Meet the Team

All-AROUND AWESOME GIRAFFE

I love helping kids see their full potential.

I give them the tools and life skills to: understand how to make healthy choice, learn about their bodies, develop self esteem and a positive understanding of themselves and develop strategies for relating to others.

Help me help our kids!

Maungakiekie-Tamaki, Puketapapa and Otara-Papatoetoe Educator.

Hi, my name is Natalie. I have three sons, Matt 18, Ben 15, and Dan 12. We have an International student for most of the year, often 6 months at a time. We have hosted students for the last 4 years and love getting to know the different cultures and customs of these lovely boys. We have had visitors from China, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Chile, Austria and France. It brings another dimension into our family unit. We also have 2 cats, Toffee and Maisie.

I am a photo-lithographer by trade which I did in NZ; and in London. When I had my first child I retrained and did a Post Graduate Diploma of Teaching Primary and Intermediate. Most of my teaching career has been in Early Childhood which I found very rewarding. Since starting with Life Education in 2017 I have loved meeting and engaging with so many students and schools at so many different levels. I love the philosophy and wonderful messages that are woven through the fabric of our learning in the mobile classroom. Harold is a superstar that puts the sparkle in our day.

Mangere-Otahuhu and Otara Papatoetoe Educator

After working a few years in an office role while volunteering as a brownie leader Carleen made the decision to make working with children her career instead of her hobby, and hasn't looked back since. She taught in South Auckland primary schools for 13 years and then joined Life Ed in May 2017. She has found working with Life Ed has enabled her to support and empower more tamariki than in her previous roles as a classroom teacher.

Seeing the joy on children's faces when they see Harold and when they make a connection to the content we are covering makes this job very fulfilling. When not hanging out with Harold in the mobile classroom, Carleen can be found hanging around the amateur theater circuit. Quite often it's doing the behind the scenes things that keep a show/theatre ticking, but every now and then you might actually catch her treading the boards.

Franklin / Papakura Educator

Kia ora, My name is Lauren. I have been a Classroom Teacher for seven years, as well as Sports Coordinator and Kahui Ako CoL Leader. I bring with me my passion to develop life-long, driven learners and my extensive experience and enjoyment in implementing the health curriculum. I aim to inspire and lead learners to develop their understanding of Hauroa, and encourage healthy choices, whilst fostering an ethos of personal best. It brings me great joy to be part of the magic and excitement that Harold and the Life Ed van shares with our Tamariki.

In my spare time I enjoy all things active from Netball, Skiing, and Kayaking to Hiking and exploring our beautiful country, to riding my horses in eventing competitions.

Manurewa / Papakura Educator

Ko Duke of Portland te waka, ko Aoraki te maunga, ko Waitaki te awa. Ko Waihaorunga taku rohe. Ko Tāmaki Makaurau taku taone e noho nei ahau. Ko Ngati Pakeha taku iwi. E ki ko Garland taku whānau. Ko Daniel taku ingoa.

I have been a primary school teacher in Manurewa for the past four years. What I enjoyed most is seeing children's eyes light up when coming out of their comfort zone, being confident in who they are and really succeeding in their un-tapped talents. Before teaching I studied drama, music, live sound and events. And worked as a lighting technician.

I have a passion for health and education, but on the side, I also enjoy doing the odd pull-up or two on the monkey bars or at the gym.

East Auckland Educator

Bula Vinaka, my name is Monica.

I live in Mt Eden with my sisters and my furbaby Bruno.

I was born in Fiji but moved to New Zealand when I was 8 years old. My mother is I-Taukei (indigenous Fijian) and my father is Fijian-Indian making me half Fijian and half Indian. 

I have spent my teaching career working at schools in South Auckland before becoming part of the life education trust whānau. Things I enjoy doing outside of work is hanging out with Bruno, eating at local restaurants and hanging out at home with my family and friends. I am very excited to join the Life Education whānau and work alongside Harold!