Having a connection to nature is key to engaging with and taking action for the environments around us, which drives Kelly to do work that celebrates the connection between young minds and the natural world while ensuring the accessibility and relevance of te taiao to all. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Ecology from the University of Otago and a Master of Science in Society from Victoria University Te Herenga Waka.
In her previous role as Pou Mātauranga/Education Director at Pūkaha, Kelly developed and facilitated comprehensive education programs from early childhood tauira to adult learners. Her experience as an instructional designer has also led to her creating lessons, imagery and animations for tauira to learn about complex biological and ecological concepts. Kelly’s educational sessions are diverse and engaging, covering student-led school biodiversity projects, bird, tree and invertebrate surveys, to stream health assessments and tracking and trapping.
Her expertise in science communication helps tauira express conservation, science, biology, and ecology concepts through creative mediums like art. Beyond her professional endeavours, Kelly actively contributes to conservation through illustrations for a range of organisations and artworks that raise awareness of some less charismatic species in Aotearoa. She loves to contribute to the overall health of our unique ecosystems by helping inspire future generations to cherish and engage with protecting our precious natural heritage.
