My name is Jillian and I joined Red Kite in 2015, before which I completed my high school and bachelor studies in Christchurch.  I developed an interest in teaching young children while working on fundraising programs overseas.  Subsequently, I completed my Graduate Diploma in teaching from New Zealand Tertiary College and was registered as an early childhood teacher in 2016.  I started to play piano aged four, and music plays a major part in my life.  Music stimulates all areas of child development including language, intellectual and social skills, so I value the importance of music in children’s learning and I make it a core element of my teaching.  

My philosophy on working with children is that they learn through play.  I am passionate about providing them with a nurturing learning environment that helps promote their overall well-being and encourages them in that learning.