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Our Staff

Below you will find our staff directory, including all of Laidlaw College’s staff – both operational and academic. Search by campus, group or department. We would love to hear from you.

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11 profile(s) found Reset all filters

  • Brontë Vlaardingerbroek BA, MTchgLn

    • Education Lecturer / Practicum Manager | Teacher Education

    Brontë joined Laidlaw in January 2024. She holds a Master’s in Teaching and Learning (University of Canterbury) and a BA. Brontë has taught Social Sciences and developed innovative curricula, including a specialist Year 10 programme at KingsWay School. She currently teaches in the BEd and GradDipEd programmes.

  • Dr Francine Bennett DipTch, GradDipAppTheol, BA, MEdAdmin(Hons), EdD

    • Lead Lecturer, Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) | Teacher Education

    Dr Francine Bennett has over 40 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership across Christian schools and tertiary institutions. Her doctoral research focused on succession planning in faith-based organisations, reflecting her commitment to sustainable and values-driven leadership. Francine has served as Principal at multiple schools and as Programme Lead at Bethlehem Tertiary Institute. She is committed to inclusive education,…

  • Esther Hogan Bcouns

    • Practicum Administrator and Bi-cultural Relationships Course Coordinator | Teacher Education

    Esther joined the Laidlaw team as Practicum Administrator for the School of Education and Bicultural Relationships Course Coordinator. Working alongside the Education team, her focus is on supporting staff and students through the placement process across both the Christchurch and Henderson campuses. Esther is also the course coordinator for the Bicultural Relationships paper, serving as a key contact for both…

  • Mathew Harris BCMin, MTchgLn, MCouns, PGDipEd

    • Christchurch Education Location Lead | Teacher Education

    Mathew leads the Christchurch Education team and lectures across Laidlaw’s Education programmes. He has extensive experience in secondary school education, tertiary theological teaching, and church ministry. His teaching focuses on student wellbeing, equity, and leadership.

  • Miriam Jessie Fisher PGCertTH, MTh, BEd, DipTchg

    • Lecturer – Whakapono/Theology & Mātauranga/Education

    Miriam Jessie Fisher teaches across biblical studies, formation, and postgraduate theology for educators. She has taught in Aotearoa, Australia, and the UK, across state, Christian, and Māori contexts. Her teaching and research integrate arts, poetry, and textiles. She develops programmes for schools, churches, and teacher professionaMirriam Jessiel learning and is passionate about te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and Deaf culture…

  • Rebecca Gibson GradDipTchng, BA, MEd

    • Lecturer – Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) | Teacher Education

    Rebecca Gibson leads Laidlaw’s Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) programme. Her background spans teaching, senior leadership, consultancy, research, and policy. Her master’s research focused on pastoral care systems in New Zealand secondary schools, shaping her commitment to student wellbeing and sustainable school-wide practice.

  • Rev. Dr Pennie Togiatama GradDipTh, MProfStuds(Hons), EdD

    • Head of Education - Lecturer | Teacher Education

    Pennie is a life-long learner who has been teaching and involved in education for over 30 years, including key senior leadership roles at Kelston Girl’s College and Manurewa High School. She has initiated and tutored Niuean cultural groups for the ASB Polyfest at McAuley High School, Papatoetoe High School, and Otago Boy’s High School and was a school leader for…

  • Ruth Velluppillai DipEd, DipTch, BA

    • Professional Teaching Fellow – Education | Teacher Education

    Ruth joined Laidlaw in 2024 as a Professional Teaching Fellow in the Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary). She brings decades of leadership and classroom experience. Ruth previously served as Deputy Principal and Head of Senior College at Middleton Grange School.

  • Tracey Hunt BBS, DipTchng, MTh

    • Programme Delivery Administrator

    Tracey is the Administrator in the Programme Delivery team for Counselling and Teacher Education. Tracey has worked and studied at Laidlaw College for many years, first at the Manawatu Centre, then in Distance Learning and the School of Social Practice. This breadth of experience across different parts of the College means she knows exactly how the systems work, making her…

  • Vida Schurr GradDipTh, MEd(Hons)

    • Lecturer | Teacher Education

    Vida has a background in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching adults in initial teacher education programmes since 2002. Her teaching focuses on relational learning and the importance of responsive educators for healthy child development.

  • Yvonne Burrows DipTchg, BEd, MEd, CELTA, PGDipEd(ECE), NZCTISLD, NZCATT

    • Practicum Lead | Teacher Education

    Yvonne Burrows is an Education Lecturer and Practicum Lead in Laidlaw College’s School of Education. She has taught across a range of courses within the BEd programme. She brings experience in preschool and primary education, school leadership and teacher formation. In her teaching and practicum work, she helps student teachers connect what they learn at Laidlaw with what they do…