About
Linda’s dominant Freedom Cup makes her a passionate advocate for risky play, nature-based learning, loose parts and child-led, emergent curricula. With a strong belief in the transformative power of storytelling, Linda brings educational concepts to life, weaving narratives that inspire curiosity, joy, and deep connections in her workshops.
As a VIT-registered teacher, Linda has amassed over a decade of teaching and educational leadership experience. She has pioneered and led pedagogical changes, including the development of an award-winning bush kinder program designed with a strong focus on mental health. Her work champions the importance of embracing risky play practices as vital to children's development, promoting resilience and creativity in natural environments.
Currently studying a Masters of Educational Leadership, Linda is committed to educator wellbeing, social sustainability, and rethinking pedagogical practices. Her studies inform her passion for creating environments where every human has the opportunity to thrive.
In addition to her extensive work in the field, Linda enjoys sessional teaching at the university level, where she guides and mentors pre-service teachers as they begin their journey in early childhood education. This role allows her to share her wealth of experience and knowledge, helping to shape the next generation of educators.
Linda’s high energy and dominant Freedom Cup make her workshops both fun and engaging. Participants often remark on her dynamic, entertaining delivery, where educational concepts are not only shared but brought to life through the art of storytelling. Her workshops spark engagement and empower participants to embrace new perspectives with enthusiasm.
A dedicated advocate for community well-being, Linda is known for her active participation in various challenges, such as push-ups for suicide prevention and taking a plunge in icy waters to raise funds for cancer research. Linda believes that for both individuals and communities to truly flourish, fun and meaningful connections are indispensable.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Marketing and Human Resource Management) from Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato (The University of Waikato, NZ)
- Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) from RMIT
- Forest School Leader Level 3 Certification from Forest School Learning Initiative, UK
