Saira Boyle brings over 25 years of educational leadership experience to her role as Founding Principal of Aotearoa Infinite Academy. Beginning her teaching career in the United Kingdom, Saira quickly advanced through leadership positions before settling with her family in New Zealand. Her career spans both secondary and primary education, including pioneering roles in the establishment of new schools such as Alfriston College and Sancta Maria College, where she served as Head of Faculty and Dean. Saira later became Principal of St Mary’s Ellerslie and subsequently led Willowbank School, one of Auckland’s largest primary schools. In 2022, she transitioned to online education as Principal of Mt Hobson Academy, an experience that now uniquely positions her to lead Aotearoa Infinite Academy with vision, innovation, and deep educational expertise.
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Sian Durbin brings a distinctive blend of leadership, scientific expertise, and international experience to her role as Deputy Principal of Aotearoa Infinite Academy. Originally from Wales, Sian holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry, a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching, and a Master’s in International Business. Her career spans both classroom teaching and faculty leadership across New Zealand and abroad. Before joining Aotearoa Infinite Academy, Sian served as Head of Chemistry at Macleans College and later as a Faculty Leader at Kerikeri High School, where she fostered collaborative teaching practices and supported student achievement across the sciences. Sian is passionate about educational innovation and empowering students to see the connections between science, creativity, and global citizenship. Her strong academic background and commitment to excellence make her a key contributor to Aotearoa Infinite Academy’s vision of high-quality learning for all students.
Sophie is an experienced educator and curriculum leader with over 16 years of teaching and leadership in New Zealand, the UK and Thailand. She holds a Bachelor of Humanities in Archaeology and Geography from the University of Southampton and a PGCE, bringing a strong academic foundation to her work in school-wide curriculum design and innovation. As Deputy Principal, Sophie leads curriculum innovation and assessment across Years 9–11, working to develop future-focused, coherent learning programmes that balance academic rigour with authentic, real-world application. She is passionate about inquiry-based and project-based learning, and is committed to building assessment practices that genuinely reflect student capability and growth. Alongside her curriculum leadership, Sophie plays an active role in the day-to-day operation of the school as part of the Senior Leadership Team, supporting staff, students, and the wider school community to thrive.
Penelope Barton is CEO and Co-founder of Crimson Academies, where she leads a portfolio of innovative schools which provide multi-mode, multi-curriculum and multi-ability education to families seeking greater access to world-class schooling. Pene completed her Master's in Technology with a focus on building community in online schools using mixed reality. Prior to executive roles within Crimson, Pene served in people functions across industries, including: government, banking, and technology, where she supported rapid international expansion and built high-performance cultures from the ground up.
Rachel McClure brings over twenty years of experience in education and information management to her role as Operations Manager at Aotearoa Infinite Academy. She combines a wealth of organisational expertise with a genuine commitment to manaakitanga, which fosters a culture of care, collaboration, and high performance. Known for her strong communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex systems effectively, Rachel is dedicated to creating an environment where both staff and students can achieve their goals. She holds a Master of Information Studies (with Merit) from Victoria University of Wellington, along with qualifications in Visual Arts and Secondary Teaching. Rachel’s professional background spans the library and information sectors as well as teaching and departmental leadership roles across New Zealand and abroad. Her depth of experience and people-centred approach make her an invaluable member of the Aotearoa Infinite Academy leadership team.
Corrie is a passionate and dedicated education professional with 24 years of teaching experience, including leadership roles as an Across School Teacher and Learning Leader. She brings deep expertise in curriculum design and implementation, continually working to make learning meaningful, engaging, and accessible for every student. Corrie has a strong history of building collaborative, multidisciplinary teaching teams and has led assessment practices that genuinely support learning, including learner journals and writing rubrics aligned with the Literacy Learning Progressions. Relationships sit at the centre of Corrie’s practice. She creates warm, whānau-centred environments where students feel safe, valued, and supported, while also maintaining clear expectations for achievement and behaviour. Her high-trust approach encourages both students and colleagues to grow, take risks, and thrive. A reflective practitioner with a strong work ethic, Corrie is committed to improving outcomes for rangatahi. She draws on culturally responsive pedagogy, community connections, and a genuine love of learning to ensure young people feel seen, capable, and inspired.
David Vesseur brings over 14 years of teaching and pastoral leadership experience to his role as Dean at Aotearoa Infinite Academy. He has taught at some of New Zealand’s most respected educational institutions, including Saint Kentigern College and St Peter’s Cambridge. Over the course of his career, David has held a range of key leadership positions, from Teacher in Charge of Junior English to Head of Department and multiple Dean roles, including Junior Dean, Senior Dean, and Lead Dean, culminating in his position as Head of Year 12 at St Peter’s Cambridge. David has extensive experience developing and delivering English and Media Studies across qualification frameworks such as NCEA, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge. He played a central role in shaping his school’s Wellbeing Programme and was elected by staff to represent them on the Board of Trustees for five consecutive years. Known for his genuine passion for education and his ability to build strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and staff, David embodies the values of collaboration and care that define Aotearoa Infinite Academy. His leadership ensures that every learner is supported to thrive, academically, personally, and socially.
COUNSELLOR
Stefanie Williamson brings over 15 years of experience in therapeutic counselling and student wellbeing to her role. A Registered Social Worker with a current practising certificate, she holds a National Diploma in Social Work, a Diploma in Integrative Psychology (Hakomi). She is a graduate of Hakomi Body Integrated Psychotherapy. Her additional professional training includes Interactive Drawing Therapy, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, and Non-violent Communication (NVC). Over the past 15 years, Stefanie has worked across a wide range of settings, including residential therapeutic communities, crisis support centres, rehabilitation services, and secondary schools. From 2019 to 2024, she served as Wellbeing Consultant and Counsellor at an independent co-educational boarding school, alongside her private practice. Passionate about empowering adolescents and families navigating trauma, she combines empathy, professionalism, and a deep respect for human resilience. Based in Central Hawke’s Bay, she brings the healing presence of nature and animals into her therapeutic work, supporting every Aotearoa Infinite Academy student to thrive.
Dean of Engagement
and Pathways
Chevez Makan is an experienced education and pastoral leader with a strong commitment to supporting rangatahi in achieving success across academic, vocational, and personal pathways. He has held roles including Dean of Year 13 and Head of Pathways at Rotorua Boys’ High School. He also serves as the Assistant Director of Boarding at the Tai Mitchell Hostel. Across these roles, Chevez has worked closely with students, whānau, industry partners and tertiary providers to support young people as they transition into further education, training or employment. A key focus of his work has been developing and strengthening pathways programmes that connect students with real-world opportunities, including trades, vocational training and industry-based learning. He is particularly passionate about engaging students who may be unsure of their direction and supporting them to build confidence, clarity and purpose. At the centre of Chevez's practice is the belief that strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful learning and guidance. He prioritises listening to rangatahi and building trusted connections that foster honest conversations, high expectations, and genuine support for their wellbeing and success.
Emma Stoddart is an experienced and innovative science educator with expertise in curriculum planning, programme design, and assessment development. She brings programme management experience from Innovative Young Minds, where she coordinated nationwide online and residential programmes, managed stakeholder relationships, and developed a careers-focused learning management system. Emma is highly proficient in digital platforms, including CRMs and cloud-based tools, and has strong organisational and health and safety management skills. She recently completed a Master of Education at Victoria University of Wellington, with research on technology use, artificial intelligence, and professional learning design. Passionate about enhancing STEM opportunities, particularly for female students, Emma combines practical teaching experience with programme management expertise to deliver research-informed, technology-enhanced education that inspires and engages young people.
Georgina Robinson, originally from England, is an accomplished educational leader and English specialist with a dynamic career across New Zealand secondary schools. Since arriving in Aotearoa in 2004, she has held key leadership positions in some of the country’s most respected schools, beginning her New Zealand career at Macleans College in Auckland, where she led the large and high-achieving English department as Head of Department. In 2018, she relocated to the Bay of Islands to assume the same role at Kerikeri High School, where she remained for seven years. Most recently, Georgina worked as Deputy Principal at One School Global, gaining valuable experience in a progressive, technology-driven environment that champions self-directed, online learning. She has taught NCEA Levels 1–3, Scholarship English, and the Cambridge International Education syllabus, demonstrating expertise across Years 9–13 and diverse student cohorts. With a deep passion for literature, innovative pedagogy, and student empowerment, Georgina brings extensive curriculum leadership and a collaborative, solutions-focused mindset to Aotearoa Infinite Academy.
Steve Buckley brings over forty years of teaching experience to his role as Head of Mathematics at Aotearoa Infinite Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences from the University of Bradford and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Avery Hill College, London. Steve began his career in the United Kingdom, where he advanced through several teaching and leadership positions, specialising in Mathematics from Foundation to A Level and Further Mathematics. After emigrating to New Zealand, he became Head of Mathematics at Macleans College, where he guided many students to success in NZQA Scholarship Statistics and Calculus. Steve transitioned to online education with Crimson Global Academy, where he embraced the opportunities of digital learning. His wealth of experience and dedication to academic excellence now underpin his leadership of Aotearoa Infinite Academy’s Mathematics Faculty. In recognition of his long-standing contribution to Mathematics education, Steve was awarded Life Membership of the Auckland Mathematical Association in December 2024.
Sian Redwood joins Aotearoa Infinite Academy as Curriculum Leader for Social Sciences. She has previously taught at Macleans College and Sancta Maria College in Auckland, and has spent seven years teaching English in Nagasaki, Japan.
Her areas of curriculum expertise include History, Classical Studies and Art History. Through her experience teaching in both New Zealand and Japan, Sian has developed a broad perspective on education and brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Sian looks forward to meeting Aotearoa Infinite Academy students and wishes everyone a productive and joyful Semester 2.