WANAEXCEL

Sharyn & Murray – Directors

My idea of ‘learning through life’ certainly used to gain some raised eyebrows when I first started primary teaching in the days when education was traditional and structured.   Back then, my teaching style was thought to be a 'little outside the box' – always a busy, happy environment where music played in the background and children confidently tackled hands-on experiences.  Not much time was spent at their desks and they were often in small groups or had taken themselves off somewhere to work independently fully immersed in their learning. There was room for each child regardless of their age or stage to develop in their own way to reach their best potential.

Now thirty years on, with a wealth of teaching and mentoring experience in all levels of education;  from primary to infants and pre-schoolers which led to the development of a private primary school, through to running a pilot programme for elite secondary school sport students and back again, I know I was on to a good thing, right from the start!

Everyone has the power to achieve great things if they are given the right circumstances, the right time and the right space to do so. I look forward to a new journey and working alongside your  family at WanaExcel.

In the past thirty years, my husband Murray has always worked tirelessly alongside me to create and maintain our inspiring learning environments.  His meticulous standards and unwavering support can always be relied upon at each stage of our development and his straight forward approach keeps us all on track should we start to wander!

Josh Thomas - Director of Osteopathy

Growing up I always knew I wanted to end up in a job that would be different every day.  During my senior years at High School, I was unaware of exactly what this would entail until I discovered an interest in Science and in particular, the function of the Human Body.  This, combined with a love of socialising and interacting with others had a big influence on my decision to become an Osteopath.

Although I will also be involved in the educational side of WanaExcel, my primary role lies with Osteopathy Works.  Osteopathy is a very adaptive form of pain intervention and care that caters to individuals of all age groups.

After five years of study to complete my Master’s Degree, I am excited to join forces with my family to create a Health and Education Hub that will provide others with the opportunities that I was privileged enough to have as a youngster and assist the people of Wanaka in reaching their greatest potential.

Being surrounded by education and competitive sports my whole life; I have grown up valuing the importance of drive, determination and a strong work ethic. Competing and coaching in Cheerleading to an international level has taught me that love and passion for what you do, combined with these values, leads to success. The journey of WanaExcel is the realisation of my life dream. “When your heart is in your dream, no request is too extreme.”