Meet the Team - Ko wai mātou 2022

Kelsey Clifford

Kia ora, I’m Kelsey Clifford - dog lover, gym goer and passionate educator. Currently I work for Manaiakalani - but I have been working in classrooms as a teacher since 2012.

This summer I will be managing the commenting team, checking out your amazing blog posts and helping out where possible. I look forward to sharing this learning journey with you.


Zana Yates-Walker

I have been working with Manaiakalani and the Summer Learning Journey as a blog commenter for the past three years and am thrilled to be able to work with old and new faces again this summer!

I have just completed my first year of teaching at an intermediate in the Horowhenua region and have enjoyed every moment of it. I hope to have my class participating in the Summer Learning Journey next year.

In my spare time I like to paint, read and listen to music. I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring new places and meeting new people.

I am very much looking forward to seeing everyones awesome blogs this summer!

Charlotte Visser

I am very excited to be working for the Manaiakalani Education Trust over the summer of 2020-2021 and supporting the students in our Summer Learning Journey.

I have currently just completed my 2nd year of a Bachelor of Education (primary) from The University of Waikato and looking forward to graduating next year!

I enjoy board games, playing music, hiking, skiing, and travelling - not much of that happening at the moment though.

I am looking forward to getting to know the students and all the rest of the commenters!

Manar Mahmoud

I am very excited to be working for the Manaiakalani Education Trust over the summer of 2022/2023 and supporting the students in our Summer Learning Journey.

I am now going into my third and final year of a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at the University of Auckland.

I look forward to supporting all students and working alongside the team of commenters.

Simon Ward

Kia ora! My name is Simon and I will be working as a blog commenter for the Summer Learning Journey 2022/23. I have just completed a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) degree through the University of Waikato, and I am excited to begin teaching in 2023, where I will have a year 5 class. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and whānau, as well as my two dogs.

I am looking forward to meeting everyone over summer and seeing some great work!

Theresa Coyle

My name is Theresa. I am really looking forward to seeing some of your amazing work these summer holidays. I have been teaching for a little while now and absolutely love what I do. My favourite subject is maths. I love how much you can do with numbers and that moment when something new just clicks! I am also the lucky mum of a energetic 2 year old boy Lachlan. He and I both love getting out to the beach and watching buzz light year. To infinity and beyond 😊😊

Emma Wilson

My name is Emma and I will be working as a blog commenter over the summer holidays.

Next year will be my final year training to become a teacher which I am very excited about. In my spare time I love to get creative painting and making things. I also have two small dogs at home who are full of energy and like to keep me busy!

I can't wait to see all the brilliant work you will be doing this summer :)