About Us ...
Meet the Thinking Caps Team
Julie Whitcombe - Director - Maths Tutor
B.Ed, Dip. Tchg
Julie Whitcombe is one of the directors of Thinking Caps For Kids, a company she started with Michele in 2005. Julie first started her career teaching Early Childhood, and then went on to teach in the Primary and Intermediate sectors, where she has worked for the past 10 years.
In 2001, Julie was seconded by the Ministry of Education to be a Numeracy Facilitator, where she introduced the Numeracy Project to schools across Auckland. She has since presented at National Conferences and day courses across New Zealand and is passionate about raising the profile of Maths and along the way - improving attitudes towards it!! Julie is now tutoring children across the Hibiscus Coast and North Shore. She works with children to give them a boost in their confidence and find ways to use strategies to solve mathematical problems.
B.Ed, Dip. Tchg
Julie Whitcombe is one of the directors of Thinking Caps For Kids, a company she started with Michele in 2005. Julie first started her career teaching Early Childhood, and then went on to teach in the Primary and Intermediate sectors, where she has worked for the past 10 years.
In 2001, Julie was seconded by the Ministry of Education to be a Numeracy Facilitator, where she introduced the Numeracy Project to schools across Auckland. She has since presented at National Conferences and day courses across New Zealand and is passionate about raising the profile of Maths and along the way - improving attitudes towards it!! Julie is now tutoring children across the Hibiscus Coast and North Shore. She works with children to give them a boost in their confidence and find ways to use strategies to solve mathematical problems.
Michele Yock - Director - Maths Tutor
Dip. Tchg.
Michele Yock started Thinking Caps For Kids with Julie in 2005. She has taught in schools across Auckland and has taught for many years on the Hibiscus Coast. Her strengths lie in getting children up to speed with their knowledge of numbers and basic facts, ensuring they have an excellent foundation for further Maths learning. She has the ability to quickly assess where children's gaps are and work on these with a variety of different methods to cater for all needs.
Dip. Tchg.
Michele Yock started Thinking Caps For Kids with Julie in 2005. She has taught in schools across Auckland and has taught for many years on the Hibiscus Coast. Her strengths lie in getting children up to speed with their knowledge of numbers and basic facts, ensuring they have an excellent foundation for further Maths learning. She has the ability to quickly assess where children's gaps are and work on these with a variety of different methods to cater for all needs.
Carrol Church - Office Manager
Carrol is in charge of our accounts and keeping track of new enrolments. She has had numerous years in office work and enjoys reconciling to perfection! Carrol can be contacted at our head office on (09) 424 3536 or office@thinkingcaps.co.nz
Carrol is in charge of our accounts and keeping track of new enrolments. She has had numerous years in office work and enjoys reconciling to perfection! Carrol can be contacted at our head office on (09) 424 3536 or office@thinkingcaps.co.nz
Caroline Revell - Maths Tutor
Caroline has been teaching for 14 years in primary schools, working with children in Years
3 - 8. She has an interest in and an empathy towards children with learning difficulties and has a SPELD NZ (Specific Learning Disabilities) Theory Certificate. Caroline is experienced and confident in implementing the NZ Maths Curriculum. She has a quiet, friendly teaching style and enjoys the practical, 'hands-on' approach to teaching Numeracy to small groups.
Caroline has been teaching for 14 years in primary schools, working with children in Years
3 - 8. She has an interest in and an empathy towards children with learning difficulties and has a SPELD NZ (Specific Learning Disabilities) Theory Certificate. Caroline is experienced and confident in implementing the NZ Maths Curriculum. She has a quiet, friendly teaching style and enjoys the practical, 'hands-on' approach to teaching Numeracy to small groups.
Sarah O'Donnell - Maths Tutor
Sarah has been teaching in primary education for the past 8 years. Her subject of passion is Mathematics. She thrives on supporting children through their obstacles to the point where the light bulb appears and it all suddenly makes sense. With her warm and friendly nature, children are comfortable and confident working with her.
Sarah has been teaching in primary education for the past 8 years. Her subject of passion is Mathematics. She thrives on supporting children through their obstacles to the point where the light bulb appears and it all suddenly makes sense. With her warm and friendly nature, children are comfortable and confident working with her.
Nicola Falloon -Maths Tutor
Nic has had 8 years teaching experience ranging from years 3 - 8. She has always had a passion for Mathematics; even right back to when she tutored School C Maths while she was still at school, as well as when she was training to be a teacher. Teaching in small groups is her ideal, as there is nothing more rewarding than being able to work intimately with the children without any other distractions and seeing them grow in confidence as well as academically.
Nic has had 8 years teaching experience ranging from years 3 - 8. She has always had a passion for Mathematics; even right back to when she tutored School C Maths while she was still at school, as well as when she was training to be a teacher. Teaching in small groups is her ideal, as there is nothing more rewarding than being able to work intimately with the children without any other distractions and seeing them grow in confidence as well as academically.
Emma McKinney - Maths tutor
Emma is a primary trained teacher with 13 years teaching experience including 2 ½ years teaching in London and 8 years on the Hibiscus Coast. She has always enjoyed working with children who may need that extra push to gain confidence in their ability. Emma is trained in SPELD NZ and is looking forward to helping our children in Maths.
Emma is a primary trained teacher with 13 years teaching experience including 2 ½ years teaching in London and 8 years on the Hibiscus Coast. She has always enjoyed working with children who may need that extra push to gain confidence in their ability. Emma is trained in SPELD NZ and is looking forward to helping our children in Maths.
Nalani Giffin - Writing and Reading Tutor
Nalani brings years of experience as a primary school teacher of children through years 2-8. She strongly believes in a phonics based programme that addresses difficulties with Reading, Spelling and Writing by teaching children skills they will have for life. Nalani recognises children have their own unique style of learning and she adapts her methods to meet their individual needs. She is a fun and enthusiastic tutor who is excited to demonstrate that anyone can improve in this area, given the right tools.
Nalani brings years of experience as a primary school teacher of children through years 2-8. She strongly believes in a phonics based programme that addresses difficulties with Reading, Spelling and Writing by teaching children skills they will have for life. Nalani recognises children have their own unique style of learning and she adapts her methods to meet their individual needs. She is a fun and enthusiastic tutor who is excited to demonstrate that anyone can improve in this area, given the right tools.
