Biography
Role
In her current role, Fiona supports tauira and staff from Kirikiriroa with te ao Māori, noho marae, and He Pātaka reo.
Education background
Fiona started her teaching career in 2002 at a kōhanga reo when her oldest child was an year old. She has worked in different early childhood settings which include kōhanga, home-based and centre. In these roles, she has enjoyed building relationships with tamariki, whānau, and community.
Research background
Currently, Fiona is pursuing a master’s degree through Te Rito with research focused on the ‘first thousand days’ and ‘inclusive education’. Alongside her master’s, Fiona is also enrolled in ‘Te Kunenga o Te Ao Tikanga’ course at Te Wananga o Aotearoa where the focus of her study is Waikato/Tainui. Fiona believes this will benefit her role as pouako.
Teaching interests
As a graduate of Te Rito Maioha, Fiona feels teaching here is a way of giving back by supporting tauira in their learning journey. As an experienced early childhood educator, she Fiona believes in inclusive education for all tamariki deserve the very best learning opportunities, care, respect and aroha.