OUR INCREDIBLE PEOPLE:
Kate Webber – Director & Play Coach
Kate has been involved with Junky Monkeys since its creation. Back in 2018, she fell in love with the programme while watching kids delightedly slide down hills on frying pans and make swings out of suitcases. Kate is a total play geek. In her time not watching kids play with junk, she works with other playful organisations advocating for play. She is currently studying for her Masters in Organisational Change at AcademyEx and looking to complete some research in elevating kids’ voices around play in schools.
Find out more about Kate Webber.
Esta Takuira – Play Coach
Esta brings a vast kete of practical experience in play, having worked in nearly every outdoor play initiative in Tāmaki Makaurau. Her warm, playful, and open demeanor makes her easy to connect with for both kids and adults. Esta is a constant learner, always reflecting on her studies in Te Reo Māori and alternative health remedies. Esta’s calm and curious personality make her a joy to be around.
Find out more about Esta Takuira
Marcia O’Brien – Play Coach
This picture perfectly captures Marcia—Forever Playful. With a background in ECE teaching and experience as a Playcentre parent, Marcia could have “play” as her middle name. You’ll often find her instigating playful mischief or engaging in deep reflective discussions about the play unfolding. Marcia brings bundles of joy and energy to every play session. We are delighted to have her as part of the Junky Monkeys whānau.
Find out more about Marcia O’Brien
Tineke Kirkbeck Sutton – Play Coach
It is a blessing to have Tineke on our team, as she embodies a culture of kindness. With a background in ECE as both a kaiako and a center owner, Tineke is extremely passionate about how we treat our tamariki and the importance of meeting children kanohi ki te kanohi. She runs Nurture People, a nonprofit organization that facilitates workshops for parents and educators, evolving from Pennie Brownlee’s work with the Pikler philosophy.
Find out more about Tineke Kirkbeck Sutton
Melissa Williamson – Play Coach
Mel has a background in ECE and Outdoor Classroom Education. She is passionate about forming strong connections with our people and our whenua. The beauty of Mel is watching her connect with ākonga so quickly. She is all heart and warmth, and kids adore her because she adores them. Mel has other mahi that includes facilitating a one-day outdoor programme and starting an outdoor classroom in a primary school. She is also in the thick of studying te-reo Māori.
Lana Chisholm – Play Coach
I really wish this picture had sound so you could hear the playful energy that radiates out of Lana. Lana is a wellbeing researcher, educator, and practitioner focused on improving community health through evidence-informed practice. She is full to the brim of wonder and ideas, and that shines through in the way she observes children at play and evaluates how to make the play environment safe and engaging. Lana brings high energy fun and mischief wherever she goes, she lights up the room with joy and creativity.
Find out more about Lana Chisholm.
Simon Walker – Play Coach/Co-Director
Si has a background in event management, he is our very own MacGyver—able to create just about anything from scratch. After 20 years in the events industry, he knows how to stay calm under pressure and keep things running smoothly.
While Si occasionally pops into events and schools, most of his mahi happens behind the scenes, where he supports Kate and helps bring the magic together.
Find out more about Simon Walker
Our Approach
We Facilitate Safe Learning Spaces
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