The Upskills team is our most important asset. We’re a diverse bunch with all kinds of different life experiences. This is a core strength. One thing all our staff and tutors share in common is a life-long love of learning and a desire to see others continue their own learning journeys. To be a part of that is a privilege and source of great personal satisfaction for each of us.
‘If you are neutral in situations of injustice then you have chosen the side of the oppressor.’ Desmond Tutu
Qualifications: Bachelor of Communication Studies (Journalism), Trinity College TESOL Certificate, Masters in Health Science (Psychology), Tetramap Facilitator
Area of Expertise: Sarah specialises in helping organisations to understand and work with group dynamics and on process improvement for the business. Her mission is to enable the Upskills team to produce leadership training with emotional intelligence at the heart of the learning process.
Sarah has worked in the adult education sector for over 20 years. Highlights from her career include teaching English to Greek teenagers in a small town; training teachers in South Korea and more recently, workplaces around Aotearoa. Helping people realise the potential they have within themselves is what drives her.
Looking at her own learning journey, Sarah absorbs knowledge best by reading, reflecting on what she’s done and read, sharing experiences, talking it through with others and jumping in the deep end. She cites making mistakes as another way she learns! One of the most useful lessons has been ‘Aroha mai, aroha atu. Love given is love returned.’
When not in work mode, Sarah loves fiction, opshopping for vintage finds and Crown Lynn ceramics. Spending time with friends and whānau and anything from the ’80s are also high on her list of favourite things.
‘Tangata ako ana I te kāenga, te tūranga ke te marae, tau ana. A person nurtured in the community contributes strongly to society.’
Qualifications: BA(Hons); NCALNE (Voc); RSA DELTA
Area of Expertise: Holly focuses on programme planning and new business development.
Prior to co-founding Upskills, Holly thrived in workplace education as a programme manager and educator. She has worked in a number of adult education roles in NZ, South America and Europe.
Holly specializes in designing and tailoring programmes according to client briefs. She loves working with tutors and course participants to see these dreams realised. A lifelong learner, Holly learns best by talking about ideas she’s read or heard about with people equally as passionate as her. The most helpful thing she’s learned is to set lofty goals and believe in yourself. You never know where you’ll end up.
When she’s not working you might find her swimming laps or doing some yoga but you’ll mostly find her nose-deep in a good book. Spare time in summer is spent outdoors on camping trips with friends and family.
‘The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, the willingness to learn is a choice.’ – Brian Herbert
Qualifications: NZ Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education, Master in Management (Human Resource Management), Diploma in Public Relations and Communication Management, Bachelor of Arts (International Studies).
Area of Expertise: Janeke runs the day-to-day operation of the business. Managing our team, supporting our tutors, and ensuring everything related to business operations runs smoothly. Janeke also looks after strategy, planning and reporting ensuring Upskills strategy is activated across all performance areas.
Janeke’s background is predominately in administration management. She has worked in various sectors, from legal to not-for-profit, to automotive and now education and training.
When she has any free time (that is not spent running after two little ones) she loves to read and indulge her taste buds. Janeke tells us she learns ‘just by giving things a go!’ One of the most important things she has learned is that you are never too old to learn something new. Don’t fear change. You may lose something good, but you may also gain something great.
“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still – Chinese proverb.”
Qualifications: BSc/BCom
Area of Expertise: Trish specialises in being a generalist!
Trish started out working as an auditor in the public sector before spending 20 years in procurement. Prior to Upskills, she worked in the business support area for an NGO. She learns by doing and figuring out what needs to be done. The most useful thing she’s learnt rings true to the old cliché – you’re never too old to learn. Also gaining the ability to adapt to change and challenges with the right mindset have been very beneficial.
When she’s not working, Trish spends time catching up with friends and family and watching her boys play basketball.
“The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed” Adam Grant
Qualifications:
McDonald’s level 5 cert – Food and beverage management, Hospitality management control systems, and Supply chain management.
Currently completing NZCALNE.
Area of Expertise: Junita worked for McDonald’s for over 20 years. She spent the last 12 years as a Restaurant Manager in different locations around Auckland. This equipped her with excellent people and management skills that transfer perfectly to adult education.
Junita loves to learn face-to-face by being hands-on through reading and practical experience. The most important thing she’s learnt is that learning never stops, you learn something when you least expect it.
When she’s not working, Junita loves to bake, particularly recreating cultural foods. She loves spending time with her family and her fur babies.
‘Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.’ George Washington Carver
Qualifications: BA, Trinity Cert. TESOL, Cambridge DELTA
Area of Expertise: Sharon now specializes in designing learner-centred lessons focused on individual needs within the group.
Sharon returned to NZ in 2016. After 15 years of teaching and coordinating in the EFL and EAP sector, she transitioned into the adult workplace training field in 2018. When she’s not working or being a mum, she loves to read. Sharon is a visual learner, she always appreciates seeing a model or demonstration before being given lots of opportunities to practise. Among the most useful things she’s learnt is that even seemingly insurmountable challenges can often be completed with a bit of adaptability and determination.
“In learning, you will teach. In teaching, you will learn.”
Qualifications: TEFL, NCALNE, TESOL NZ
Area of Expertise: Tania specialises in ESOL across all levels including IELTS, assessment development and moderation.
Tania has been an ESOL tutor for 18 years, loyal to two organisations that provided excellent professional development. Four years ago, she became a senior tutor, faculty administrator and assessment coordinator. She’s worked in New Zealand and England and is new to adult literacy. She feels that bringing her ESOL experience to Upskills has been a considerable benefit already.
As a learner, Tania is a ‘doer’, she is very visual. Tania loves to learn by getting out there and immersing herself in what she’s learning. She also likes to be in an environment where she can learn from others (workshops, courses etc). The most useful thing she’s learned is to be curious, not judgmental.
When not working, Tania loves to be in, on or around the ocean. She has been part of the United North Piha Surf Lifesaving Club for over 5 years, mainly organizing junior surf events. She is also a keen surfer.
“Success is not the result of perfection, but the courage to persist, learn, and grow through every challenge”.
Qualifications: Certificate in hairdressing
Area of Expertise: Julz, an enthusiastic and dedicated member of the Upskills team. She began her journey with us as a Programme Coordinator, bringing her passion for education and community engagement into the heart of our programmes. It wasn’t long before she stepped into facilitation for Project Ikuna—a role she absolutely loves!
A visual learner who loves to learn as she goes, Julz has grown immensely through the various roles she’s taken on at Upskills. This growth has only fuelled her passion for what she does. Now, in her current role as Marketing and Programme Support, she continues to explore new ways to enhance our work, bringing her creative energy to the forefront.
In her spare time, Julz enjoys being with her twin boys and their fur loves, cooking, baking, and doing all the mum things. She’s happiest outdoors, near the sea, soaking in amazing views.
‘My intent is to work with people to develop ways to make real transformations – and to have fun along the way.’
Qualifications: RSA Dip TEFLA (DELTA)
Area of Expertise: Hazel loves teaching the whole range – people who have little English as well as leaders. She enjoys coaching leadership skills and financial literacy both in groups and one to one. She has expertise in helping to develop training content and building relationships within our network.
Over the past 25 years, Hazel has worked in eight countries and set up New Zealand businesses in the hospitality, property and tutoring industries. She has been teaching communication skills to adults for about a decade. Hazel was one of the first trainers we brought on board and is also a facilitator affiliated with the Commission for Financial Capability. Hazel learns best herself by listening, talking things through, then reading, watching and doing. Among one of the most important things she’s learned, is to listen, be kind, to back yourself and other people.
The Living Consensus Framework represents Julia’s teaching philosophy. The framework includes shared leadership, cultural inquiry, ethics agreement, inquiry teams and reflective practice. These practices overlap and complement one another to form holistic learning environments of which learners and teachers have shared ownership.
Qualifications: Master of Education (Hons), Member of the Ako Aotearoa Academy of Tertiary Teaching Excellence.
Area of Expertise: Working with at-risk youth and supporting adults in their professional development as critical thinkers, communicators and leaders.
After hairdressing on cruise ships, Julia began her adult education career 26 years ago. Firstly teaching hairdressing students and then life skills to at-risk youth. For ten years she provided professional development for adult and tertiary teachers in New Zealand, China, Indonesia and the Solomon Islands. Julia is a visual and kinaesthetic learner so she likes to learn by seeing, doing and reflecting. She’s a huge fan of project and inquiry-based learning approaches. The most useful thing she’s learned is that the diversity we all bring to any group is the richest resource for learning. When not working, Julia runs and enjoys spending time with her family and mini dachshund, Daisy.
“By working with people, we expand our own horizons and learn to see things from many points of view. There is no one right way and we need to be tolerant and accepting of other ways of life. Live your life and let others do the same.“
Qualifications: Member of Chartered Institute of Editors & Proofreaders, B.Ed (Hons), RSA Dip TEFLA, RSA Cert TEFLA
Area of Expertise: Communication skills and language accuracy.
Vicki has worked in Europe (Greece, Italy, Portugal & the UK) and in Brunei. For over 25 years she has worked in the ESL education sector as a teacher, tutor, lecturer and Director of Studies.
She likes to learn by reading and digesting the content. She also likes to watch demonstrations. Listening to endless explanations is her least favourite way to learn.
The most useful thing she has learnt is that you don’t have to be perfect, like Catatonia sang “coming second is close to ideal.”
Vicki loves swimming and reading, she ‘tries’ to play golf. She also enjoys cycling, learning languages, cooking and gardening. Travel remains a key interest, but has been somewhat curtailed these past few years!
“Ships are safe in the harbour, but that’s not what they were built for” [John A. Shedd] Empowering others to see their own potential, and supporting them to cultivate the skills needed, to expand their possibilities.”
Qualifications: B>A (Hons) Primary Education and Teaching, NZCALNE, Grad Dip ECE, Montessori Diplomas 3-9 years.
Area of Expertise:
With a natural talent for building strong, trusting relationships with learners, Jacqueline brings over three years of experience in adult education. Her journey began in the Montessori early childhood space, where she nurtured young minds before returning to her passion for adult learning. After gaining her NZCALNE qualification, she stepped into the world of workplace training – an environment she finds both professionally rewarding and personally enriching.
A firm believer in learning by doing (and doing again!), she champions hands-on, practical approaches that meet learners where they’re at.
Outside the training room, you’ll find her in her happy place – Dance Fit classes, surrounded by a vibrant community of women lifting each other up. She’s also a fan of live music, karaoke, and social dancing.
For her, the most valuable lesson is simple but powerful: We are lifelong learners.
‘Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid’ – Albert Einstein
Qualifications: BSc (Biology and Psychology) and Grad Diploma in Secondary Teaching, University of Auckland Diploma in Life Coaching
Area of Expertise: Melissa specialises in curriculum and resource design, planning innovative ways to engage learners, both in groups or 1:1 coaching.
– Skills Highway Champion Trainer 2021 –
Our award-winning tutor, Melissa Hori has been working in adult education for a total of four years. In the last year with us at Upskills and before that two years delivering workshops to family groups and sports groups, six months at Unitec co-facilitating Te Tiriti O Waitangi workshops to staff and 18 months at the University of Auckland. Delivering a bridging programme for Maori and Pacifica students into the health programmes. Before moving into adult education, Melissa was a secondary school biology teacher and a professional teaching fellow at the Univeristy of Auckland, working on curriculum mapping and redesign of Maori health week. She also directed her own dance school. She combines her Upskills tutoring role with life coaching and teaching Pilates. She also enjoys watching sport and is an avid reader. Favourite times are spent with her new baby and two rescue dogs. Melissa likes to discuss learning, ask questions, bounce ideas, and make connections in order to learn. The most important thing she’s learnt is that no one is a poor learner, the teacher/facilitator needs to find the way that works for that learner.
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”- Benjamin Franklin
Qualifications: Dip Tertiary Teaching, NCALE, PG Dip Business Enterprising, NZ Dip Legal Studies, Cert Biology & Behaviour, Cert Mental Health & Illness, Cert Organisational Behaviour, L3 H&S, Nat Cert Health & Disability, Cert Ethics & Virtue in Education, Training Cert in Family Partnerships, Staff Performance Review Training
Area of expertise: Andi specialises in education. She has worked in many areas including tutoring, management and business/curriculum development. She loves to make a difference in people’s lives and empower them through education. Because of this, she has a holistic approach to facilitating learning.
Andi worked for two years in the UK as a civil servant. In NZ, she trained and specialised in adult education and has remained in this area. Her work has taken her to Australia and South Africa, then back to NZ. Andi has worked for PTEs, polytechs, international schools, workplace training organisations and the Wananga.
She learns best by listening, following a demonstration and reading – depending on the task. Andi can learn well in a traditional education learning space too. The most important thing she has learnt is that life is not measured by the amount of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.
When she’s not working, Andi enjoys horse riding, spending time with her family, walking at the beach with her dogs, listening to music and reading. She also enjoys watching box sets/series with psychological thrillers her favourite genre.
“He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai. If kindness is sown, then kindness you shall receive.’
Qualifications: Level 5 Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching, Honours degree in Mass Communication Studies, BA (History & Political Studies)
Area of expertise: Jean is a copywriter, proofreader, CV writer and specialises in communications. She has worked in adult education for the past six years.
Jean has a background in adult teaching, early childhood education, communications and digital marketing. She has facilitated courses for parents at Playcentre, tutored ECE courses and taught English to migrant women. In her spare time, she teaches science to preschoolers and facilitates professional learning and development for teachers in STEM. She has a passion for lifelong learning and particularly enjoys working kanohi ki te kanohi with students, presenting to small groups and tutoring one-on-one.
Jean tells us she learns best by taking notes – in very messy handwriting! She has a busy brain and finds she focuses better when holding a pen so she carries a notebook around wherever she goes because you never know where you might learn something! The most useful thing she has learned is to do more listening than talking. “Listening is being able to be changed by the other person.” Alan Alda.
When not working she enjoys yoga, and spending time outdoors with her children. She is also a brilliant baker who bakes and decorates magnificent cakes!
‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ Nelson Mandela
Qualifications: BA (Hons) Combined Studies – English, Drama and Theatre Studies. CTEFLA, NCALNE, IAEBP.
Area of Expertise: Jeanette specialises in leadership and communication for all levels of learners.
Jeanette has been tutoring now for 10 years. She started teaching EFL in Australia, Indonesia, Japan, England and New Zealand. In Africa, she helped train the teachers for an upgrading system the Government had put in place. Jeanette oversaw some development projects and set up a Participatory Resource Network Centre. She worked in television post-production for ‘Family Affairs’, then film, ‘The Two Towers’ – Lord of the Rings. She has also owned a café and is a hypnotherapist, a Thrive consultant and celebrant. Jeanette is a visual learner but loves to read as well. She likes to take time to process the material and then do it. The most useful thing she’s learned is that you learn something new every day! When not working you’ll find her looking after her Kuni Kuni pigs, Peppa, Georgie, Blackie and her hand-reared piglet Katie, Elan the rescue dog, Charlie the goat. Chickens, Wags and Choppy the claves, Chuzzle the cat and of course her husband and son.
‘Carpe Diem! Seize the day!’
Qualifications: MEdLM – Master of Educational Leadership and Management
Area of Expertise: Reena has over 10 years of experience working in adult education. She loves to think innovatively in her work.
Reena has worked in the education sector in India and New Zealand. Her Kiwi tertiary experience includes working across diverse industry sectors including Business, Finance, Trades, Public, Security, Real Estate, and Ambulance.
She likes to learn by immersing herself in whatever she is doing. The most useful thing she’s learned is to choose well or lose well.
When not working Reena enjoys the arts including drama and dancing. She’s currently on a journey to discover her cultural identity.
‘When you learn, teach. When you get, give.’ Maya Angelou
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Sociology, CELTA. Currently studying for NCALNE.
Area of Expertise: Shelly particularly enjoys teaching English as a second language, which she’s pleased to be able to incorporate as an Upskills tutor.
Shelly Pathak has enjoyed most of her career in the education sector. She has conducted research in schools and managed research in the UK Department for Education and Employment. She started teaching English as a second language in the UK and continued when she moved to NZ.
Shelley teaches workplace literacy and numeracy with Upskills. She is a board member at her local intermediate school. She spends her spare time knitting, and sewing quilts and is currently learning to sew her own clothes. Like most of our tutors, she’s a big reader. The rest of her time is spent watching her two sons play football for the local club.
A visual learner first and foremost, Shelly best processes new information and knowledge by talking it through. She continues to learn new knitting and sewing techniques by watching YouTube videos and through groups. The most important thing she has learned is to listen!
“Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or in the same way.” – George Evans
Qualifications: Master of Arts (Hons) in Applied Linguistics, Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics, NZ Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education, Graduate Certificate in Applied E-Learning, Career Essentials in Generative AI Certificate, Certificate in English Language Teaching, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) English Literature, Poupou Huia Te Reo (level 4)
Member of Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand
Area of Expertise: With over 22 years of experience in adult education, Geetika brings a wealth of knowledge in adult literacy, ESOL, digital learning, and e-learning design. She has worked extensively in New Zealand and India across tertiary education, capability development, and EdTech sectors.
Previously a Programme Coordinator and Senior Teacher at the University of Waikato, Geetika now leads her own educational consultancy, eLiteracyLink, which focuses on preparing adult learners for IELTS and other language proficiency tests. Recently, she joined Upskills and is enjoying collaborating with colleagues and training participants.
Outside of work, Geetika loves playing video games, socializing with friends, and going for walks. She thrives on hands-on learning combined with reflection, inspired by immersive digital platforms and peer collaboration. Her key takeaway from years of experience? The importance of adapting to change and embracing new technologies to keep growing.
We’re excited to have Geetika as part of our team, sharing her passion and expertise with all of us!
Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mō koutou.
(Puruse knowledge for the sake of your wellbeing). Whakatauki emphasizing the importance of continued education.
Qualifications:
Business Management, Change Management, Secuity and Defence, Te Reo Maori.
Professional memberships with RiskNZ, NZ Institute of International Affairs, Project Management Institute, and Change Management Institute.
Area of Expertise: Andre brings over 14 years of experience in the Defence Force, having served in a variety of roles, and more recently has spent the past two years running a consulting company supporting New Zealand organisations in risk and resilience.
With a strong background in leadership, management, and business, Andre thrives in collaborative environments where learning is driven by discussion and shared experiences.
Outside of work, Andre is an avid trail runner training for a 100-mile (160km) ultra-marathon.
A strong belief in ‘knowledge is a gift’ is one of the most useful things he’s learnt in life, a principle that guides both his professional and personal journey.
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