Supporting Secondary Schools
Leadership Development • Teacher Wellbeing • Student Wellbeing
Working with Schools
As a former teacher with over 13 years of classroom experience across New Zealand, Australia, Japan, London, and Hong Kong, I understand the rewards, challenges, and realities of teaching because I've lived them.
I've experienced the joy of teaching, along with the complexity of the profession, lesson planning, supporting diverse learners, managing behaviour, working alongside families and whānau, navigating expectations, adapting to curriculum changes, attending countless meetings, and balancing competing priorities, all while striving to provide the very best outcomes for every student.
I believe education is about more than academic achievement. When leaders, teachers, and students understand themselves, regulate their emotions, and feel connected to who they are, learning, leadership, and wellbeing naturally flourish.
My approach combines empowerment coaching, neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and holistic wellbeing practices to create practical, engaging, programmes that support the whole school community.
Every workshop is tailored to the unique needs and goals of your school.
Leadership Development
School leadership has never been more complex.
Principals and senior leaders are navigating increasing expectations while supporting staff wellbeing, student achievement, organisational change, and their own personal resilience.
I work alongside leadership teams to strengthen:
✓ Emotional intelligence
✓ Self-awareness and resilience
✓ Communication and difficult conversations
✓ Confidence and decision-making
✓ Stress management and nervous system regulation
✓ Sustainable leadership practices
Strong leaders create healthy school cultures.
Teacher Wellbeing
Teachers give so much of themselves every day.
Between teaching, behaviour management, administration, pastoral care, and supporting students and whānau, it's easy for their own wellbeing to be overlooked.
My workshops provide practical strategies that help teachers:
✓ Manage stress and prevent burnout
✓ Strengthen emotional resilience
✓ Regulate their nervous system
✓ Improve emotional intelligence
✓ Set healthy boundaries
✓ Reconnect with purpose and wellbeing
When teachers feel supported, calm, and empowered, the entire school community benefits.
Student Wellbeing (Years 9–13)
Today's young people are navigating more than ever before. Academic expectations, friendships, social media, family pressures, identity, and uncertainty can leave many students feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected.
My workshops provide practical tools that help students better understand themselves, build emotional resilience, and confidently navigate life's challenges.
Students develop:
✓ Emotional intelligence
✓ Confidence and self-belief
✓ Stress management and emotional regulation
✓ Healthy self-talk and mindset
✓ Resilience and adaptability
✓ Study skills, focus, and time management
Every session is interactive, engaging, and tailored to the age, year level, and needs of your students.
Rory Mckeague, Vice Principal
King George V School, Hong Kong
"Laree was superb! We have been getting non-stop positive feedback from our students! Laree really held their attention throughout and had such important messages around self-inquiry, breathing exercises, using your imagination and many more strategies for looking after your mental health; we loved the interactive approach our students were actively engaged throughout the session.
Thank you, Laree, for an outstanding session."
Hine Stewart-Waenga, Vice Principal
Te Wharekura o Maniapoto, Aotearoa
"Our session with Laree was nothing short of transformative. As educators, we often carry the weight of stress and anxiety, and this workshop gave us tools to let it all go. Through gentle guidance and deep understanding, Laree Te Kanawa introduced powerful practices that helped us settle our nervous systems and reconnect with a sense of calm.
We left feeling more grounded, present, and equipped with practical tools we can use daily, not just for ourselves, but to bring more calm into our classrooms."
Vanessa Te Huia, Vice Principal
Otorohanga College, Aotearoa
"Laree ran a series of wellness sessions for our students, and we were impressed by her ability to connect with the students and facilitate such a positive shift in their wellbeing and self-awareness in a short amount of time. The students learned valuable tools and strategies for managing their thoughts and emotions, which is essential for their overall development. We observed a tangible change in their demeanour, moving from feelings of anxiety and discomfort to a sense of calm and happiness.
We highly recommend Laree's sessions to any school looking to support their students with practical wellness tools."
Let’s Work Together
Whether you're looking to support your leadership team, invest in staff wellbeing, or empower your students, I'd love to work alongside your school to create a healthier, more connected learning environment.