Pīwakawaka space

Nikki Knowles (Learning Leader)

Nikki is originally from the UK. She taught in a village school in the UK for three years before deciding to take a year out to travel to this beautiful country. Nikki had always planned on going back but, being a lover of the outdoors, she quickly fell in love with all that New Zealand has to offer. She decided to stay a bit longer and got a job at Linwood Avenue School, where she taught Years 1 and 2 for 2 years. In her spare time, Nikki loves to be outdoors. You'll usually find her riding her bike, hiking, or running in the Hills. Nikki is passionate about sport and believes that it has so many benefits to both children and adults in so many ways.

nikkik@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz

Chelsey McDonald

Chelsey was born in Wellington and gradually made her way up to Auckland, where she studied to become a teacher. Since graduating in 2017, Chelsey has worked in classes ranging from Year 2 to Year 6. She made the big decision to leave the life she knew up in Auckland, and move down to Christchurch in 2022 to live a better lifestyle and be closer to her parents. In her spare time, Chelsey enjoys spending time with her family, baking, exploring her new hometown, and running around with her dog. She is very excited to be a part of the Lemonwood Grove Whanau, and cannot wait to contribute to the learning and growth of the tamariki.

chelseym@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz

Kaleb De Groot Green

Kaleb is from Dunedin and has recently completed his studies at the University of Otago, graduating with a Bachelor of Teaching in 2023. Kaleb is passionate about developing positive relationships with all ākonga and their whānau. An interest Kaleb has outside of school is soccer (football) in which he has represented Samoa at both the U-23 level and National level. He is excited to meet you all in 2025!

kalebd@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz

Katrina Offenbach

Katrina is from Manawatū, moving to Ōtautahi at the beginning of 2023 and joining the team at Te Uru Tarata not long after. Since completing her studies, Katrina has taught a range of year levels in both the Hawke's Bay and Palmerston North in the North Island and over in the UK. Outside of teaching, Katrina is an avid nature lover and can often be found either at the beach or wandering along the many trails NZ has to offer. She also loves baking, reading, music and spending time with friends. Katrina is passionate about people and believes strongly in being kind. She strives to create safe, encouraging, and positive learning environments and loves building strong relationships with the tamariki and staff she works with and the wider Lemonwood Grove whānau.

katrinao@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz

Anna Miskimmin

Anna grew up in Dunedin, but after leaving school and working as a farmer for a few years, realised she had a passion for teaching and helping children be the best that they can be. Anna finished studying at Otago University in 2017, when she set off on her big London adventure. She taught for 4 years in London, which came with many challenges and rewards. She is very excited to be home, being closer to her family, and finally meet her new nieces. She has a real enthusiasm for music - teaching it and learning it. She is currently learning to play the piano. She loves all sports, particularly soccer and netball. Anna feels very privileged to be a part of this incredible community and cannot wait to start in 2023.

annamisk@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz

Tylor McIntyre

Born in Kawatiri (Westport), Tylor has moved around having grown up in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) and Te-Tihi-o-Maru (Timaru). Tylor graduated from the University of Canterbury in December 2021.
Tylor is excited about continuing his career at Lemonwood Grove | Te Uru Tarata. When not in the akomanga, Tylor enjoys spending time with his whānau, friends, and his dog Winnie. Exploring what Aotearoa has to offer. Tylor is passionate about creating an engaging, supportive, and fun learning environment where all whānau and ākonga feel safe, valued, and welcomed. Tylor is looking forward to meeting the whānau, ākonga, and staff as he continues his journey at Te Uru Tarata | Lemonwood Grove.

tylorm@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz