I have been involved in the early childhood education sector for thirty years. The first ten years were spent teaching in kindergartens in the Taranaki and Manawatu. The past twenty years have been in the tertiary sector beginning at Massey University where I lectured in the Bachelor of Education (Early Years, birth to eight) degree and in other programmes. 

I am currently a Senior Lecturer at Te Rito Maioha’s Palmerston North teaching base. My role encompasses teaching and research activities. It is a challenging and very rewarding role as I am passionate about growing responsive, culturally intelligent teachers who will make a difference in the lives of our children.  

Te Rito Maioha is an organisation that has a proud history of social justice and bicultural practice. These values align with my personal beliefs and I am proud to be working among staff across the organisation.   

My research journey is an important part of my work and I have just completed my PhD. My doctorate was a mixed methods investigation of early childhood teachers’ beliefs and practices about peer learning. I have begun to develop a research platform through publications and presentations and am excited about publishing my research. 

My role on the Council is to represent staff views and to ensure the staff voice is heard.