheerful, caring, and energetic personality, combined with a professional and nurturing approach. She is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, confident, and supported to reach their full potential.
Marcia
Educator
Marcia has over eight years of experience working in childcare and is passionate about creating a positive, nurturing, and supportive environment for children.
She brings great energy, positivity, and creativity into her work, helping to make each day engaging, fun, and meaningful for the children in her care.
Marcia has been part of the Kangakare team for the past year and a half, where she supports staff across different rooms and is always ready to help wherever needed. Her flexibility and team spirit make her a valued member of the team.
Her main focus is ensuring that every child feels supported, valued, and heard, allowing them to grow in confidence and feel safe within their environment.
Elaine
Educator & Chef
Elaine has over 11 years of experience in childcare and brings a wealth of knowledge, care, and dedication to her role at Kangakare.
She began her journey working in the toddler room, where she supported young children through important early developmental milestones. This experience has shaped her nurturing and child-focused approach.
Elaine now works as the centre’s chef, where she prepares healthy, nutritious meals each day, ensuring the children are well supported in their overall wellbeing. In addition, she assists across rooms by covering lunch breaks, helping to maintain a consistent, safe, and caring environment throughout the day.
She also has previous experience working as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA), supporting children with additional needs and contributing to inclusive, nurturing learning environments.
Elaine is a caring, hardworking, and reliable team member who enjoys being part of the children’s daily experiences and supporting both her colleagues and the wider centre community.
Hannah
Unit 1b Manager
Hannah holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and care from MTU and is one of the managers here at Kangakare.
Hannah manages our Sessional Pre-School and After-School Care. She is passionate about fostering a fun, safe, and enriching environment for all children. Hannah believes this is built on open communication, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of every child and family.
Hannah is dedicated to supporting children in their growth and learning, and she is excited to help guide them on their educational journey at Kangakare.
Laura
Educator
Laura joined the Kangakare team in 2019 with a QQI Level 6 in Montessori and has since obtained a QQI Level 7 degree in Early Childhood Studies in 2022. Laura has worked primarily with children aged 3 to 5 in our sessional pre school.
Laura loves to spark children’s curiosity in the world around them through experiences, discussions and open ended play. She believes in meeting the needs of each unique child by adapting the environment to their interests and by collaborating with families.
Kara
Educator
Kara has over 27 years of experience in childcare, working with children across all age groups from as young as three months through to early primary school age.
She has been a valued member of the Kangakare team since September 2024 and is currently the Room Lead in the Preschool Sessional 1 class in Unit 1B.
Kara holds a Level 6 qualification in Special Needs Assisting and is currently completing her Degree in Early Years Education and Care, demonstrating her strong commitment to ongoing professional development.
With her extensive experience, Kara brings a deep understanding of child development and is passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive environment where every child feels supported and valued.
She is skilled in building positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues, and is known for her caring and creative approach. Kara enjoys planning fun, engaging activities that support children’s learning in a nurturing and child-centred way.
She takes great pride in being part of each child’s learning journey, ensuring they feel safe, confident, and valued in her care.
Therese
Educator
Therese has been a valued member of the Kangakare team since 2014, bringing many years of experience and dedication to her role.
She has worked across all rooms within the service, gaining a broad understanding of children’s development at every stage. Therese has extensive experience in the Preschool Sessional setting, where she supports children in preparing for the next stage of their learning journey.
She also has experience working as an AIM Support Assistant, where she provided additional support to children, promoting inclusion, independence, and participation within the classroom.
Therese is passionate about supporting children’s social, emotional, and developmental growth in a safe, caring, and nurturing environment. She values building strong relationships with both children and their families and takes great joy in being part of each child’s early years journey.
Radka
Educator
Radka joined the Kangakare team in 2025 and holds a QQI Level 6 qualification in Early Learning and Care.
She is a friendly, patient, and creative educator who brings warmth and positivity to her role each day. Radka is passionate about supporting children during important stages of their development, creating a nurturing and engaging environment where they feel safe, happy, and confident to learn.
She enjoys building strong, trusting relationships with children and supporting their individual needs through play-based learning and meaningful experiences.
Radka values the variety that each day brings and takes great pride in contributing to children’s growth, development, and overall wellbeing.
Aimee
Educator
Aimee holds a BA (Hons) Level 8 degree in Irish and History and has been a valued member of the Kangakare team since 2024.
She is based in the afterschool building, where her energetic and enthusiastic approach makes her a favourite among the children. With a naturally sporty and bubbly personality, Aimee actively engages children in games and activities that promote teamwork, confidence, and enjoyment.
Aimee is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, supported, and valued. She is dedicated to ensuring that each child is encouraged to participate, express themselves, and develop both socially and emotionally in a fun and nurturing setting.
Fatma
Educator
Fatma holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and has over five years of experience working with children, where she has developed a strong passion for supporting their learning and development.
She has been a valued member of the Kangakare Afterschool team since 2025, where she supports children in a fun, safe, and engaging environment. Fatma is also currently working towards her QQI Level 5 qualification in Childcare, further enhancing her skills and professional knowledge.
Fatma is a caring, patient, and enthusiastic educator who is dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive environment. She ensures that every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to grow in confidence while enjoying their daily experiences.
