Amy is a passionate educator and co-founder of the Ministry of Inspiration, dedicated to promoting STEAMS education in her community. Whether she’s helping students construct life-size inflatable blue whales or dissecting brains in her after-school science class, Amy brings creativity and energy to her teaching. When not inspiring young minds, she enjoys relaxing on the beach with a historical novel in hand.

Amy holds a BS in Oceanography from Humboldt State University and an MS in Education from Pepperdine University. Her dedication to teaching has been recognized with the National Association of Gifted Children’s Excellence in Teaching Science Award and the New Zealand Association of Maths Teachers’ Excellence in Teaching Mathematics Award. She strives to make learning an engaging and hands-on experience, empowering students to explore, create, and succeed.

Jessica Cathro is the Managing Director for the North Island. Her diverse experience spans roles as a Marketing Analyst, Business Analyst, and Project Manager in both New Zealand and the UK. Jessica has taught High School Business Studies, Digital Technology, and Maths, and she founded the Westport Code Club and Buller High School Robotics Club.

As a Technology Educator at the Rotorua Library, Jessica supported NZ Aquabots for nine years and worked with students from primary to high school, including those at Te Maioha o Parekarangi. Her dedication to education also extends to teaching English as a second language. With a passion for innovation and technology, Jessica inspires learners of all ages to explore and succeed in the ever-evolving digital world.

Geri is a homeschooling mum of two with a background as an Early Childhood teacher, having worked in both teaching and management roles. Raised in Marlborough, she briefly moved to Christchurch for study before returning to Marlborough to embrace its beautiful lifestyle.
Living on a rural property, Geri and her family care for a variety of animals and work on projects aimed at achieving a sustainable lifestyle. In her free time, she loves the outdoors, whether it’s camping, fishing, exploring, or embarking on exciting family adventures. Always eager to learn alongside her children, Geri embraces the joy of discovery and shared experiences.
Passionate about fostering creativity, exploration, and imagination in children, Geri enjoys creating unique, hands-on learning experiences. She loves teaching new skills and finds it deeply rewarding to support children in their educational journeys, especially when they’re fully engaged and enjoying themselves.

Mike Rayson is a senior STEAMS teacher with the Ministry of Inspiration. Originally from Somerset, England, Mike has called the Tasman region home for the past 20 years. Passionate about creative and engaging education, he brings enthusiasm and imagination to his teaching.

When not in the classroom or designing his next “super-villain base,” Mike enjoys building intricate miniature models and participating in full-scale military re-enactments, combining his love of history and craftsmanship.

Erin grew up in Invercargill (don’t hold that against her), where she developed a passion for sport, as she quickly learned that being really good could lead to travel and a chance to expand her horizons beyond ‘Invers’. Erin represented New Zealand, at various levels, in water polo.
Erin’s interest in teaching sparked from swimming instructing and organising school holiday programmes; Teachers’ College seemed a natural progression. Erin loves seeing kids make connections with the real world and having fun while learning.

Now living in the sunshine capital of NZ, Erin and her family take full advantage of the natural world and can often be found camping, tramping , kayaking and outdoor adventure.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (B Tch Ln); Diploma of Teaching. (Dip Tchg)

Yaëlle Pochon, born and raised in Switzerland, grew up immersed in the textile arts, inspired by her family’s lineage of seamstresses. Her early fascination with sewing evolved into a broader passion for creative expression. In 1996, she graduated as a glass painter from the Ecole de Vitrail et de Création in Switzerland, where she began blending materials like glass, textiles, and ceramics to produce an extensive collection of figurative sculptures.

After relocating to New Zealand over two decades ago, Yaëlle expanded her artistic repertoire through further education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts & Media and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching, specializing in visual arts disciplines such as screen printing, painting, photography, and digital design. Her career later led her to become a Fashion Design and Technology Teacher, where she shares her multifaceted expertise with her students.

In addition to her teaching role, Yaëlle channels her creativity into running an online boutique featuring fashion garments she designs and handcrafts. Through her work, she integrates her diverse artistic and technical skills to produce unique creations. Currently, she applies her passion and extensive experience at STEAMS School, where she continues to inspire others with her dedication to arts, fashion, and education.

Eve has been exploring the wonders of the natural world since she was a toddler, driven by a deep love for the outdoors. Her passion for ecosystems, their flora and fauna, and how they function has been a lifelong pursuit. After earning a degree in Zoology and Outdoor Education, Eve added a postgraduate degree in Primary Education, aiming to share her enthusiasm with the next generation.

For the past decade, Eve has worked as a Primary School Teacher, Home Educator, and founder of a one-day Nature School for children in Nelson. She dedicates her days to inspiring kids to connect with nature, sparking their curiosity about the world around them.

When not teaching, Eve explores the outdoors with her three children, continuing her lifelong expeditions—whether in distant landscapes or her own backyard—fostering a love of learning and discovery wherever she goes.

Jess is an unschooling mum in sunny Marlborough. She has strong family connections and is an avid community builder. Jess loves to be outdoors and can find beauty and learning opportunities from the minuscule to the massive. You'll often find her engaged with a group of children wondering and observing and reflecting; the keystones of good science. Combining skills of communication, creativity, collaboration, and chaos, Jess believes a STEAMS classroom full of science is her ideal job.

Jess is a leader in the local homeschooling community, an occasional relief teacher at local schools, and a member of the Pine Valley Outdoor Centre.
Qualifications: B.Sc. (Geol) postgrad dip tch (primary)

When Ayla isn’t studying, she’s out on a hikoi (walk), enjoying te taiao (the environment). Ayla is also the Chair of the Nelson Youth Council. S he’s passionate about her studies, administrative work, and all things behind the scenes. MOI is proud to enable her to incorporate her passion for her culture and accessible education by making a positive impact on the community.

Before arriving in NZ Alan thought he had retired from the IT industry, but a chance encounter with ‘The Ministry’ quickly disabused him of that idea.

Prior to his un-retirement, Alan spent his free time on his many different hobbies. Now he doesn’t have any free time at all. Well, alright, maybe that’s not strictly true, but when he’s not dreaming up new electronics experiments and ideas for the STEAMS kit, he spends his free time on a little woodwork, some computer fun, virtually no DIY/Decorating (his wife no longer speaks to him – at first, he thought he’d gone deaf) and playing the guitar (VERY badly).

Qualifications:
BSc Mechanical Engineering - Brunel University, UK

While Cheryl is no longer working with MOI, we remember her awesome work and appreciate her talents. She is still a proud support of MOI and we wish her all the best in her new work