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 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.
Dr Denise Powell
Executive Principal Transition Advisor
- Doctor of Education
- Adv Dip Tchg (endorsed Education of the Deaf)
- PG Dip Guidance and Counselling
- Churchill Fellow (CF)
- Adjunct Research Fellow (University of Canterbury)
With over 40 years of experience as an educator, Denise has dedicated her career to creating inclusive learning environments and advocating for excellence and innovation in the education sector. She believes in the importance of keeping at the forefront of new, evidence-based ways of engaging and educating Deaf and hard of hearing ākonga. Her doctoral thesis investigated Deaf Students’ Learning and Social Participation Experiences in Tertiary Education. Between 2012 and 2021, she was responsible for specialist post-graduate training for Teachers of the Deaf nationally. Denise was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to investigate co-enrolment in Deaf Education and is currently the Executive Editor (Oceania) for Deafness & Education International and co-chair for ICED 2030.
Ginny Neal
Director of Education Services
- Bachelor of Teaching and Learning
- Advanced Diploma of Teaching
- Higher Diploma of Teaching
- Diploma of Teaching
- Advanced Classroom Expert Teacher endorsement
- Fully registered teacher
Ginny is a teacher and leader who is highly experienced in leadership and school management. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning, Advanced Diploma of Teaching, Higher Diploma of Teaching, and Diploma of Teaching, and her expertise spans the educational spectrum from early years to transition. As a Kahui Ako Lead Principal, she led collaborative initiatives to enhance student outcomes.
Her roles as Head of Curriculum, Assessment, and Reporting and her current position as Acting Director of Education Services showcase her expertise in strategic planning and administrative and educational insight. Ginny is dedicated to educational excellence and innovation for our Deaf and hard of hearing learners. Ginny is an experienced school principal and has served as principal at a variety of schools since 1995.
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.
Sarah de Heer
Senior Leader Planning and Engagement (Teaching & Learning)
- 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
Head of Pedagogy and Professional Development
- 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
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.
Olivia Gorman
Head of Enrolled School
- 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.
Nicki Morrision
Head of Residential and Immersion
E: nicki.morrison@kotakureo.school.nz
Nicki has been dedicated to Deaf education in a Residence role since 2005. Her experience as a Residential Leader and Head of Residence has given her a wealth of knowledge about the surroundings and the needs of Deaf students. She is passionate about ensuring that students from around New Zealand can come to the Residence and thrive with positive attitudes. Nicki's understanding of the Deaf community, having grown up in it herself, makes her a valuable asset to the team.
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 different roles in New Zealand and Tasmania, Australia. 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.
Kelly Stanley
Head of Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting
- BTchLn – Primary
- University of Canterbury Facilitator micro-credential BSLA: Facilitating Change in Early Literacy
Kelly is a qualified teacher with 15 years of education and classroom experience. As a trained facilitator of the Better Start literacy program and former Deputy Principal, she has led numerous initiatives that drive student success. As a Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and head of Gifted and Talented programmes, she champions inclusive education and talent development. Now, as Head of Curriculum, Kelly continues to lead with innovation, shaping educational pathways for future generations.
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.