Keri Dekkers

Keri has been teaching for over 23 years from Year 3-8. Both private and state schools, in both New Zealand and the UK. Keri has a varied educational career in; school leadership roles, specialist in the performing arts, and gifted and talented education.

Keri lives in Rolleston, Canterbury with her husband, also a teacher, dog and two cats. She loves to travel and is now enjoying exploring the beauty of New Zealand.

"Teaching is not just a career it is a calling. Working with children every day is a great privilege, especially through Health Education. I love being able to provide children with tools that help them deal with problems they are facing and help them understand more about themselves and their growing bodies."

Jo Atkinson

Jo has been teaching for 20 years in Christchurch Primary Schools. She has taught from year 0-8 during this time. Finally settling into a leadership role at her previous school. Prior to moving into education, Jo was nursing in a private hospital in Christchurch. Working for Life Education Trust enables her to work within her two passions, education and health. Jo considers Life Education her dream job and is very excited to join the team.

Jo is married to Dave and they have two sons, Luke 16 and Oliver 12. They also have two cats and two naughty Miniature Dachshund puppies, who rule their home. In their spare holiday time they travel around NZ in a purpose built bus, exploring, fishing and enjoying all the beauty that is our stunning country.

Kirsty Bond

For 30 years, Kirsty has had the privilege of teaching across all year levels in schools throughout Christchurch. During this time, Sport, Physical Education, Health, and Wellbeing have been consistent passions, both professionally and personally.

Her teaching career has run alongside an extensive involvement in cricket. She proudly represented Canterbury and New Zealand in her younger years, and after retiring from playing, she has continued to contribute through coaching, selecting, and administration at various levels. Currently, she serves on the Boards of the Christchurch Metro Cricket Association and The Willows Cricket Club. In her free time, she enjoys a regular round of golf and spending time with friends and family. Her sons, Sam and Tom, also embrace a variety of sports.

Kirsty looks forward everyday to working alongside Harold and the Life Education team in the beautiful North Canterbury region. She sees it as a great privilege to empower children with the tools they need to address the issues they face, and foster a greater understanding of themselves and their growing bodies.