Our Leadership Team
Amy Geue
Executive Principal
- Master of Special Education (Deaf and hard of hearing)
- Master of Education (Special Education)
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
- Postgraduate certificate in Leadership (University of South Australia)
- Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Management
Amy has over 25 years of experience in Deaf education and is committed to ensuring that Deaf and hard of hearing learners have every opportunity to thrive. Amy is a qualified Teacher of the Deaf and inclusive education teacher, as well as a qualified and experienced leader. She is passionate about inclusive education and delivering evidence-informed best practice that is grounded in research.
Amy has a range of experience across education sectors, including early childhood and senior secondary learning. Her deep understanding of curriculum, pedagogy, and professional development has supported teams of leaders and teachers to develop high-quality teaching and learning practices. Amy values collaboration and co-design, as well as enhancing culturally safe practices through listening to the voices of the community.
As a Deaf person, Amy is committed to providing all Deaf and hard of hearing learners with a high quality education that supports the belief and knowledge that they can achieve anything they set their mind to.
Olivia Gorman
Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning
- Bachelor of Education (Teaching)
- University of Canterbury Facilitator micro-credential BSLA
Olivia began her teaching career in 2010 at several schools in the South Island before moving to London. A career highlight was her time teaching and leading in Abu Dhabi-UAE, where she stepped into leadership at Aldar Academy as Head of Year. In 2019, Olivia returned to Aotearoa to join a partner school of Ko Taku Reo in Auckland, taking on middle and senior leadership roles.
In 2022, she joined the Ko Taku Reo Outreach leadership team on secondment, stepping into a permanent role as National Leader, Outreach School the following year. In 2024, Olivia transitioned into the Enrolled School, continuing to champion inclusive, student-centred education. She is passionate about advocating for Deaf students and colleagues as a committed ally.
Sarah de Heer
Deputy Principal, Culture and Language
- B.Ed (Bachelor of Education)
- Dip.T (Diploma of Teaching)
- Diploma of Child and Adolescent Psychology
Sarah has worked in education since 1996 as a primary teacher in New Zealand and England. Holding leadership positions from her 5th–11th years of teaching, she has found herself drawn to educational leadership and working with teams. After six years away following the birth of her first and second sons, she returned to education, working at van Asch as the Residential Team Leader. Having her oldest son with a rare genetic syndrome, which includes being Deaf, a whole new world of learning and skills has opened up for her.
Sarah is grateful to have learned NZSL in the last ten years while working in Deaf Education, and she has a passion for continuing to see improved outcomes for all learners who face additional challenges. Being Associate Principal of van Asch was a highlight, as she could use her full range of skills in this role.
James Townshend
Deputy Principal, Pedagogy and Curriculum
- Diploma of Teaching: Primary
- Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching: Deaf and Hard of Hearing/ Adv Dip Tchg
- National Aspiring Principals Programme graduate
James is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and has almost 30 years of experience as an educator of the deaf and leader in many areas across the Deaf education sector.
James's passion is to empower teachers and support staff to understand and respond to the unique learning, language, and cultural needs of Deaf children. He has been a Primary Teacher, Deaf Bilingual Teacher, Specialist Teacher – Visual Communication, Regional Coordinator, Associate Principal, NZSL@School Lead, Head of Specialist Services, and Head of Pedagogy and Professional Development at Ko Taku Reo.
Currently, James is leading the 2025–2026 Professional Learning and Development Contract with the Ministry of Education to lift the NZSL and Deaf Bilingual teaching skills of our Teachers of the Deaf.
E: james.townshend@kotakureo.school.nz
Matthew Koning
Director of Corporate Services
- Bachelor of Business Studies
Matthew began working in Deaf education in November 2014 as the executive officer at van Asch Deaf Education Centre. In October 2017, he also took on the role of Executive Officer at Kelston Deaf Education Centre. With the merger of the two centres in July 2020, he was appointed Director of Corporate Services for Ko Taku Reo – Deaf Education New Zealand and sits on the Board's Finance & Property, HR, and Compliance & Risk Committees.
Before Deaf Education, Matthew had 20 years of experience in a chartered accountancy practice before being appointed executive officer at another specialist residential school.
Matthew has a proven track record in executive leadership and financial and operational management.
Huia Toia-Coll
Head of Enrolled School
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (Physiology, Zoology, Anatomy and Structural Biology)
- Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)
Ko Manaia me Whataha ōku maunga.
Ko Terenga Parāoa me Waitangi ōku awa.
Ko Takahiwai me Tauwhara ōku marae.
Ko Patuharakeke rāua ko Ngāi Tawake ki te Tuawhenua ōku hapū.
Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi.
Mauri ora!
Huia has more than 20 years of experience in education across Aotearoa New Zealand and the United Kingdom. A specialist in secondary science and biology, she began her leadership journey as Head of Science before moving into learning support leadership and deputy principal roles at Otamatea High School and Whangārei Boys' High School. Most recently, Huia served as a Curriculum Advisor with the Ministry of Education, supporting schools across Te Tai Tokerau to implement the refreshed national curriculum.
Throughout her career, Huia has remained committed to educational equity and ensuring that all ākonga have access to meaningful opportunities for success. She is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where every learner feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.
As Head of Enrolled School at Ko Taku Reo, Huia leads the school's enrolled school provisions across Aotearoa. She brings a strong belief in the power of relationships, high expectations, and collaborative practice to achieve positive outcomes for ākonga, whānau, and communities.
Daniel Greenwood
Head of Pedagogy and Professional Development
- Bachelor of Physical Education
- Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching: Deaf Education
- Postgraduate Certificate in Digital & Collaborative Learning
Daniel is a Deaf teacher with nearly 20 years of experience in Deaf education across several roles, including as a classroom teacher in high school and transition settings, and as a leader. He grew up in West Auckland and brings lived experience by attending Deaf provisions in Kelston. He is passionate about ensuring Deaf students thrive, become valued and ambitious leaders, and contribute to their communities. This is driven by high-impact teaching strategies and universal learning design, and by ensuring our educators are up to date and informed on evidence-based best practices with Deaf children.
Stephanie Sullivan
Head of Regional Outreach Services
Stephanie (Steph) brings over 25 years of experience in education and leadership to Ko Taku Reo. She has worked across all age groups and many aspects of school life, including leadership roles on steering committees and in school management.
Before joining Ko Taku Reo, Steph held a national role as Academic and Quality Assurance Manager for the YMCA and was a member of the National Academic Group.
Since joining Ko Taku Reo, Steph has worked in a range of areas, including the Enrolled School, Curriculum Team, Assessment and Reporting Team, Outreach School, Advice and Personal Guidance (A&PG), and as NZSL Services Manager.
Steph is passionate about building environments where people are supported to succeed, both individually and together.
Nicki Morrision
Head of Residential and Immersion
E: nicki.morrison@kotakureo.school.nz
Nicki has been dedicated to Deaf education within Residential Services since 2005. With extensive experience as both a Residential Leader and Head of Residence, she brings deep insight into the environment, wellbeing, and holistic needs of Deaf students.
Growing up within the Deaf community herself, Nicki applies a strong Deaf lens to every aspect of her work—ensuring that residential life is culturally responsive, linguistically accessible, and grounded in Deaf identity and values. She is passionate about creating a safe, empowering space where Deaf students from across Aotearoa can come to the Residence, feel at home, and thrive.
Nicki’s longstanding commitment, lived experience, and advocacy for Deaf centred environments make her a highly valued member of the team and a strong supporter of students’ growth and success.
Krista Clifford
Head of Early Years
- Bachelor of Education BEd
- Higher Diploma of Teaching HDipTchg
- Diploma in Education of Students with Hearing Impairment
Krista has worked in Deaf Education as a qualified primary teacher since 1996 and trained as a Teacher of the Deaf. She has extensive knowledge and experience, having worked in many Deaf Education roles in New Zealand and Tasmania, Australia, including Classroom Teacher, LOTE (Languages Other Than English) Teacher, Bilingual Teacher of the Deaf, Resource Teacher of the Deaf (ToD), Mentor for Trainee ToDs, NZSL@School Lead, and Preschool Lead. As a Deaf teacher, Krista brings not only lived experience but also a deep insight into the lives of Deaf and hard of hearing children.
Her passion for Deaf Education also extends to the early years to ensure positive outcomes, and she is thoroughly enjoying her current role as the Acting Head of Early Years. Krista also has a wealth of governance knowledge, having been a board member on the Combined Board (van Asch and Kelston Deaf Education Centres) during the merger and continued her second term on the Ko Taku Reo Deaf Education Board.
Catherine Greenwood
Head of Culture and Language
Master of Culture and Language
Bachelor of Arts (English Studies)
Catherine joined the Ko Taku Reo whānau in 2025 as an NZSL Kaiārahi on the Ministry of Education-funded NZSL Professional Learning and Development (PLD) for Teachers project.
As a Deaf person, Catherine brings both lived experience and more than 20 years of professional and community involvement within the Deaf community. She has held a range of roles across services, communication access, and community engagement, most recently with New Zealand Relay. Since 2019, Catherine has served on the NZSL Board, a ministerial-appointed governance board, and has been Chair since May 2024.
Catherine is passionate about language acquisition, bilingual education, and culturally responsive practice. She is committed to supporting staff across Ko Taku Reo to strengthen their understanding and use of NZSL, while fostering an organisational culture that embeds Deaf identity, language, and belonging. Catherine values collaboration with whānau, communities, and professionals, and believes that culturally and linguistically affirming environments support Deaf and hard of hearing learners to thrive.
Graeme Bisseker
Head of Human Resources
- Graduate Diploma – Human Resources Management, AHRNZ
After 17 years as a statutory social worker, Graeme moved into social services management, having led local and national agencies. After completing his Level 7 Human Resources qualification, he spent 11 years in Human Resources Management, first in Mental Health and now in Education Services. He has worked in HR for over 20 years, spanning industries including education, health, welfare, construction, and agriculture.
Graeme also has a history in early childhood education. He has set up two community centres and worked on an Early Years national executive covering around 200 centres, providing governance and management advice/support.
He brings sound HR knowledge and broad organisational experience in vulnerable people's workplaces. While working at Ko Taku Reo, he also learned (and is still learning) about working with Deaf and hard of hearing staff and understanding Deaf culture. Graeme loves the challenge of Human Resources – ensuring that our staff are our number one asset.
Sue Capper
Head of Finance
- Bachelor of Science (Hons), Master of Professional Accounting, Chartered Accountant
- Programme Management certificate from the UK Office of Government Commerce (OGC)
- Approved Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Framework
Sue is a Chartered Accountant with a broad range of skills in financial management and accounting, human resources, and office management and administration. She has gained these skills working for various organisations within the small to medium enterprise, not-for-profit, and corporate sectors in New Zealand. Coming from the United Kingdom, Sue also has a background in IT, from business and systems analysis to large-scale project, programme, and change management on core financial systems within the large UK clearing banks and financial institutes.
Dita Ciulacu
Head of IT
- MBA, University of Otago
- Chartered Member of Instituted of Directors (CMInstD)
- Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) – ISACA
- Certified Agile Scrum Master (ASM)
- ITIL v3 Certification
- NZIM Diploma in Project Management
- Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
- Bachelor of Information Systems, Romanian-American University
- Courses in Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori, Massey University
- Health and Safety Representative Training – Safety in Action
Dita brings more than two decades of IT and digital leadership experience across health, government, and not-for-profit sectors. She has led technology and transformation programmes in organisations supporting people with intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges, ensuring systems empower frontline services and improve lives. Dita's career also includes senior roles within central government agencies, where she delivered secure, resilient, and future-focused digital environments. Alongside her executive work, Dita serves as an independent director and actively volunteers her time to community causes. She is known for building collaborative teams, driving innovation, and keeping technology aligned with purpose and people.