A visionary leader, educational entrepreneur, culture creator, and progressive design thinker.

I bring more than 25 years of experience across education — as a primary and secondary teacher, specialist classroom teacher, literacy and numeracy tutor, initial teacher educator, Deputy Principal, Acting Principal, Growth Coach and School Improvement Strategist.

That breadth matters.

I understand schools from the classroom to the principal's office.

I've taught students, developed beginning teachers, coached experienced teachers, led teams, supported principals and worked across complex whole-school improvement. I've also led through significant change and challenging times, so I understand the reality of leading a school — not just the theory of it.

As leader of the secondary programme at the New Zealand Graduate School of Education, I was responsible for developing beginning teachers ready to teach from day one. I have also trained in Design Thinking through Stanford University, which continues to influence how I approach complex problems, challenge assumptions and turn ideas into practical action.

I walk in different worlds and bring bicultural and multicultural experiences to my work. Te ao Māori values influence how I think about relationships, leadership, belonging and collective responsibility, while recognising our Tiriti relationship.

Perhaps most importantly, I'm practical. I've spent my career close to the work. I know what a good plan looks like, but I also know what it takes to make it work on a busy Tuesday in a real school.

Outside education, I energise by heading into the mountains or to the sea , usually with Luna my dog alongside me. I enjoy cultural events, volunteering, meeting people and discovering new places.

Life is for contributing, growing and having some fun along the way.