Happy Hills Day Nursery & After Schools Club (Markethill)

At Happy Hills Day Nursery, we are proud of the experienced and dedicated team who bring warmth, knowledge, and passion to every child’s day.

Nicky is the longest-serving member of the Happy Hills team, with over 20 years of experience in the early years sector. She worked in the early years before Happy Hills took over the nursery and became the Manager in 2016. Nicky’s lifelong commitment to supporting young children’s learning and development continues to shine through in everything she does.

Under Nicky’s leadership, the nursery has continued to grow and flourish. Her dedication, experience, and nurturing approach ensure that Happy Hills Day Nursery remains a safe, inspiring, and caring environment where every child can thrive.

Rebecca holds a degree in Early Years Education and has over 11 years of experience in the early years sector. She began her journey at Happy Hills Day Nursery as a relief member of staff, quickly becoming a permanent full-time team member through her dedication and passion for childcare.

Rebecca has worked at Happy Hills for eight years and has been the Deputy Manager for the past six years. Her warm, supportive nature and strong leadership skills make her a valued member of the management team, helping to ensure that the nursery continues to provide exceptional care and learning experiences for every child.

Emma holds a Foundation Degree and is Level 5 qualified in Leadership and Management. She has been part of Happy Hills Day Nursery for four years, beginning her journey as a Nursery Assistant. Through hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for children, Emma quickly progressed to Deputy Manager of the Afterschool Club and now proudly serves as the Afterschool Manager.

Emma’s commitment, positive energy, and passion for creating a fun and engaging environment make her an invaluable part of the Happy Hills team. She takes great pride in helping school-aged children learn, grow, and build confidence in a caring and supportive setting.

Michelle brings over 27 years of experience in the childcare sector, having dedicated her entire career to supporting the growth and development of young children. She has held a variety of roles over the years, including tutoring and assessing childcare qualifications from Level 2 through Level 5 in the private sector.

Michelle works across both Happy Hills Day Nursery settings in Markethill and Blackwatertown, sharing her depth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and leadership with both teams. She has also undertaken training in Reggio Emilia, Italy, which has strengthened her belief in child-led, creative learning. In addition, she has a strong passion for Hygge in Early Years, embracing the importance of warmth, calm, and comfort in creating emotionally supportive environments for children and staff alike.

Childcare has been the only professional environment Michelle has ever worked in—a true reflection of her passion, commitment, and adaptability in an ever-evolving early years sector.

Andrea opened Happy Hills Day Nursery in 2016 after returning to Northern Ireland from London, where she built a successful career in Retail and Human Resources. She has skillfully applied her HR expertise within Happy Hills, strengthening team development, communication, and overall nursery management.

Over 10 years ago, Andrea completed her Level 5 Leadership and Management training in Early Years, and she has since continued to expand her professional knowledge. She has also undertaken training in Reggio Emilia, Italy, inspired by the child-led approach that promotes creativity, independence, and exploration.

Andrea works across both Happy Hills Day Nursery settings in Markethill and Blackwatertown, supporting staff and ensuring a consistent, high-quality standard of care across both nurseries. She has a strong passion for Hygge in Early Years, focusing on creating warm, calm, and welcoming environments where children and staff feel safe, valued, and connected.

With over 10 years of experience working in early years education, Andrea combines compassion, professionalism, and creativity to ensure that Happy Hills Day Nursery continues to thrive as a joyful and nurturing place for every child.