I have recently joined the Craighead teaching team. Over the years I have taught in several kindergartens in New Zealand and have spent time teaching overseas in England and China.

I am married to Brian, and we love gardening, cycle touring and outdoor adventures.

It is a privilege and a joy to be working at Craighead. Being part of young children’s lives means every day is full of possibilities and no two days are the same.

I look forward to many learning adventures with tamariki.

Since beginning teaching in 1985 I have taught in many Primary schools in Southland and South Canterbury, and at all levels. Following a move to Christchurch in 2011 I began teaching in a preschool and studying for a graduate diploma in Early Childhood teaching. My husband and I returned to Timaru in 2016 I joined the Craighead Teaching Team soon after.

I feel privileged to be part of the Craighead whānau and community. Our teaching and learning environment is unique, home-like and relaxed, and I love that as a community we are all invested in ensuring the best learning outcomes for all our tamariki.

I joined the Craighead Kindy team in 2024 after spending many years teaching in and leading ECE centres in both Timaru and Christchurch. My husband and I have 2 school aged children who have both attended ECE centres in Timaru. It was a real gift to be able to watch them grow and learn in their Kindy days and has given me a passion for ensuring that all children and their families enjoy the same quality ECE experiences.

Hi, I’m Lara Swaney.

I am a part time teacher here at Craighead Kindergarten. I am married to James, and we have two boys, Leo and Alex. We are a Craighead family with both of our boys having been at Kindergarten prior to school. I enjoy spending time with the children and get a real buzz from watching them learn and grow here at Craighead.

I live on a farm just 15 minutes out of Timaru with my husband and two daughters. We have several animals, including two guinea pigs, one cat and one dog, as well as cattle and sheep.

In 2004 I completed an early childhood degree via distance learning through the Christchurch College of Education. I spent 18 months working in the nursery at an Early Childhood centre in Timaru.

In 2019 I decided I was ready for a new challenge, which resulted in my taking up a position at Craighead Kindergarten. I really enjoy working as part of the Leadership Team and have learnt a lot in the time I have been at Craighead.

I was born and raised in Timaru. I then lived and worked for over 20 years in Wellington, Solomon Islands and Singapore. In recent years I came back to Timaru with my husband and two children.

In 2010 I started working part-time at Craighead Kindergarten as their Teacher Aide (also affectionately known as “Domestic Goddess!!). My role involves preparing the children’s morning and afternoon kai, helping clean up and generally assisting where needed.

Craighead is a happy, friendly and homely environment to work in. I am lucky to be greeted each day by a sea of smiling and eager little faces!!