Teachers

About Me

I initially trained and taught as a remedial specialist in South Africa, completing my Special Needs post-grad diploma in 2002. I have been teaching at Fairhaven since I arrived in Aotearoa with my family in 2008. I firmly believe that education should give every child the opportunity to develop their own diverse learning style and personality. My home and garden, walks with my little dog, and quality time spent with whānau and friends fill my free time.

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About Me

Originally from Brazil, I have been working in education since 2008 both in regular and specialist schools. I joined Fairhaven School in 2019 initially as a Therapy Assistant. In 2020, I became a registered teacher in New Zealand and was offered the amazing opportunity to teach at one of the base classes. I am particularly passionate about working with students who have complex needs. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time at the beach with my family and friends.

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About Me

After working in Specialist Education in the UK for 13 years I returned to NZ with my young family. I have been teaching at Fairhaven since 2013. My main role is now as the Specialist Outreach Teacher providing guidance and support to students in mainstream schools, their whānau and staff to increase engagement and achievement. I love the opportunity to share years of specialist education practice. Outside school, I’m involved with musical theatre and anything my children are involved in.

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About Me

I have always had a keen interest in teaching students with diverse needs. As a mainstream teacher, I completed my Masters of Education and then completed further postgraduate studies in Education Psychology and Specialist Teaching for Learning and Behaviour. I am passionate about building trusting relationships with my students to get the best out of each of them and I enjoy sharing students' growth and development with their whānau. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time socialising and travelling.

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About Me

I have worked in education for 24 years at Kindergarten, Early Childhood Management and New Entrant Primary level. I first discovered Specialist Education when I had my son who is neurodiverse. I believe that every student is capable of learning and growing and that keeping every student excited and engaged about learning is essential. I endeavour to create an environment that students feel a part of, safe, welcomed, and supported. Outside of school, I enjoy supporting my son in his interests.

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About Me

I was born and raised in South Africa where I completed my Bachelor of Education degree. I started my teaching career in a Primary School but got my heart stolen when I did release work in a specialist class. From there I moved to a Specialist School, before moving to New Zealand in 2019 to work at Fairhaven School. Outside the classroom, you would find me on the beach or walking with my husband and two sons.

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About Me

Originally from South Africa, my family and I arrived in New Zealand in January 2023. Before coming to New Zealand, I worked for 12 years at a school for learners with special educational needs. I began as a Kinder kineticist and decided to expand my knowledge and obtained my teaching qualification. I believe each child can learn and should be provided with the best opportunity to do so. Outside of school I enjoy gardening and spending time with my family.

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About Me

Originally from Scotland, I am reasonably new to teaching though I have worked in other support-based roles since 1998. I started teaching to be an educator who would support students holistically by not only having an academic focus but also being culturally responsive, tailoring the learning to be mentally and emotionally nurturing as well. My passions are literacy, Te Reo Māori and health. I love to swim, particularly in Moana-Nui-a Kiwa, road cycle and spend time with my whānau.

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About Me

I am Annerijke Barnard, a beginning teacher who moved from South Africa to New Zealand. My love for teaching learners with diverse needs developed when I worked at a special school for four years. I believe that every student should be given a chance to reach their own goals and dreams. I am passionate about making sure that every student has a voice. Outside of school I like to spend time at the beach with my husband and 2 dogs.

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About Me

I have recently moved back to Hawkes Bay from London where I was teaching and travelling. I am excited to be part of Fairhaven school as Special Education has always been a passion of mine. Building strong positive relationships with students and whānau is at the forefront of my teaching. Outside of school, I enjoy swimming, being outdoors or cooking and finding new food spots.

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About Me

I am originally from Pietermaritzburg in South Africa and emigrated with my family in 2005. I have the privilege of working with our transitioning students who are between 18 – 21 years old. I love learning more and developing my knowledge around specific learning disabilities as a classroom teacher. I believe each student can reach their fullest potential. Outside of school I love spending quality time with my family fishing at one of the beautiful local beaches.

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About Me

Ko Maungakāhia te maunga. Ko Whangawehi te awa. Ko Kurahaupo te waka Ko Rongomaiwāhine te iwi. Kia ora! Ko Nikora Henriksen tōku ingoa, nō Te Mahia ahau. I am a specialist PE and language teacher. I have taught both here in Aotearoa and also in England and Spain. I am fluent in Te Reo Māori and Spanish. I also love music and in my spare time, I play and sing in a band.

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About Me

I was born and raised in South Africa. I started teaching in 2012 in a mainstream school and after 3 years moved to teach at a school for learners with special educational needs. I have 9 years’ experience in Special Education and I love to challenge myself to gain more knowledge around specific learning disabilities and learning areas. Outside of school I love spending quality time with my family, enjoying the outdoors and playing board games with friends.

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About Me

My name is Shiva and I have worked in Special Needs as a Teacher for four years in Northern Ireland, Australia and now, New Zealand. My teaching specialism is numeracy and a particular area of interest is the incorporation of yoga, breath work, mindfulness and relaxation into classroom practice. Outside of school I am involved in the local yoga community and enjoy going to the gym.

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About Me

I have been working with students with diverse needs since 1999. Originally from the United States I have been a Teacher’s Assistant, a Homebound Instructor, an Academic Liaison and Instructor for a school that serviced Autistic adults attending University, and for sixteen years I was the lead teacher for 12 to 16 year olds with highly complex special needs. My partner and I moved to Aotearoa in June of 2024 with our dog and two cats. We absolutely love our new home here. I enjoy exploring nature with our dog Maggie, knitting, and sometimes a game of pub trivia.

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