Monica Richmond: Kakara - Learning Leader

Monica is originally from Oamaru. She tries as often as she can to go home and visit her parents who are still based there! Monica went to study a Bachelor of Education Studies and Theatre Studies at the University of Otago, where she graduated in 2015. Monica has since been teaching and has loved every minute of it! In her spare time she can often be found on the netball court, on stage performing for her theatre company, or spending time with her partner and family. Since starting with us in 2021, Monica has really enjoyed working within the Lemonwood Grove School community, as she feels this community has so much to offer!
monicar@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz

James Keen: Kakara - Learning Leader

James grew up in Christchurch and is very proud to still call the Garden City my home. He completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Canterbury before studying for a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning. James was very fortunate to spend the first five years of his teaching career in Rarotonga. This was a truly valuable experience as he got to know the rich and diverse culture of the Cook Islands. James returned to NZ in 2019 and has been teaching at Lincoln Primary for the past five years. One of the areas James values the most about teaching is the opportunity to form positive relationships with a wide variety of learners. He enjoys teaching many areas of the curriculum, particularly Maths, Social Sciences and Physical Education/Sport. James strives to promote personal responsibility and foster an independent learning environment. At home, James is the father of two very active boys, plus their german shepherd, Chase. He enjoys playing softball, lawn bowls, coaching junior rugby and exploring the great outdoors.
jamesk@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz

Dan Brooks: Kakara - Teacher

Dan grew up in the Mighty North Island before heading South 6 years ago. Since joining us in 2022, Dan has experienced both the Junior and Senior school. He has enjoyed both experiences and particularly enjoys seeing his Year 7/8 learners develop into leaders and role models of Te Uru Tarata | Lemonwood Grove School. Dan's love for sport is always there, playing golf multiple times a week and enjoying playing AFL as well. Dan is proud to be part of the fantastic LWG community and looks forward to continuing to foster great relationships with learners and whānau.
danb@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz

Biddy Hoskin: Kakara - Teacher

Biddy grew up in beautiful Queenstown, studied at Otago University, and eventually moved to Christchurch to begin her teaching career. She has been at Te Uru Tarata | Lemonwood Grove school since 2021, and loves being a part of the Kakara teaching team. Biddy is dedicated to building meaningful relationships with her learners, in an inclusive and collaborative environment. Outside of school, Biddy’s hobbies include tennis, netball, snow skiing, travel and being around her friends/family.
biddyh@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz

Haley Grimes: Kakara - Teacher

Haley was born and raised in Christchurch. She studied a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Primary) at the University of Canterbury, graduating in 2023. Haley loves skiing, travelling, sports, cooking, spending time with family and friends, as well as keeping active. She played netball for 10 years then advanced into coaching, which developed her passion for teaching. Haley is very excited about starting her teaching career at Lemonwood Grove School in 2024 and getting to know all students, their families, and the school community. 

Ella Kilpatrick: Kakara - Teacher (based in the Staffroom)

Ella is originally from Nelson and achieved her Bachelor of Sport and Recreation from Auckland University of Technology in 2014. She then studied teaching and graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching in 2016. She has taught both Juniors and Seniors and has spent the past six years teaching at intermediate schools in both Wellington and Nelson. Ella moved to Faringdon with her partner after the completion of their new house and has since been kept busy relieving at multiple schools across Rolleston. Outside of teaching, Ella enjoys going for walks, hanging out with her friends and partner, and music.
ellak@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz

Emily Earwaker: Kakara - Teacher (based in the Staffroom)

Emily grew up in Dairy Flat, 30 minutes north of Auckland. She moved to Christchurch in 2019 to study at the University of Canterbury, achieving a Bachelor of Communications. She discovered her passion for teaching and decided to go for it, completing a Masters of Teaching and Learning. Emily enjoys being physically active. She has a passion for sport, especially hockey, having played most of her life. She also enjoys going for walks to explore New Zealand’s natural landscapes. Emily’s other hobbies include reading and baking. She loves to inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential and to develop skills to become competent 21st-century learners. Emily is excited to continue her teaching career at Lemonwood Grove School.
emilye@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz