Emma Barker

(Leader Ako Elements - Christchurch)

Kia ora, I'm Emma I am from the rat race of London. What started as a “why not” is now a home, children, and embracing what NZ has to offer. Most recently this has been the unique Kiwi institution that is Playcentre, where the boys and I enjoy the whole child, free play and Whānaungatanga experience.

I have a big background volunteering for Girlguiding, where I’ve been a Unit Leader and regional support volunteer both here and in the U.K. since I was a teenager. Having two boys, though, I may find I have to switch to “the dark side” and join Scouting instead!

I am always excited to be on the Elements team on the farm. It’s such a special environment with so much potential for adventure and learning. I enjoy getting to know and work with the children, seeing what we can get up to, supporting them to learn and growing myself alongside them all. I'm passionate about tamariki being allowed to be tamariki in the outdoors.

James Lowe

(Leader Christchurch)

Kia Ora everyone! My name is James Lowe, I have worked on a couple of Elements programmes and I am very excited to be involved in many more! I am a qualified and registered teacher and have experience working with children for the past 8 years in various roles. I graduated at the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning.

I have a passion for volunteering and the outdoors which got me into doing lots of camps including, Camp America, YMCA Camp, Camp Purple, Camp Quality and Camp Diabetes. In the school term I work as a specialist IEP teacher for the Ministry of Education, working with children and teenagers with complex trauma and disabilities.

I am a firm believer that the best education doesn’t happen at a desk or in a classroom but in nature and the outdoors. It’s all about being present and focusing on the here and now. Being attuned to your senses and learning with a hands on approach. Nature gives us the tools to experiment, take risks explore, be gentle, be happy and be ourselves, and many many more. I am looking forward to meet past and future children and their families in the next school holidays at Elements!

Cassie Tenebaum

( Leader Christchurch)

Hi, I'm Creative Cassie, a student who’s been with Elements since the very start - that's over 3 years now! My favourite part of the programmes is seeing the children's mind whirling, from problem solving the best way to make a hut, imaginative play and the characters and stories they create from the simplist of objects and the social aspect of teamwork. You can see by my name that I love all things creative. I paint or draw daily and like to assist children with their creative endeavours or viewing the beauty of nature.

Although I am young, my mum (Director Kim) has always worked in education and has even owned a preschool - so I have always been involved with young learners. I also like seeing friendships blossom between kids as they band together to create amazing things.

Josh Tenebaum

(Leader Christchurch)

As a kid I loved jumping on my bike and meeting other kids to hang out in trees, play in creeks, and all sorts of other adventures and mischief. Many kids these days have limited time to be wild and free, and I want to give them more opportunities, because I believe (and the studies back me up) that it's so essential for their health and development, and it teaches them so many important life skills.

George Sutton

(Leader Christchurch & Dunedin)

Hi I am George and I have been with Elements for nearly 3 years and I am studying law at Otago university after finishing my high schooling in Christchurch.

I grew up with two younger brothers and I am the eldest in my extended family, meaning I have a lot of practice looking after young kids and making sure everyone stays safe while also having a good time! I love to spend time outside in natural environments whether it is weekends on Banks Peninsula or trail running and other adventure sports.

The thing about Elements Education that I love the most is seeing kids independence shine through as they create their own games to play and come up with their own ideas for how to spend the time with us at Elements.

Jack Haines

(Junior Leader Christchurch)

Hi my name’s Jack. I’ve been assisting at Elements for about 2 years. One of my many favourite things about Elements is seeing how quickly the kids accept each other and then go make some amazing creations with each other. It’s incredible seeing their imaginations to either whether to act like heroes or animals. It is also fun as kids can be kids and run around and get wet and muddy - I know I do!

Amy Smaill

(Leader Christchurch)

Tēnā koutou, ko Ararira te awa, ko Te Pataka ō Rakaihautū nga maunga hī, nō Ōtautahi ahau, Ko Amy Smaill tōku ingoa.
Kia ora, I'm Amy!
I have only been involved with Elements Education for a short time but absolutely love the concept of it. I am a huge believer in free play for all ages and have two tamariki of my own.

I have a background working in summer camps in the US and Canada and taught dancing to children and adults for 13 years. Currently I am a student at Te Wānanga ō Aotearoa studying Te Reo Māori and am a tutor for two primary school Kapa Haka groups.
In my free time (which there isn't a whole lot!) I like to get out into nature with the kids and my partner.
At Elements I love watching tamariki explore, create and form relationships with new and old friends. I am constantly amazed at the ideas that they have and how well they work together as a team. Ngā mihi, Amy