Teaching Team

Teaching Team

Marie Therese-Stevenson

Senior Teacher

About Me

I have been working with young people with special educational needs for over 30 years in a variety of different roles, the last 17 as a special needs teacher. I started my special education career as a play focused educator and enjoy using play as vehicle to interact with students. My teaching philosophy is focused around the following phrase ‘What do I have to do, to be with you' (student). My practice focuses around how I can engage students in their learning. I live locally with my husband and two daughters who attend local schools. I enjoy cycling, rock climbing and exploring our local neighborhood.

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Susan Murray

Senior Teacher

About Me

I have been involved in supporting students with special needs to develop competencies and skills that assist them to engage and participate in their individual learning pathway. I am passionate about supporting students to reach their potential and bring over 22 years of experience and a strong belief about working in partnership with families. I am a senior teacher supporting students at Windy Ridge satellite and provide Behaviour support as an across school leader in this area. In my spare time I like to travel, potter in the garden and walk my two little yorkies Lily and Poppy.

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Phil Johnson

Teacher

About Me

Originally from the U.K., I have been working in education since 2002. I joined Wilson School in 2018. I am passionate about supporting our learners and enjoy working together with our staff and whanau to provide the best possible outcomes for everyone. Our empathetic approach aims to help students reach a space where they are calm, happy and ready to learn. Outside of school I work a lot on my own well-being and love sharing my learning with our students!

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Mike Wynne

Teacher

About Me

I am a UK trained special needs teacher and love using my knowledge and skills here in New Zealand. I love my job and enjoy my lifestyle and get the greatest reward from my job that money can't buy.

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Ria du Plessis

Teacher

About Me

I am a teacher at Windy Ridge satellite class. I found my way into special education teaching in 2001 after a teaching career in South Africa in mainstream school since 1980. I love being around young students and helping them to become the best they can be. When not at school, I love working in the garden, swimming and lose myself sitting at the beach.

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Patricia Pascual

Teacher

About Me

Originally from the Philippines, I am blessed to be given the opportunity to share my expertise and experience in teaching children with special needs in this beautiful country of Aotearoa. I have been teaching for seven years now and have taught children with very diverse learning styles and needs. As a special needs teacher, I believe each student must be given an opportunity to reach his/her fullest potential independently. This is the vision that keeps me motivated as an educator.

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Kathryn Huish

Teacher

About Me

Encouraging and growing characters and minds for 20 years in education and 6 of those years in specialist teaching. I am the mother of two teen daughters. I love fitness, nature, and family. I am passionate about my own ongoing development and one of my core values is sharing this knowledge and enthusiasm for learning with others in a collaborative environment based on respect and trust.

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Kirsten Kirkby

Teacher

About Me

Since joining Wilson School in 2014 I have enjoyed working across the school and satellite classrooms as a teacher, Riding for Disabled liaison, and behaviour support teacher. My passion lies in working towards the development of our students' abilities and sense of self as they prepare to engage in communities beyond school. I spend most weekends with my daughter but can usually be found with a paintbrush, book, or sword in hand as I enjoy creative and adventurous hobbies.

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Robin Taylor-Lyons

Teacher

About Me

Kia ora! My name is Robin Taylor-Lyons. I am a teacher with a wide range of experience. It is an honour and privilege to work alongside such fabulous, talented students. As an educator and life-long learner, I am passionate about teaching. I am especially passionate about every student having access to communication so they can share their choices, ideas, comments, questions, answers. Our students communicate some amazing things! I have a love for Literacy, Art, Science, Cooking Technology and Water Sports.

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Brendon Crossan

Teacher

About Me

I began my teaching career with Wilson School in 2014. After three years living abroad, I have returned to Wilson School where I have spent the last year as a relief teacher working throughout the school. My teaching philosophy is based around the Maori concept of Ako, learning from one another.

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Nancy Combs

Teacher

About Me

I am a veteran specialist teacher from USA. I have taught students in California, Illinois, and North Carolina. I enjoy teaching and have a flair for the dramatic, having received a scholarship in performance arts. I try to inspire my students in all academic subjects using drama, singing and green screen.

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Maureen Gatmaitan

Teacher

About Me

Mabuhay! I am originally from the Philippines and moved to this beautiful country a decade ago. I am happily married to my life partner, Arthur and blessed to have two wonderful boys. I have been working in the education sector for many years. I place high importance in establishing meaningful relationships with the tamariki, whānau, and the wider teaching community. I also advocate for stimulating, nurturing and inclusive learning environments that acknowledge and support the rights of all tamariki.

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Ivy Dino

Teacher

About Me

In 2007, I gained my bachelor’s degree in Special Education in the Philippines. Since then, I knew my passion and my heart will be dedicated to supporting children with special needs to reach their full potential. I worked as a special needs teacher in the Philippines for 4 years working closely with students with various learning needs. After which, I was fortunate to be given an opportunity to work in Singapore for 12 years as a senior and lead special education teacher in an early intervention setting, and then in a mainstream international school. As I embark on my new journey here in New Zealand, aside from exploring the beauty of this country, I look forward to learning more and being the beacon of light for both students and parents.

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Madhavi Koripella

Teacher

About Me

Kia Ora. I am from India and have been teaching for fifteen years. I am passionate about teaching and learning alongside the children and families. My teaching philosophy focuses on the significance of establishing and maintaining positive relationships. I feel it is of the utmost significance to have positive relationships with ākonga, Whānau, and colleagues, to create a happy learning environment and a solid basis for lifetime learning. I believe that all children have access to a range of experiences based on their interests and needs, as this offers numerous opportunities for growth and skill development.

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Katie Riley

Teacher

About Me

I am originally from the UK, which is where I trained as a teacher and have ten years teaching experience in special needs in both the UK and here. I believe that positive relationships (with students and families) are fundamental to engaging and setting the scene for learning in the classroom, along with being creative and having fun. When I am not at work, I enjoy being outdoors and enjoying everything that NZ has to offer.

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Shahista Keshwani

Teacher

About Me

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Wilma Renolayan

Teacher

About Me

Being passionate about teaching and learning, I will always be thrilled to be in the classroom laughing and exploring the world with young minds. I had been a teacher in inclusive setting for many years before my family moved to New Zealand, and started teaching at Wilson School. Being a specialist teacher is a perfect fit for me, the daily challenges encourage me to trust in and ask for God’s wisdom. I bloom in a supportive, trusting work environment where all kinds of minds are embraced. I’m a proud mother of a happy 13-year-old lad. Seeing emergent readers bloom as independent readers never fails to inspire me. Children’s books will forever bring delight to my childlike heart.

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Joanne Rennie

Team Outreach Leader

About Me

My role is to lead the Specialist Teacher Outreach Service that operates within the mainstream setting. I also collaborate with school teams of enrolled students, to support their aspirations by providing guidance around specific strategies and approaches. I value the opportunity to work in partnership with families/ whanau, Ministry of Education and school teams to enhance citizenship and learning outcomes. I appreciate the opportunity to share years of special education pedagogy and practice within the mainstream context.

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Rebecca Sadler

Outreach Teacher

About Me

I am a Specialist teacher working within the Outreach Service at Wilson School. I bring years of experience from the mainstream setting alongside special education practice and perspectives. The role enables me to work in partnership with enrolled schools, working collaboratively with the team including supporting agencies to develop learning pathways that support student achievement. I value the opportunity to provide support and guidance to assist in raising engagement, learning and citizenship opportunities for students in mainstream environments.

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Rona Cabreza

Teacher

About Me

I have been working in the Philippines for about 10 years with students who have diverse learning needs. I believe that a strong connection, knowledge of their unique abilities and interests, as well as tailored instruction to meet their individual needs are keys to successful learning. I also advocate for an inclusive learning environment to empower students and encourage a strong home and school collaboration. During my free time, I love reading books, working out, and doing yoga.

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Gary Sual

Teacher

About Me

I've always been the kind of person who's looked after others and wanted to help people, rather than just helping myself. Having 6 years of teaching experience both primary and secondary in the mainstream in the Philippines, I have successfully developed skills and knowledge to lead a student-centered approach in my teaching and learning. When I moved to New Zealand, I got the chance to work in an Aged-Care Facility as a Diversional Therapist by providing holistic activities to those people living with cognitive impairments. From these experiences, I am able to support and guide students with special needs to reach their full potential and create a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

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Jocelyn Acidera

Teacher

About Me

I have been an inclusive educator for almost ten years now. It has always been my goal to teach students with unique needs in a special school. Teaching is my passion and my mission is to be an instrument in helping and guiding the students achieve and develop their full potential. I am happily married and a proud mum of two beautiful boys.

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Sophie Lim

Teacher

About Me

Originally from Germany, I have been working in special education since 2013. Recognizing that each student learns differently, I craft a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Fostering independence is at the core of my educational philosophy. I believe that true growth occurs when students are encouraged to think critically, explore their interests and take ownership of their learning journey. When not at work I love spending time with my family outside and being creative.

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Marie Dooley

Teacher

About Me

I have been a teacher for over 20 years, including 13 years as a performing arts specialist. In that role, I taught acting, dance, and music. I also directed choirs, music ensembles, and school productions. I have also had experience working as a nurse aide working with individuals with disabilities. I did complete a degree in music before becoming a teacher. Teaching is my passion and I love using the performing side to help reach my students. I have a passion for helping and teaching others and am enjoying my experience working here at Wilson School.

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Annika Rossouw

Teacher

About Me

I am originally from South Africa where I completed my teaching degree. I have more than 10 years of experience teaching primary and secondary students. For the last 5 years main focus was assisting learners with barriers to learning and helping them achieve their full potential. I have always found my true passion in working with students and to help them achieve their goals and reach their full potential. When I am not at school I love spending time with my family as we are just staring to explore the beauty of New Zealand.

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