2025 - Year 7 and 8 teaching team

Monica Richmond (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 husband and family. Since starting with us in 2021, Monica is really enjoying working within the Te Uru Tarata | Lemonwood Grove School community, as she feels this community has so much to offer!

monicar@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz

Will Drury

Will grew up in Canterbury, completing his Bachelor of Teaching and Learning at the University of Canterbury midway through 2023. Will began his teaching journey at Te Uru Tarata | Lemonwood Grove School in 2024 teaching in the year 5 & 6 learning space. In 2025, he is excited to be teaching in the year 7 & 8 space, as Will loves a challenge and trying new things! In his spare time, he enjoys playing and watching sports, especially football, cricket and rugby. Will is passionate about providing students the opportunity to participate in a range of sports. He also enjoys building meaningful relationships with ākonga and hapori in a supportive, understanding and trusting environment.

willd@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz

Chantelle Naitoro

Chantelle has been teaching at Lemonwood Grove since 2021 in the Junior School. She completed a Bachelor of Communications in Design before studying a Graduate Diploma in Teaching at the University of Canterbury. Chantelle is passionate about building meaningful relationships with her learners. In her spare time, she loves walking her dog, going out for coffee, and travelling around the South Island with her friends and family. Chantelle is excited to be joining the year 7 & 8 teaching team for 2025.

chantellen@lemonwoodgrove.school.

Dan Brooks

Dan grew up in the Mighty North Island before heading South 8 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

Haley Grimes

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 moved into coaching, which developed her passion for teaching. 2025 is Haley’s second year teaching at Te Uru Tarata | Lemonwood Grove School, and she is thoroughly enjoying her journey so far.

haleyg@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz

James Keen (Learning Leader)

James grew up in Christchurch and is very proud to still call the Garden City 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 and spent five years teaching at Lincoln Primary. He arrived at Te Uru Tarata | Lemonwood Grove School in 2024 and has enjoyed getting to know our community. 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, coaching junior rugby and exploring the great outdoors.

jamesk@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz

Emily Earwaker

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

Maryanne Matagi

Maryanne was born in Samoa and grew up in Christchurch. She studied a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning at University of Canterbury and graduated in 2022. She has experience in the junior school and is excited to join the senior school. Maryanne is thrilled to be a part of the whānau at Te Uru Tarata| Lemonwood Grove School for 2025 and onwards. Maryanne is passionate about culture, music, and dance. Outside of school she enjoys travelling, cooking and sports. She is looking forward to building connections with tamariki and their whānau as well as the wider school community. 

maryannem@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz