Meet Our Tutors
Master of Education, Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary), Graduate Diploma (Marketing), Bachelor of Social Science (Economics and Psychology), AMADA Certificate of Associate Membership with the Australian Dyslexia Association.
This AMADA certificate is specifically accredited to those who meet all qualifications to serve as practitioners of Multisensory Structured Literacy.
Prior to starting Mindfull Tutoring I was full-time classroom teaching in state schools. During this time, I taught students from New Entrants to Year 11, held management responsibilities and continued my part-time study towards my Masters of Education, gaining this in 2014. Once I was on maternity leave with our first son, I was approached by former colleagues to tutor their children and from here my tutoring business grew and grew.
In 2024, a colleague and I opened another company called 'Growing Explicit Learning' to provide professional development for schools in the implementation of a Structured Literacy Approach for the Ministry of Education.
In addition, I provide Specialist Teaching at a local school for their Tier 2 and 3 Structured Literacy students.
I have a lifelong love for learning and continue to challenge myself to learn new skills, as I believe that part of being a good teacher is understanding how people learn. I particularly enjoy seeing students grasp new concepts and come back to tutoring feeling proud of how they applied this new learning to the classroom setting, and/or achieved pleasing results in assessments and exams. Building a positive relationship with each of my students and their families is key to the students’ tutoring successes. It is through these positive relationships that students feel comfortable asking questions and strive to reach their full potential. Nothing gives me more pleasure than hearing how a student has reached a personal goal, after a lot of hard work and dedication. I believe that anything is possible if you are determined to succeed and have the right people helping you along the way.
Head Teacher
Melanie Delport is a graduate of the University of the Free State in South Africa with a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Teaching. She also has Graduate Certificates from Wintec in both TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) and Information Technology in Education.
Melanie has taught Mathematics at Hamilton Christian School, Hamilton Dio for Girls’, and Hamilton Girls’, where she also taught ESOL. In addition to this, Melanie has also taught an Accounting course at the University of Waikato.
Here at Mindfull Tutoring, Melanie teaches Junior and early High School Mathematics and English.
Melanie has an excellent teaching approach that combines patience and passion, which allows students to develop a love of learning.
Her favorite thing about teaching is those ‘lightbulb moments’, where students identify and remedy the missing links in their understanding.
Melanie believes Mindfull Tutoring provides a non-threatening learning environment, where students can formulate questions without feeling under pressure.
When she isn’t teaching, Melanie enjoys arts and crafts, sewing, and pottery, as well as staying fit and healthy by gardening and walking the dog.
Junior English, Mathematics, and MSL
Alice Cook
Alice Cook is a graduate of the University of Canterbury with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching, She has also received a Bachelor’s degree in Sports and Leisure from the University of Waikato. Additionally, Alice completed the Incredible Years programme. Alice is currently working towards her AMADA Certificate (Associate Member of the Australian Dyslexic Association) through IMSLE which is awarded to highly trained Structured Literacy practitioners.
Alice has taught primary learners at Parawai School, where she served as the curriculum release teacher.
Here at Mindfull Tutoring, Alice teaches Multisensory Structured Literacy, as well as Junior English and Mathematics. Alongside working at Mindfull Tutoring, Alice has provided professional learning development in a Structured Literacy Approach for primary school educators through Growing Explicit Learning.
Alice excels at approaching student learning using a variety of methodologies. She believes patience and the development of a positive relationship to be key in maximising student growth.
Her favourite aspect of teaching is helping students build a sense of confidence.
Alice believes Mindfull Tutoring provides learners an environment where they can work at their own pace; substituting the sense of competition between peers with healthy competition with oneself.
Outside of Mindfull Tutoring, Alice enjoys all things outdoors. She is a keen football player, and often works on a dairy farm.
Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics
Swathi Rangarajan
Swathi Rangarajan is a graduate of Waikato University with a PhD in Education. In addition to this, she also holds numerous qualifications in other subjects which she received both here and abroad, including a Bachelors degree in Engineering.
In New Zealand, Swathi has worked with tertiary students in academic support, supported pre-service teachers in Maths and Technology Education, and worked as a research assistant in Education.
Here at Mindfull Tutoring, Swathi teaches Junior and Senior Mathematics, as well as Chemistry and Physics.
As a teacher, Swathi has a plethora of expertise regarding teaching methods; she is able to employ dialogue based teaching strategies in order to ensure a student’s voice is not lost in the learning process.
Swathi has a deep love of teaching, her favourite aspect is interacting with young people, understanding how they think, and assisting in the development of their minds.
Swathi believes that Mindfull Tutoring provides an environment in which individual students are able to get the level of attention they require; every student has different needs and personalised teaching can make an enormous difference.
Outside of Mindfull Tutoring, Swathi describes herself as a ‘serial hobbyist’ (someone whose hobby is the acquisition of new hobbies). She also enjoys reading.
Degree in Applied Mathematics, Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary), Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics Education
I hold a degree in Applied Mathematics from US Presbyterian Forman Christian College in Lahore. Along with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) from Auckland University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Mathematics Education from Massey University. I have taught both in New Zealand and at international schools. I bring with me a strong understanding of mathematics education and a passion to see children succeed. When working with students, it is important to me that I discover what prior understanding they bring with them to ensure that new learning builds on these foundation blocks. I look forward working with your child/children to help them love and understand mathematics.
Junior and Senior English
Liam Hinton
Liam Hinton is a Master’s graduate from the University of Waikato with an advanced degree in Professional Writing. He also holds a Bachelor's Degree, double majoring in English and Theatre.
His teaching experience includes assisting as an undergraduate tutor for several English courses at the University of Waikato.
The teaching ranged from 100-300 level and included essay work, reading comprehension, referencing styles, research skills, textual analysis, advanced study techniques, as well as persuasive, creative, and seminar writing.
Here at Mindfull Tutoring, Liam teaches reading, writing, and spelling at an upper Primary level. He also teaches High School English, including NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3.
Liam is an experienced essay writer, with reviews published in Poetry New Zealand. He specialises in teaching formal essay structure and ensuring students are prepared for exam settings.
Liam’s favourite aspect of teaching is expanding students' social, historical, and philosophical understandings of the world through literature.
He believes Mindfull Tutoring provides an excellent model, allowing students to both excel where they are strongest, and improve in areas where they are struggling.
Outside of Mindfull Tutoring, Liam is a published poet, playwright, and short-fiction writer; he also runs a local theatre company.
Junior English, Junior Mathematics, and MSL
Linda Watling
Linda Watling is a graduate of Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching.
Linda has taught at schools in South Africa and New Zealand, including Moaat Girls’ High, Balmoral Primary, Tainui Intermediate, Whakamaru Primary, Morrinsville Primary, Horsham Downs Primary, and Fairfield Intermediate. She has also lectured at Edgewood College of Education.
Here at Mindfull Tutoring, Linda teaches reading, writing, spelling, Primary Mathematics, and Multisensory Structured Literacy.
Linda specialises in making connections with students, parents, and the larger community. She has great organisational skills and is passionate about education.
Her favorite aspect of teaching is assisting in students' intellectual development. She enjoys helping them achieve their goals.
Linda believes that Mindfull Tutoring benefits students by providing a calm and collected learning environment. Students are encouraged to ask questions they might not feel comfortable asking in a class context.
Outside of Mindfull Tutoring, Linda enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cricket, hockey, and arts and crafts.
Junior English, Junior Mathematics, and MSL
Jill Burns
Jill Burns has been teaching Primary School learners for over forty years. Since 1975, she has taught at the following Primary Schools: Glenholme, Murupara, Tawhiuau, Motu, Waiterimu, Kerepehi, and Reporoa.
Here at Mindfull Tutoring, Jill teaches Primary School reading, writing, spelling, Multisensory Structured Literacy, and Mathematics.
Given her lengthy experience as a teacher, Jill knows the importance of being prepared, but also flexible. Jill’s ability to continuously assess and adapt to the developing needs of students makes her invaluable as a tutor..
Jill puts emphasis upon interpersonal relationships with students and parents, education is a joint venture, and Jill believes open communication allows her to best fulfill her role.
Her favorite aspect of teaching is meeting new people and assisting them in making discoveries.
Jill believes Mindfull Tutoring is an exceptional learning environment as it offers individualised, undisrupted teaching, where educators have access to strong resources.
Outside of teaching, Jill maintains good health by spending time gardening, swimming, and socialising.
Junior and Senior Science
Garry Galvez
Garry Galvez is a Doctor of Philosophy in Science and Technology Education, a degree he received from the University of Waikato. He also received a Master’s degree majoring in Chemistry Education from the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
Garry has taught general Science and Chemistry in Hamilton at Melville High School, and in the Philippines. He has also performed community work as a teacher trainer in Manila on behalf of the Foundation for Upgrading the Standard of Education.
Here at Mindfull Tutoring, Garry teaches NCEA level 3 Chemistry, level 2 Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and level 1 Science. He also teaches Junior Science, and runs our special Science club for primary learners.
Garry has an in-depth knowledge of his chosen subject, built from his many years of experience teaching students and educators
His favourite part of teaching is helping students unlock an understanding that provides them the agency needed to pursue further learning.
Garry believes Mindfull Tutoring is an excellent learning institution due to its commitment to continuous growth, developing alongside the education system, frequently updating its resources, and offering professional development and further training to its staff.
Outside of Mindfull Tutoring, Garry enjoys reading, watching films, watercolour painting, and traveling.
Senior Physics and Mathematics
Joseph Fournier d’Albe
Joseph Fournier d’Albe a graduate of the University of Auckland with an Honours degree in Mathematics. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Mathematics and Physics.
Joseph has taught Mathematics and Physics as an Undergraduate tutor at the University of Auckland. This included expanding upon material introduced during lectures, and providing assistance with University level assignments.
Here at Mindful Tutoring Joseph teaches Mathematics and Physics, both at an NCEA and early High School level.
Joseph is excellent at evaluating and adapting to the unique ways in which an individual student understands their given subject. This allows Joseph to work with how they work, engaging with them however is most compatible with their learning style.
Joseph’s favourite part of teaching is helping students become self-motivated and self-sufficient in their education. He finds it rewarding when students take joy in their success.
Joseph believes Mindfull Tutoring’s focus upon interpersonal connection ensures students are able to truly utilise the tutors as an educational resource.
Outside of Mindfull Tutoring, Joseph is interested in computer coding and is currently developing a 3D graphics engine that he hopes will be used for animation, video-game development, and as a learning tool.
Junior and Senior English, Junior Mathematics and MSL
Roya Timmo
Roya Timmo is a graduate of Massey University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She also has a Graduate Diploma in Teaching through the University of Waikato.
Prior to her work at Mindfull Tutoring, Roya has taught in South Auckland at Ngākōroa School and Edmund Hillary School.
Here at Mindfull Tutoring, Roya teaches Multisensory Structured Literacy, Junior and Senior English, as well as Junior Mathematics. Alongside working at Mindfull Tutoring, Roya has provided professional learning development in a Structured Literacy Approach for primary school educators through Growing Explicit Learning.
Roya specialises in connecting personally with students, believing that getting to know them as individuals is crucial to maximising their learning. Identifying what motivates her students, and their interests, helps Roya to best identify their learning style and adapt her teaching strategy.
Her favourite aspect of teaching is witnessing the progress students make first-hand, accompanied by the growth of their self-esteem and the development of a life-long passion for learning.
Roya believes Mindfull Tutoring provides many benefits for its learners, particularly the Structured Literacy approach, which employs a research based methodology to the teaching of core Literacy skills.
Outside of Mindfull Tutoring, Roya owns a horse named ‘Batman’ and is a keen reader.
Intermediate and Senior Mathematics
Doug Ashley-Miller
Doug Ashley-Miller is a graduate of Massey University with both a Post-Graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology and a Conjoint Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Education – his Bachelor’s degree was a double major in English and Mathematics.
Doug currently teaches at Hamilton Boys’ High School; previously, he has taught English, Mathematics, and Science at numerous schools, including Melville High School, Morrinsville Intermediate, and Mount Albert Grammar School.
Here at Mindfull Tutoring, Doug will be teaching Mathematics at an intermediate and high school level.
Doug’s background in Educational Psychology allows him to effectively build confidence in students, forging positive relationships and offering guidance that maximises their learning.
Doug’s favourite aspect of teaching are the moments in which students achieve an understanding that was previously out of reach to them.
Doug believes Mindfull Tutoring’s model to be effective as it allows teachers to specifically tailor their lessons to the needs of each individual student; extending them if they are already excelling within the subject, or offering the assistance needed to get them up to speed.
Outside of Mindfull Tutoring, Doug enjoys a range of outdoor activities, including bush walking.
Anita Stent
Anita Stent has a Bachelor’s degree in Education, specifically primary school Education; additionally, she has a SPELD NZ Teaching Certificate in Specific Learning Disabilities.
Anita has taught primary school aged children for eight years in New Zealand, as well as having taught for two years overseas, in England.
Here at Mindfull Tutoring, Anita teaches Junior English and Structured Literacy.
Her favourite aspect of teaching is identifying the most effective method of engaging her students’ abilities, ensuring they become well-versed in their core literacy skills.
Anita specialises in providing lessons that are perfectly tailored to students’ skill levels, where challenge is fine tuned to be ‘around four percent higher than their current capabilities’.
Anita believes Mindfull Tutoring provides additional opportunities for students to receive individualised support or extension in a safe learning environment. Specifically, Structured Literacy tuition is particularly effective for students with specific learning difficulties as it aligns with the science of reading and writing, using multisensory learning to help students retain knowledge.
Outside of Mindfull Tutoring, Anita enjoys staying active with family and friends - she is also hard at work learning the clarinet.
Junior and Senior Mathematics
Jackie Watton
Jackie Watton is a graduate of Massey University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching.
Jackie has an abundance of teaching experience both nationally and abroad; notably, she has taught at St John’s College, Sacred Heart Girls’ College, Campion College in Gisborne, and Swanley Comprehensive School in Kent (England).
Here at Mindfull Tutoring, Jackie teaches Mathematics up to NCEA level two.
Jackie’s fruitful career as a Mathematics teacher has taught her the importance of listening and taking each student as they come. She believes in forging strong communicative relationships with both students and their parents.
Jackies’s favourite aspect of teaching are the ‘a-ha’ moments, when a student has made a connection that makes a considerable difference within both their learning and confidence.
She believes Mindfull Tutoring’s model makes a huge difference for students; through the tailored lessons and one-on-one time with subject specialists, students gain the confidence needed to become proactive and excel in their education.
Outside of Mindfull Tutoring, Jackie enjoys the outdoors; she is also a keen reader.