I consider myself a cultural fruit salad, raised by my mother until my step-father came into our life when I was aged 12, I am New Zealand European and German/Samoan. My daughter is half Chinese and started her educational journey in 2018 the same year I started here at OJC.

I have an interest in understanding other cultures including my own origins better.

I am Auckland born and raised. As a child I grew up in West Auckland and spent my high school years in Mangere Bridge and attended Onehunga High School.

I Studied a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Technology at AUT and when complete I still had a passion to become a Teacher and completed study at MIT in Secondary Teaching and Learning.

I have taught at a variety of schools since 2004 and arrived at OJC in care of Alfriston College where I spent the last 3 years after the birth of my daughter. I have taught a variety of Technology Learning Areas and these include Graphics, Soft Materials, Food Tech and Hospitality.

I have taken on the Role of PPTA Branch Chair at OJC and a Regional Role to Network with like minded schools in the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Region. This has expanded my knowledge and understanding of the Secondary Teachers Collective Agreement and much more about working conditions and school operations. This has seen me awarded the “Guy Allen award for Branch Activism” in 2020 and have been the youngest recipient since its inception.

I am enjoying the challenges that OJC brings to the way of learning and I believe in fostering lifelong skills and habits and support the philosophy of Hauora Teaching to ensure success. While I have a passion for Technology, I am enjoying the challenge of expanding my knowledge and seeing where the journey and learning at OJC takes us. I can be found looking after the Commercial Kitchen, Sewing machines, or as part of the Whanau Ora Team.

“Everyone can do anything, you just have to work hard to get it.” anonymous