Kerikeri, Northland, New Zealand
I’m an international educator, librarian, resource creator, writer, and digital inclusion advocate passionate about empowering people through learning, literacy, and technology. With nearly three decades of experience across New Zealand, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Singapore, China, Eritrea, Germany, and Cambodia, I’ve created dynamic library environments and programmes, coordinated regional digital support initiatives, and inspired engagement in learners of all ages. Currently, as Northland Regional Co-ordinator for the Digi-Coach Programme with the Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa, I support jobseekers and community members to build confidence with technology - bridging digital gaps and fostering lifelong learning. My background spans public libraries, international schools, and community engagement, with a focus on innovation, inclusion, and fostering confidence and enthusiasm. Whether building a library up from five shelves to 15,000 books, producing a Maker Faire, or helping a jobseeker write a CV and find a job, I believe access to knowledge changes lives. I’m always open to collaborations that promote digital equity, creative education, and community connection.
Supporting and managing twelve Digi-Coaches in Northland, New Zealand. The Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa Digi-Coach Programme is a work experience program for jobseekers, developed in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). It provides paid, part-time work experience in digital support roles at local libraries and community spaces to build the jobseekers' digital skills and confidence while they help the public with their technology needs. The community support provided is broad and can include help with smartphones, online safety, job applications, email, and using artificial intelligence tools. As the regional co-ordinator for Northland, I was responsible for supporting the Digi-Coaches in their roles, assisting with job readiness, CVs, and job-search skills, and resolving any challenges the Digi-Coaches faced while working with host sites. This role involved acting as a key liaison between the Digi-Coaches, the host sites, and the Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa (DIAA), ensuring the smooth delivery of the program and helping to troubleshoot issues as they arose.
Providing exceptional customer service to public library patrons. Ensuring the efficient running of libraries in the FNDC region - circulation, shelving, reports, and more. Serving as the primary point of contact at FNDC service counters, providing seamless and welcoming interactions for all inquiries. Planning and delivering programmes for children and adults, such as craft sessions, storytimes, Robots and tech sessions, etc. Supporting customers with tech issues such as mobile phone support, computer advice etc. Adding Council Customers to the Far North Mobile Library - providing library and council services to remote areas across the Far North District. Social Media marketing of libraries and their services.
Teaching diverse learners both online and on-campus - Grade 4 class teacher, G1 (ESL beginners) class teacher, and Teacher Librarian.
50% Classroom Teaching (Grade 1) and 50% Teacher Librarian, in a Dual-Language English/Mandarin school. Founding Librarian of school - developed all systems, policies, physical spaces, and curriculum.
*Growing the THS library from one campus with six bookshelves to a full-sized library across three campuses. *Introduced and lead the school's first ever Maker Faire. *Passion Project Co-Ordinator. *Introduction and maintenance of an online library catalogue. *Ordering, cataloguing, and categorisation of books - growing the collection from less than 2000 to almost 15000 copies in three years. *Parent education *Genrefication of the collection across three campuses. *Creating (and dissolving) three temporary library spaces over two years during campus renovations.