Kia ora koutou.

My name is Alana Cramond and I am honoured to be part of the amazing team at Te Ao Mārama School. I enjoy working in a supportive, engaging and positive environment amongst staff, students and whānau that make up our school community.

I grew up in Hamilton and have been teaching here for over 10 years. I love to guide children to make their own learning discoveries and I encourage them to explore their curiosities and wonderings. I find teaching very rewarding and strive to be a lifelong learner to assist me to be the best teacher I can be.

In my spare time I enjoy travelling, both overseas and throughout Aotearoa, hiking to discover new places and spending time with friends and family. I also enjoy photography and baking yummy treats.

Kia Ora,

My name is Kasey Young and I am very pleased to be back at Te Ao Marama School after taking parental leave in 2020.

I grew up in the King Country and moved to Hamilton to teach after completing my studies at the University of Canterbury.

My husband Frank is also a part of the Te Ao Marama team, and together we have two boys that keep us on our toes! In my spare time in enjoy cooking, playing netball and spending time with friends and family.

Te Ao Marama is a special community that I am very privileged to be part of.

Kia ora koutou,

My name is Hannah Goodbehere and I am very excited to be joining the amazing Te Ao Mārama whanau!

I am the youngest of 3 children, have grown up in Hamilton and been teaching for 5 years. I have a passion for all things health and fitness. In my spare time you will find me at the gym, socialising with family and friends or outside enjoying the sunshine!

I look forward to connecting with everyone in 2023.

Kia ora koutou.

My name is Nikki McAskie and I am super excited to be part of the amazing team at Te Ao Mārama. What I’m most excited about is working and learning alongside the incredible staff, students and whānau that make up this school.

Born and bred in Morrinsville, I taught at David Street school for two and a half years before venturing overseas to the UK for a further three years. I was fortunate enough to be able to follow my dreams of travelling and exploring new countries whilst living and teaching in London.
I have a passion for the outdoors and keeping active! In my spare
time, I enjoy running, hiking and spending time with my friends and family.

I’m excited to continue my journey at Te Ao Mārama and get to know the wonderful community here.

Kia ora Koutou

My name is Lucy Rush and I am humbled to be a teacher at Te Ao Mārama school.

I love working in a place that has such supportive, fun and eager teachers and I have learnt and grown so much on my teacher journey so far.

I am born and bred in the mighty Waikato and am the youngest of a family of 5. In my spare time I love to be out exercising, playing sports and spending time with the important people in my life.

Kia ora koutou, my name is Joanna Dawson.

I grew up in Matamata and have lived in Auckland and Hamilton. I also spend some time overseas and enjoy travelling and exploring the world.

I have 18 years teaching experience within Hamilton and in Auckland. I am passionate about creating an innovative, inspiring and encouraging space for students to learn. I believe in growing the whole child and focus on the social and emotional needs of students, as well as their academics.

I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, baking (especially cakes) and sleeping in!

Te Ao Mārama is my whānau and I love being here everyday!

Kia ora koutou!

Ko Sarah Shearer tōku ingoa.

I am excited to be joining the amazing Te Ao Mārama Team in 2023, a school that has always interested and inspired me.
As an experienced teacher with over 20 years service, in both single cell and more recently innovative learning environments, I am passionate about working collaboratively with a team of ngā kaiako (teachers) who develop warm, reciprocal relationships (whanaungatanga) with ākonga (students) and a programme for learning that is fun, engaging and meaningful.

My love for The Arts, Health, P.E. and Sports is obvious but I am also very passionate about and committed to developing as well as sharing my knowledge and understanding around Culturally Responsive Practice and learning Te Reo Māori.

As a mother of two growing tamariki (children), who now both attend RJHS, I am busy following them with their sports and various interests. During my spare time, I love staying active, hiking, exploring new places and becoming one with my special place, Whangamata - a place that my whānau have been coming to and creating memories for many, many years.

He aha te mea nui o te ao?
He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!
What is the most important thing in the world?
It is people, it is people, it is people.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sarah Shearer

Kia Ora e te whānau,
Ko Ruby Maine-More toku ingoa.

I am very proud to be a Kaiako (Teacher) at Te Ao Mārama School.

Originally I am from Palmerston North and I have lived in Hamilton for a few years now after finding a passion for teaching and my place with my Te Ao Mārama whānau.

I have an interest in incorporating New Zealand Sign Language into my everyday teaching practice and love celebrating the individual differences each learner brings to the classroom.

I enjoy playing netball, exploring Aotearoa, spending time with loved ones and renovating my new house!

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Ko Erin Mareroa tōku ingoa and I am incredibly honoured to have started my teaching career at Te Ao Mārama in 2021.

I completed my Bachelors Degree in Primary School Teaching at The University of Waikato and was lucky enough to have completed my final practicum placement in Kererū Tahi.

I thoroughly enjoy teaching and learning in an innovative learning environment and am very passionate about teaching collaboratively.

I am originally from Opotiki in the sunny Eastern Bay of Plenty. I moved to Hamilton 5 years ago with my partner and daughter to begin my studies at The University of Waikato.

I am very passionate about teaching and helping our wonderful tamariki. I really enjoy meeting whānau and connecting with the community of Te Ao Mārama.

My interests include, physical activity, the outdoors, arts and crafts, spending time with family, and baking (and eating it of course!).

Ngā Mihi,
Erin

Kia ora koutou,

My name is Abby Connell and I joined the team at Te Ao Mārama as a beginning teacher in 2021.

I am Waikato born and bred and come from a family of five; I am the middle child with an older sister and a younger brother. I grew up on a farm in Matangi and am currently completing my Graduate Diploma at the University of Waikato. I love to learn and know I will be a life-long learner!
I am passionate about making a positive, meaningful difference in the lives of our young people and couldn’t be more excited about being a part of the incredible Te Ao Mārama community.

I enjoy spending time with loved ones, exploring our beautiful country, yoga, baking and going to the beach (my favourite is Mt. Maunganui!). I have a passion for all things holistic wellbeing.
I am so looking forward to joining the awesome Te Ao Mārama team, bring on 2023!

Kia ora koutou - Hello to you all! My name is Teresa Lincoln.

I have many years of teaching experience working predominantly in the Junior School as this is where my passion lies. I have taught is a variety of different schools both rural and urban. I also spent 3 years working in the Early Childhood sector while my children were very young.

My husband is a Fitter Welder Engineer and together we have 3 children who keep us busy and entertained. After spending 10 years progressing in the Dairy Farming industry, we have recently returned to city life and built a new home in Huntington.

Together we love spending time away at the beach, where we enjoy the company of our friends and family and lots of delicious seafood.

I am passionate about providing fun opportunities to support children along their learning journeys. I strongly value the concept of ‘Hauora’ and enabling tamariki to develop their physical skill and ability, along with their social and emotional wellbeing. I love children’s art and encouraging confidence through creative experiences.

I look forward to meeting you!

Kia Ora Koutou, my name is Danielle Head and I am very excited to be part of the Te Ao Mārama team.

I have been at Te Ao Mārama since 2019 and have been lucky enough to work in all spaces within the school sharing my passion for the arts. I love to dance and find creative ways to make learning fun. Literacy is another passion of mine having worked as a journalist before retraining as a teacher. I love sharing the world of imagination with children and seeing them get excited about being authors themselves.

I am married and have two very active children, Olivia and Clark who both attend Te Ao Mārama. Together we love exploring our beautiful country with picnics, bush walks, trips to the beach and more recently hitting the slopes skiing.

Kia Ora Koutou to all new whanau
My name is Olivia Hotter (Nee Newdick) and I feel very honoured and excited to be part of the foundation staff and the journey at Te Ao Mārama.

I am from Hamilton, born and bred. I have been teaching for six years, with all of my experience being in Innovative Learning Environments. I am very passionate about teaching and helping the little learners of the future succeed in all they do.

I enjoy all things outdoors and have found a new love for travel.

Hi, I am Linda Neville and I love being part the amazing teaching team at Te Ao Mārama School.

I have over 8 years experience in the Early Childhood sector, so I feel very privileged to share my expertise in the Primary sector.

I am originally from South Africa and have been living in New Zealand with my husband & two children for 14 years. I feel very lucky to be able to call this beautiful country our home.

I am passionate about creating an environment where children feel a sense of belonging and develop a love for learning. Building relationships is incredibly important to me, so I am truly excited to work with you and your children.

Kia Ora, my name is Keryn and I feel very privileged to be part of the Te Ao Mārama family.

Working alongside children has been my passion for many years as my background is in early childhood education. I originally come from Auckland but have been in Hamilton for 17 years.

I live in the Flagstaff community with my husband Chris and our 7 year old boys, Will & James, who both attend Te Ao Mārama.

As a family we enjoy camping, going to the beach, and exploring different parts of NZ in our motorhome.

As an educator I am passionate about extending children’s development, interests and social competencies through fun, hands on experiences.

I am looking forward to getting to know you and your tamariki.

Kia ora koutou, my name is Bridget Hubbard and I am hugely excited to be part of the Te Ao Mārama community.

I grew up in Kawerau, moving to Hamilton at the end of my primary school years. I completed my schooling in Hamilton and studied at Waikato University (psychology and then education). After some time in Wellington and Auckland I returned to Hamilton and have lived in the Rototuna/Flagstaff area for the last 19 years.

My background is in early childhood and I love being able to utilise that knowledge and experience to help children transition into a new schooling environment and develop their joy of learning.

Kia ora koutou, my name is Donna Lee and I am very excited to be part of the team at Te Ao Mārama.

I have taught at lots of schools around New Zealand and currently teach at Rototuna Primary School. My husband, Jason and our three children live in Rototuna, where we have been for 17 years.

I am passionate about education and love watching children grow, sharing their fun and excitement as they discover and learn new things. I feel extremely privileged to be part of this amazing team.

Kia Ora,

My name is Sara Morrow and I really enjoy being a part of the amazing team at Te Ao Mārama. I am a mother of four children ranging in ages from 11-19 years, who keep me very busy when I am not working.

In my spare time we enjoy going on holidays or working on our renovation project just past Gordonton in the country. I have a love of art and enjoy painting and visiting museums and art galleries.

While having my own children I became a playcentre parent and completed early childhood studies, working in both the primary and early childhood sectors over the years.

I look forward to meeting everyone.

Kia ora Koutou!

My name is Ally Smit and I feel humbled to be joining the teaching team and community at Te Ao Mārama.

I have grown up in Hamilton and come from a family of six. I was fortunate enough to travel overseas and teach in a summer camp in New York City, prior to beginning my teaching career.

I have a passion for the outdoors and anything adventurous. During the weekends, I love spending time with my friends and family.

I am super excited to continue my journey at Te Ao Mārama. I look forward to meeting and connecting with you all.

Kia Ora!

My name is Courtney and I am so excited to be a part of the Te Ao Mārama whanau!

I started my teaching journey in early childhood education and have been teaching in primary for the last 7 years.

In my spare time I love being with my little family, making pottery and dancing!

Kia ora koutou, my name is Sarah Corkill. It is a real privilege to have been part of the foundation team at Te Ao Mārama School. I feel so lucky to work alongside such wonderful staff, students and whānau and have loved every minute here since we opened our doors. It’s a special place!
I began my teaching career in 2008, spending six years at Te Kowhai School and four and a half years at Te Totara School. I have taught a range of year levels from Year 0-8 and have a special interest in Digital Technologies. I am really passionate about teaching and consider myself a lifelong learner.
A bit about me... I grew up in Kerikeri in the beautiful Bay of Islands. I studied at both Otago and Waikato University and have also recently completed studies through Wintec and The Mind Lab. I love learning! My interests include running, swimming, reading, traveling, hiking, being at the beach, wakeboarding, paddle boarding and spending time with my husband, three children, family and friends.
I love being part of this great community and I really value getting to know families of students. If you see me around, please say hi! I look forward to meeting you soon.

Kia ora!

Ko Teina Neha toku ingoa. I am thrilled to join the Te Ao Mārama whānau and start my teaching journey.

My start in education began in 2018 as a teacher aide and I decided to complete my Bachelor of Primary Teaching in 2021-2023.

In my spare time I love doing anything sporty or active.

Nga mihi
Teina

Kia ora koutou and hello.

My name is Pamela Bishop and I am the Learning Support Coordinator for Te Ao Mārama Kura.

I am originally from Auckland and moved to Hamilton 10 years ago with my family, son Ashton and husband Ben. Education has been my career since day dot and I have many years teaching experience in schools in Auckland and Hamilton.

My passion is inclusive learning for all tamariki, ensuring our learners get the support they need to be their best versions of themselves at school. My absolute favourite whakataukī is "Tūngia te ururua kia tupu whakaritorito te tupu o te harakeke." "Clear away the overgrowing bush so that the new flax shoots will spring up."

My other interests include spending time with family on our lifestyle block, fur babies and friends, renovation, reading and relaxing in the sun.

Kia ora, my name is Frank Young and I am honoured and excited to be part of the Te Ao Mārama team.

I grew up in rural Gisborne, eventually moving north to Hamilton where I attended Hamilton Boys’ High then Waikato University to complete my studies as a primary teacher. I have been in education for the better part of 13 years.

My wife Kasey is also a teacher at Te Ao Mārama and together we have 2 boys; Felix and Hayes.

One of my passions is the outdoors, more specifically adventure racing, another is digital learning and technologies.

Tēnā koutou katoa, kam na mauri.
Ko Sandra Humphry tõku ingoa.
Arau Nei Sandra Humphry.

I have been teaching for over 10 years at Nawton School, spending most of my teaching in the Reo Rua junior school. I have also spent the last 3 years as a Kaahui Ako (Community of Learning) Across School Leader meeting and supporting teachers and leaders.

I love engaging tamariki, working alongside them as learners and ensuring that every one of them feels success.

My mother is from the islands of Kiribati and has instilled in me a passion for language and cultural identity. Even though I was born in New Zealand I can speak the Kiribati language and have a good grasp of Te Reo Māori.

I have 3 children, 2 girls and a boy who keep me busy with their extra curricular activities. I enjoy coaching, watching and playing various sports including touch, basketball, netball and rugby. I also enjoy watching movies in my PJs!!

Kia Ora,

I’m Sally, and I’m thrilled to continue teaching at Te Ao Mārama.

I am originally from Hamilton, but after finishing my studies I spent 5 years living in Wellington with my husband, where I taught at an inner city primary school for the duration of that time.

I have been lucky enough to step back into teaching through relieving at Te Ao Mārama School, and am thoroughly enjoy my time here.

I have a passion for learning through the arts, in particular drama. I am excited to work in a role where I can weave this passion into the children's learning experiences. I look forward to continuing working alongside the staff and children throughout the school.

Ngā Mihi.

Kia Ora koutou!

My name is Kyla Kerby, and I have the lovely privilege of working within all of the learning spaces at Te Ao Mārama, where I can share my love of The Arts. It is amazing to be able to get to know all of the children across the school, and learn and be creative alongside them.

I grew up in Hamilton and have been teaching here for many years whilst also raising my own children. The things I love most are being with my family, the beach, books, camping, food, dance, photography and exploring new places.

I feel very lucky to be a part of the wonderful team at Te Ao Mārama.

Kia ora koutou. My name is Nicky Marquand and I am super excited to be teaching at Te Ao Mārama, part-time. I feel very privileged to be part of such a special school community.

I currently live on the foothills of Mt Pirongia with my husband Shane, who is also a teacher, and our 3 awesome boys. We love being in the outdoors together - mountain biking, snowboarding, camping and tramping - the more remote the better. My husband and I have travelled and lived overseas for several years, but we’ve always called the Waikato home.

I have taught in primary schools in one of the most culturally diverse communities in the world - in East London. So, I really enjoy the cultural diversity of this special school community.

I’m really looking forward to getting to know you and your children.

Hello I’m Rebecca and I’m excited to be joining the team at Te Ao Mārama.

I was born and raised in the Waikato and have over 10 years teaching experience. I enjoy spending time with my young son, husband and our dog Millie. In my spare time I love trying out new recipes, reading a good book, or catching up with friends and family.

I have a passion for the arts, especially drama for learning. I love giving students the opportunity to use their imagination to problem solve and explore different possibilities in their learning.

Kia ora koutou, my name is Greg Pickering and I’m very excited to be joining the Te Ao Mārama team.

I hail from Matamata, and began my teaching journey in Auckland before moving to Cambridge, where I’ve taught for the last five years.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Te Ao Mārama this term, and have been in the fortunate position of meeting and getting to know so many learners already as a relief teacher.

Beyond the classroom, my wife Emma and I are kept busy by our toddlers Olive and Arthur. We enjoy spending time at the beach, and keeping active.

I’m looking forward to getting to know more of you and working with the fantastic learners and team at Te Ao Mārama!

Kia ora koutou,
My name is Carly Loveridge and I am very excited to be joining the Te Ao Mārama whānau next term. I love working alongside children and helping support their curious minds to grow and explore. Together with a positive mindset, I believe we can achieve anything!

I grew up in the Bay of Plenty, where I started out my teaching career almost 20 years ago. Mount Maunganui holds a very special place in my heart, and is always a favourite maunga to climb or walk around when I can. I have since spent the last 10 years in Beachlands, which is a beautiful part of Auckland on the East Coast. I am certainly looking forward to spending more time exploring Hamilton and making new connections along the way. I have 3 beautiful children who keep me busy and content. In my spare time, I love to keep active and spend time with my friends and family. I am at my happiest when I am at the beach or near water having fun in the waves or splashing around!

I look forward to getting to know you all, and the wider community when I make the move down in the upcoming holidays. I am very excited for a new challenge and to become part of your special school whānau.