meet our tutors
Abigail Blanchett
Abigail brings years of experience in meditation and movement to her classes. She runs workshops and classes demonstrating the joy and healing of the 'divine dance'.
Ahilla Fares
I am Ahilla Fares, born in Syria, and currently residing in New Zealand for nearly two years. Previously, I lived in Lebanon for over 11 years, where I had the privilege of teaching Arabic to foreigners. Being a native Arabic speaker, I am passionate about sharing my language and breaking down language barriers.
Teaching has been a rewarding experience, and I am eager to continue fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Arabic among learners.
Alex Murray
Alex is a psychologist from Argentina with training in CBT, DBT, and Immigrants mental health. Alex is the founder of Perk up program and kits for mental wellbeing.
Alina Sharabarina
Alina is a wellbeing practitioner, soon to complete her counseling degree, specializing in combining creative practices with emotional wellbeing techniques. Using art therapy and practical strategies, she helps individuals manage stress, balance mental and physical health, and live more fulfilling lives. Her focus is on providing tools that can be easily integrated into daily life for lasting well-being.
Aurélie Lapra Lebreton
Aurelie teaches fun and friendly French lessons, she is a sensation at teaching French, find her on Instagram @aureliefrenchlearning with 33.4K followers Aurélie takes French learning to the next level.
Experienced and dedicated French as a Foreign Language teacher with a strong passion for guiding students on their language-learning journey. A master's degree in Didactics and Management of French as a Foreign and/or Second Language (F.L.E./F.L.S.) in a multilingual environment, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. Aurelie focuses on creating engaging and interactive learning experiences, where students can thrive and develop their language skills.
Donna de Quaasteniet
From European Cabaret shows to New Zealand shores, Donna brings her many years of professional dance experience abroad to her fun weekly classes.
Fumiko Ono
Fumiko Ono, a native of Japan, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the realm of Japanese language instruction.
With her blend of education, experience, and passion for both teaching and diverse interests, Fumiko Ono continues to inspire and empower students on their journey to mastering the Japanese language and culture.
Hayley Hirschfeld
Hayley Hirschfeld is an Interior Designer specialising in designing bespoke residential spaces. Through her design studio, Cheltenham Rd (@cheltenham.rd / cheltenhamrd.co.nz), she works with clients creating personalised, functional interiors that reflect their unique styles and needs.
Hayley is also a lecturer at Unitec, where she teaches within the Level 5 & 6 Diploma of Interior Design programmes. She brings a wealth of knowledge and industry experience to pass on to aspiring designers.
Jackie Yan
Shifu Bruno Rubini has been Jackie’s Taiji (Tai Chi) instructor for several years since she first started Beginner's Classes with him, as a way to manage stress. With his guidance and training, incorporating mindfulness and meditation, she has experienced the positive mental and physical effects of Taiji. She has a passion for the practice of Qigong, Yang and Chen style Taiji and weapons. Taiji has gifted her a special connection with her father who was a Shifu for over 50 years and to embrace her Chinese culture. Teaching has brought her more awareness and joy. She looks forward to sharing her Taiji training from Shifu Bruno with you.
Juliana Flaxman-Hendriks
Juliana, known as “J,” is a board-certified instructor with the Tai Chi for Health Institute, trained in Sun, Yang, and Chen styles since 2016. A Malaysian Kiwi with Eurasian and Chinese heritage, she’s lived in New Lynn, Auckland, since 1987.
J’s passion for tai chi began at an early age and was realized when a friend introduced her to the practice. She quickly became captivated by its health benefits, leading her to become an instructor.
J aims to help others become more active, healthier, and socially connected by teaching tai chi in a fun, accessible way that improves fitness, well-being, and balance, while reducing stress and preventing falls."
J has the following qualifications, instructor certifications and professional memberships:
Board-certified and premier instructor for the Tai Chi for Health Institute: www.taichiforhealthinstitute.com
Member of Tai Chi for Health Community NZ Inc
REPs NZ Registered Exercise Provider
Approved Community Group Strength & Balance Programme exercise provider
Certified Tai Chi instructor for Arthritis; Arthritis 2; Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis; Falls Prevention; Heart Conditions; and Memory
First Aid Certificate, including CPR and use of a defibrillator
Understanding and Preventing Dementia - University of Tasmania
Jill McIntosh
Jill is an artist who studied Fine Arts, majoring in Printmaking at the University of Canterbury. She finished with an Honours year and later returned to Elam School of Fine Arts where she completed her Masters of Fine Arts in 2007. Jill set up the Print workshop at the Wellington Arts Centre and edited Contemporary New Zealand Prints.
Kavita Lamba
Kavita is an experienced artist and art tutor.
Lina Castro
I started as an embroidery artist in 2015, working in small projects and creating new ways of contemporary applications, since then it has become part of my life.
Thanks to embroidery, I have been able to connect creative worlds and discover new ones.
Trained as an Industrial Designer, my obsession has been to expand the possibilities of embroidery beyond the hoop and sharing the opportunities this craft can offer to creatives.
I have experience as an embroidery tutor and design. Teaching embroidery has been a beautiful way for me to share my passion for this amazing craft. I hope for my students to find in this contemporary practice a new way to express themselves.
Lynn Oram
Lynn has been practising yoga since 1983, trained with the NZ International Yoga Teachers Association in 1999-2000, and has been instructing yoga at Parnell and other community centres in the Eastern Bays area for over twelve years.
In Lynn's classes, participants will learn techniques for relaxation and de-stressing through focus on proper breathing, stretching, and strengthening.
Mary Kim
I came to NZ with my husband and my two lovely daughters in 2009. I started as a n ECE teacher in kindergarten and now I have been teaching Korean for 7 years. Now I am teaching at primary, Intermediate school and adult learning centers. Teaching is my lifelong passion which makes me enjoy meeting new students. I can’t wait to teach in Parnell.
Rosario Delgado
Rosario Delgado originally from Peru - South America native Spanish speaker, I have been in NZ for 16 years and teaching Spanish more than 10 years , I graduated economics and have a post degree in Marketing , now building my career as Spanish teacher here in NZ and she loves it so much!!! Rosario has found her passion teaching Spanish. Rosario is qualified as ELE (Spanish teacher as foreigner language ) certificate from Salamanca university Spain. Rosario, has been teaching children and adults of all levels, all ages in an easy and fun way to learn, using audiovisual material in interactive and dynamic classes, Teaching language is not just about the language it's about the culture, music, food , traditions all about it . The courses are suitable for all levels. People who want to travel to Spain or South America for work or Holidays, for those who have a partner or friends that speak Spanish or just for a personal interest because Spanish is one of the most languages spoken in the world.
Rosalie Hornung
Rosalie is from Melbourne, Australia. She trained in the Cecchetti method of Classical Ballet under Kathleen Curwen-Walker (Licentiate Cecchetti Ballet Australia) and holds her Associate Diploma with Cecchetti Ballet Australia.
Rosalie teaches at Dance for Life Academy, from young children through to adult learners, returning dancers and is accredited to teach the DFLA Senior Swans program.
Rosemary Woodman
Rosemary (Rose) Woodman has been a beloved tutor at Parnell Community Centre for many years. With her deep expertise in Pilates and wealth of teaching experience, she creates a welcoming and dynamic environment in every class. Rose’s engaging personality and great sense of humour make her sessions both enjoyable and effective, earning her a loyal following. Her students appreciate her skilled instruction, supportive approach, and the fun atmosphere she brings to every class.
Siriporn Falcon-Grey
Siriporn Falcon-Grey of Falcon Grey Ceramics is a ceramic artist inspired by the cultural diversity she experienced living in Las Vegas. With a focus on combining thrown and hand-built techniques, her work is influenced by indigenous pottery and diverse cultures, embracing a loose, wabi-sabi aesthetic. Siriporn holds a Diploma in Arts and Design Ceramics from Otago Polytechnic and has exhibited her work internationally and across New Zealand. She is an active member of the Auckland Studio Potters Society and the Executive Regional Council Member for Auckland at the Ceramics Association of New Zealand. Siriporn also teaches pottery workshops and prepares for upcoming exhibitions.
Tish Viljoen
Tish Viljoen discovered her love for the steelpan at age 12 in South Africa, sparking a lifelong passion. In 2016, she founded The Steel Workshop, providing steelpan tuition across New Zealand and playing a key role in organizing the Aotearoa Steelband Festival. In 2018, driven by her zeal for promoting steelpan music, Tish established Steel'n Beats Steelband, serving as local ambassadors for the art form. She also initiated the Auckland Youth Steel Orchestra in 2020, aiming to spread the joy of steelband music to all.
Susanna Cappai
Ciao a tutti! Let me tell you about my story.
I’m from the sunny Sardinia, where I used to be the go-to tutor for math, physics, and chemistry. In my 40s, I took a leap and landed in New Zealand, juggling hats from Project Manager to number cruncher for Auckland’s council.
But my heart yearned for Africa, so I zipped over to the UK to buff up my non-profit savvy. There, I joined the Manywa Initiative in Uganda, turning pennies into projects and dreams into schools and clinics.
Next stop? Freetown’s slums, where I teamed up with Home Leone. We’re talking a total makeover—new homes, clean water, and power in Destiny Village. I rolled up my sleeves for 7 months, leading the charge on construction and more, all while empowering women and keeping our charity ship sailing smoothly.
Now, my passion is to spread the charm of Italian, perfect for those planning an Italian getaway or eager to learn the language of love.
Tomoko Hirano
Tomoko has more than 35 years of floristry experience, including running her own floristry business, Hana Club NZ. Tomoko has gained a 1st grade teaching qualification for Ikebana (Japanese floral arranging) from the Sogetsu School.
Students completing Tomoko's course will learn basic floral arts and crafts skills, develop creative ideas using flowers and learn cross culture floral arts.
