Kyra grew up in the Northern Suburbs of Wellington and now lives on the beautiful Kāpiti Coast- although she is a Johnsonville girl at heart! Kyra completed her secondary schooling at Newlands College and received her BA/Bteach from Victoria University. Kyra enjoys singing, dancing and involving herself in local musical theatre productions. She is excited to bring her enthusiasm for health and education to the Wellington City whānau.  

Previously, Kyra was a drama teacher at Kāpiti College and a classroom teacher at Rāroa Intermediate. She is passionate about tamariki everywhere receiving quality health education and cannot wait to be part of their learning journey. 

Kyra loves the opportunity to work with school communities - sharing unique experiences from the mobile classroom and supporting teachers to further embed hauora into their teaching and learning programmes. She truly values whanaungatanga and seeks to build relationships and learning opportunities that inspire positive change. 

Todrick Taylor - Chairperson

Todrick is a director of Hudson Taylor Chartered Accountants and has been looking after and advising businesses and individuals for over 30 years.

He got involved in Life Ed initially as treasurer when he couldn’t say no to prior trustee and chair Jo Coughlan. Over time he has come to realise the important part Life Ed and Harold has to play in the education sector and community and wants to do what he can with the skill he has to ensure that it continues to thrive. Todrick is now our chairperson.

Michelle Dow - Trustee

Michelle was previously an Educator for the trust for 7 years, before moving to Life Education Trust NZ as Education Support Manager.  She joined as a trustee to help the trust working with our Wellington City schools and tamariki. 

Having taught in schools, both as a class teacher and as an Educator for Life Ed, Michelle has seen first-hand the amazing impact we can have to support schools with their health teaching.

Helen Pinson – Trustee

Helen has been a Trustee since 2019. She supports Life Education Trust because of the great work they do developing and delivering excellent health education programmes in our schools. 

Sarah Churstain – Trustee

Sarah is a partner of Ford Sumner Lawyers, specialising in commercial and corporate law. Sarah has been involved with the Life Education Trust (Wellington City) since 2020. During this time, Sarah has been a trustee and supported the Trust from a governance and legal expertise perspective.

Having had the benefit of the Life Education learning experience as a primary school student in rural Waikato, Sarah appreciates the invaluable education and life skills Life Education offers our tamariki.

Lauren Taylor – Trustee

Lauren is currently working in administration at Hudson Taylor and had the opportunity to be taught by Harold (and our lovely educators) at both primary and secondary school.

Lauren has been a trustee of the Wellington City trust since late 2018 and is really enjoying it. Life Education is incredibly important for tamariki in New Zealand, and she is proud to be able to help.

Paige Jardine – Trustee

Paige works at Forsyth Barr and is registered as a financial adviser, is accredited as an NZX Adviser and holds a New Zealand Certificate in Financial services. She has 11 years of experience in the financial services sector managing and building clients wealth for the long-term.

Paige remembers the excitement she had of Harold visiting her in primary school. Having two young boys she has an vested interest in the work Life Education do, ensuring all children are given all the support they can get so they can thrive.

Joanna Simpson – Trustee

Joanna, a former secondary school teacher, has been a real estate agent at Tommy’s since 2008. She is also a mother and grandmother and believes strongly in Life Education Trust’s mission. She is thrilled to be helping educate and support tamariki in Wellington.