Meet Our People & Partners!

I work with leaders,  individuals and teams in schools, ECE and Kāhui Ako where I can facilitate the development of sustainable professional learning communities and improve outcomes for learners.

​

I'm proud to be the Founder and Director of Coactive Education, and provide our suite of services to Aotearoa's education sector.

I'm a Senior Lecturer in child development, specialising in early literacy. I work with ECE centres and communities to support children’s learning, focusing on local curriculum, bicultural frameworks, and families as first teachers. 

​

Find out more about Melissa's work:

I work with educators to grow personal confidence and to strengthen communication skills.

We create bespoke programmes and coaching for new teachers, support staff and those looking for more confidence, or communication skills.

Based in Te Tai Tokerau,  I have 16 years' experience in the education sector as a teacher, leader, education consultant and more recently a school counsellor.

I've supported many schools with curriculum development and creating sustainable shifts in teacher practice. I love to work collaboratively with Kaiako to set and realise their goals. 

My work focuses on personalisation and co-construction of professional goals.

I work with schools on assessment for learning, local curriculum, Backward by Design UBD, Inquiry, Assessment, Coaching, Professional Growth Cycles, Agency.​ Learn more about Trudy's work here:

I've been a strong classroom practitioner and leader for the past 21 years. I'm currently a Tumuaki Toaroa at Te Uho o te Nikau School in Auckland.

I've been a co-author for international studies in education and have presented at varied community workshops and schools, both locally and internationally. I have a special interest in accelerating learners’ progress in mathematics, strengthening teachers’ capability in effective mathematics teaching and planning, curriculum leadership, developing professional learning groups, enabling student agency and establishing whānau connections. 

I'm an experienced teacher, consultant and trainer who has worked in NZ and the UK. Over the past 25 years, I have facilitated literacy training and school-based professional learning in Aotearoa and internationally. I am the co-author of The Writing Book, The Oral Language Book, The Reading Book, and The Poetry Book.

I strive to improve literacy outcomes for students by providing teachers with quality training and resources.

​

Learn more about Louise:

Rebecca Thomas is passionate about changing the learning experiences of ākonga by ensuring they have access to equitable opportunities. For the past four years, Rebecca has been a PLD facilitator working across Northland.
During this time, she has become an advocate for reducing disparities in learning for Māori and marginalised students. Rebecca supports school leaders and teachers in literacy, leadership,
assessment, wellbeing and digital technologies. 'Teaching to the North East' is always at the heart of her mahi, as she strives to provide equitable learning opportunities for all ākonga.

I am an experienced Education Consultant and PLD Regional Manager, having worked with many school leaders and teachers, both in Aotearoa and internationally.

I have a deep understanding of effective pedagogy, and love working alongside school leaders to co-construct PLD that focuses on teachers practice and leads to improved outcomes for learners. I enjoy supporting schools to use evidence and inquiry to meet their goals and raise student achievement

I'm an illustrator and graphic designer that's worked freelance and in-house for over 7 years. With a background in fine arts and illustration, I've created work for businesses large and small (AA, Air NZ, Unichem & Life Pharmacy ... )  in just about every industry. As well as having an emerging fine artist practice as a portrait painter. 

I am a storyteller at heart, with a passion for creation and always add a touch of humour and flair. 

Steve has extensive experience in the education sector, including senior leadership. He was the foundation Principal of Rolleston College in Canterbury and prior to that worked as Deputy Principal at Alfriston College. He supports educators across a range of educational settings with innovative approaches to school development and empowerment that ensures cohesion, ownership and sustainability.

With over 20 years' experience in leadership, and as a certified coach, I work with both existing and aspiring leaders to reach both their and their team’s goals.

I have experience in ECE, primary and the secondary sectors and can also support ECE businesses in the area of governance, regulations and ERO evaluation preparation and response.

​

Learn more about Nikki's work:

I have 15 years experience in the Early Childhood Education sector and I work across a range of educational settings.  I have passion for supporting leaders and Kaiako on their learning journeys.

I have a broad range of experience in developing curriculum, policies and procedures with the ability to implement these collaboratively. I believe that bringing kaiako together and supporting practice growth is what brings me the most joy.

As one of NZ's foremost trainer of teachers and teacher aides, I also assist in learning about phonics, word recognition, and early literacy teaching.

As a still practicing and fully registered teacher, my methods are solidly grounded in the practicalities and realities of daily classroom teaching. 

​

Learn more about Yolanda's work:

Iris Connect delivers teaching observations, reflections, coaching and mentoring, sharing of practice and
inter school, Kāhui Ako collaboration.

We advocate for its use within professional development settings.

​

Learn more here: