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.
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.
DEAN
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 AIA. His leadership ensures that every learner is supported to thrive, academically, personally, and socially.
DEAN
Kate Thompson is a senior leader in secondary education, an accomplished English teacher, and a dedicated pastoral care advocate. She is known for her empathetic, student-centred approach and her commitment to helping young people thrive both academically and personally. Kate has taught across a variety of school settings in New Zealand, from high-performing academic environments such as Macleans College to smaller, community-based schools, including an area school in Otago, where she served as Head of Department. These diverse experiences have shaped her inclusive educational philosophy and her belief in meeting students where they are, regardless of background or ability. Over the past four years, Kate has worked in online education with Crimson Global Academy, teaching Literature and serving as Pastoral Dean and House Leader. Her leadership reflects her unwavering focus on connection, wellbeing, and student voice, values that continue to guide her work at Aotearoa Infinite Academy.
DEAN
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.
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 and currently works as a School Counsellor at a co-educational secondary 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 AIA student to thrive.
Dr Alvin Chand brings extensive experience in science education, school leadership, and curriculum innovation across New Zealand and Australia. He holds a PhD in Science Education and a Master of Science with First Class Honours from the University of Waikato, where his research focused on culturally responsive pedagogy and Pacific education, resulting in several published works. Currently based in Melbourne, Dr Chand teaches Senior Physics at Cranbourne East Secondary College, following leadership roles as Deputy Principal at Avondale College and Head of Faculty (Science) at James Cook High School in Auckland. He has led major initiatives in online and blended learning through platforms such as Google Classroom and iQualify, improving student engagement and achievement in virtual classrooms. Beyond teaching, Dr Chand has contributed nationally and regionally as an Executive Committee Member of the Oceania Comparative and International Education Society and as an External Moderator for the NZQA.
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.
Sophie Bradley is an experienced Social Sciences educator with over 16 years of teaching in New Zealand and international schools, specializing in Geography and Environmental Sciences. She holds a Bachelor of Humanities in Archaeology and Geography from the University of Southampton and a PGCE in Geography, with expertise in geomorphology, GIS, and archaeological studies. A passionate geographer, Sophie brings creativity to curriculum design, particularly in climate change and sustainability education. She focuses on student-centred, inquiry-based, and project-based learning that links real-world applications with academic rigour. Skilled in building community and industry partnerships, performance assessment, and collaborative teamwork, she fosters learning environments grounded in relationships, empathy, and respect. Committed to global awareness, diversity, and inclusion, Sophie empowers young people to become engaged, compassionate citizens through experiential learning that develops critical thinking and curiosity about the world.