Sue is a registered teacher with more than 30 years' experience in multi-cultural settings, as well as extensive experience in resilience training for young children and families.
She says she has always been passionate about working with children and their whānau, especially in supporting resilience, confidence, self-esteem and resolving conflict in a peaceful manner.
For a number of years, she has been facilitating resilience programmes in primary schools in the Waipā district. She currently works in seven schools, including local schools Pekerau Primary and Kihikihi Primary.
When working with groups of children she also assists teachers and parents in implementing resilience strategies into the school and home environment.
"I also work closely with psychologist Roxie Hanes from Psychological Well Being in Tamahere," says Sue.
"In 2018 I wrote the Being My Best Resilience programme, which teaches children strategies to help build their confidence, mental & emotional resilience and to reduce anxiety.
"The programme also helps to develop greater self-awareness, social awareness and positive ways of self-management.
"The programme focuses on strengthening children's character through learning and practising virtues such as respect, kindness, helpfulness and service to one's whānau, school and community."
The programme consists of 14 sessions, with children participating in one lesson a week.
Because of the increased demand of children and families needing support, Sue wrote the
Being My Best facilitator's manual to train other teachers.
She is grateful to Rosetown Lions for their generous contribution towards the printing of the manual.
"It means a greater number of children and their families can participate in this programme and be provided with the essential skills and strategies that are required throughout their lives."
