Meet the Team
Jonny Thompson (Educator):
Jonny Thompson is an experienced, registered teacher. He has taught at primary schools in Kāpiti, Wellington and Singapore. He is an advocate of student voice and diversity, and a big believer that learning should engage and empower. He loves that Team Harold Members are curious, respectful, and proud of their identity.
Jonny is hugely dedicated to his role. With high energy, sharp communication and quick rapport, Jonny has created positive relationships up and down the region with students and teachers alike. His rigorous approach to planning and organisation ensures his lessons are dynamic and relevant.
Jonny received the 2023 Life Education Ākina Tohu (Award) for innovative thinking in the face of new challenges, and was appointed as the 2024/2025 Educators’ Facilitator of the Lower North Island.
Jonny is highly qualified, with degrees in film, theatre and teaching, as well as a master’s degree in writing. He is a tertiary certified, technology-in-education leader.
Although his role as a Life Ed Educator brings all of Jonny’s passions together, it is the opportunity to inspire future generations that truly ignites his efforts: “Life Education brings joy to the hearts and minds of children (and their families). It makes the unknown, known, revealing the science behind mental and physical wellbeing in an exciting and meaningful way.”
When he’s not working alongside Harold, Jonny is kept busy by his two young kids and their shared thirst for adventure.
If you’d like discuss a booking or any other matter with Jonny, please reach out to him below:
Shirley Sowry (Chairperson):
Shirley Sowry is a former economics and social studies teacher. She has taught in both primary and secondary schools across New Zealand. Over twenty-five years ago, while relief teaching at two local Kāpiti primary schools, she saw the crucial need for Life Education’s teaching programmes.
With hundreds of volunteer hours and a dedicated committee, she established the Life Education/Kāpiti-Horowhenua Trust. Together the Trust raised over $200k for a mobile classroom, the same one you see today visiting primary schools. Shirley chaired the Trust for a few years after its inception and then confidently stepped down as she saw it was in capable hands.
Shirley has been instrumental in founding and supporting many local charities over the years, and because of her passion for education, she has returned to chairing the Life Education Kāpiti/Horowhenua Trust again. Shirley is excited to continue the great work Life Education Trust is doing in schools.
In 2023, Shirley received a Life Education Distinguished Service Award.
Shirley has four adult children and two grandchildren.
If you’d like to contact Shirley, please reach out to her below:
Malcolm Leeming (Sponsorship & Fundraising):
Coming soon.
In 2023, Malcolm was recognised for decades of service, becoming a Life Member of Life Education.
If you’d like to contact Malcolm about sponsoring Life Education Kāpiti/Horowhenua, please reach out to him below:
David McCrae (Grants):
Coming soon.
Kylie Blake (Treasurer):
Coming soon.
Carol Leeming (Secretary):
Coming soon.
Tim Mikkelsen (Liaison):
Tim Mikkelsen owned and operated Kāpiti Hire from 1999 to 2022.
During his 23 years in business, Tim sat on the HIANZ board (Hire and Rental Association of New Zealand) for fourteen years, and was the national president for twelve. He received a life membership to the association for his commitment to the industry.
Tim is an active member and past president of the Rotary Club of Kāpiti. He sits on the Rotary Club of Kāpiti Charitable, and is a Paul Harris fellow.
Tim brings an operational and business focus to the Trust, drawing on his 23 years of self-employment at Kāpiti Hire.
Tim is married with four adult children and has now retired from active business life.
All of his children have been through the Life Education Trust programme whilst at Raumati South School, and he sees being on the Trust as a great way to give back to the great work that Life Education Trust does.
Sue Whittleston (Liason):
Coming soon.
In 2024, Sue received a Life Education Distinguished Service Award.
Our Sponsors:
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