We have a terrific team of volunteers who support us, spread across local schools

When Amy is not building life size inflatable blue whales with her students, or dissecting brains with her after school science class she can be found lounging on a beach reading historical novels. Amy is an innovative teacher and motivator who strives to promote STEAMS education to the community. Amy is the co-founder of Ministry of Inspiration.

Qualifications
BS Oceanography, Humboldt State University
MS Education, Pepperdine University
Award in Excellence of Teaching Science-National Association of Gifted Children, Award in Excellence of Teaching Mathematics-New Zealand Association of Maths Teachers

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

Mike Rayson is a senior class STEAMS teacher with the Ministry of Inspiration. Originally from Somerset in England, he has lived in the Tasman region for the last 20 years. When he is not teaching or planning a new super-villain base, he builds miniature models and takes part in real scale military re-enactments.

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)

Nardia has been teaching students between the ages of 5 and 13 for over 6 years in the Nelson/ Tasman region. She has worked for The Ministry of Inspiration since April 2021 teaching both Little STEAMerS and STEAMS Juniors.

Nardia’s mission as a teacher is to provide a safe, positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to learn and achieve their full potential.

She supports learners to think deeper and outside the box through real-life hands-on learning experiences.

Nardia lives near Tahunanui Beach with her husband Brett and daughter Maddie, she will be on Maternity leave from the end of Term 3 2022 and will return in 2023. When Nardia is not teaching she enjoys spending time with Whānau, cooking, and training at the gym.

Yaëlle was born and raised in Switzerland. She graduated as a glass painter at École de Vitrail et de Création (CH) in 1996 and whilst developing her skills with glass painting, slumping and fusing, she also explored clay sculpting, modelling & painting.
A resident of New Zealand for over 2 decades, Yaëlle undertook further studies and graduated
with a Bachelor of Arts & Media and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching. She majored in visual arts
and design and was awarded distinction in her studio work which comprises screen-printing,
painting, photography and digital design, before becoming a Fashion Design and Technology
Teacher.
Yaëlle also owns and operates an online boutique selling fashion garments she designs and
makes herself. She endeavours to bring all her knowledge and experience along with passion and humour in her role at the STEAMS Schools.

Hamish has over 20 years experience as an educator and has worked in the UK, Australia and Oman, in both public and private schools. He has lots of experience in setting up learning technology for schools and helping staff best use it to support learning. Part of his experience he has seen the benefits of STEAM education in helping students learn and creating success.
Having spent the majority of the last 20 years overseas, Hamish has returned to the region where he grew up with his wife and two daughters. When not helping out with STEAMS learning, you can find him building things in his garage.