Introducing Claire

Kia ora I am Claire,

I grew up in Palmerston North with my two older sisters and many pets. I attended a small country school and took part in as many after school activities as possible including Girl Guiding which I am still a part of today as a leader of Rangers. I have always enjoyed learning new things (especially when it means spending time with people) and have been a part of St John Youth; musical theatre; a flower arranging club; an English club; a taiko drumming group; archery; netball; and stage shows. I now live in Lower Hutt and have finally got some pets of my own – four long haired guinea pigs who live free in my garden.

This is my third year teaching at Raphael House but I have also taught as an English teacher overseas in Japan for two years where I lived an worked in the countryside and biked to school everyday. Aside from teaching a big part of my life is crafting and that is actually what led me to Raphael House. I love knitting, crocheting, sewing, needle felting and any other craft I can get my hands on! You will often see me around in something that I have made for myself and I am always looking for inspiration. I especially enjoy creating small creatures and friends to be apart of my classroom as well as knitting themed fair isle.