Neurodiverse and Disabled Learner Support
If you're one of our students and you have an impairment or disability, medical condition, or injury that might affect your studies, don't worry – we’ve got you. We want everyone to be successful and reach their full potential, and we believe in creating a campus environment that's safe, inclusive, and free from any kind of discrimination.
Confidential support from day one
So, what exactly does this mean for you? Well, when you first enrol at NZST, we’ll ask if there's any specific support you need or if there are any barriers you think you might encounter during your studies. This information is kept confidential, so you don't have to worry about anyone else finding out about it without your permission. A Learner Success Coordinator will then meet with you individually to better understand your learning needs. Our Learner Success Coordinators liaise with our learners and Tutors to further understand what learning strategies have been effective in the past, and what could be helpful moving forward for you in the classroom and campus environment.
A safe space on campus
And if you're someone who's hypersensitive to sensory information or just need a quiet space to self-regulate, we have sensory spaces available at some of our campuses. These spaces are equipped with products that can help with de-escalation.
New Zealand’s most comprehensive sensory space for neurodivergent learners is being launched by Yoobee Colleges at its 360 Queen Street campus, which houses learners studying at New Zealand School of Tourism, Cut Above Academy and Elite School of Beauty and Spa. Read more here.
NZST also offers additional support services like:
Plus, if you're looking to connect with disability agencies or organisations in New Zealand, here’s some links to check out.
If you need any further information or assistance, just reach out to your onsite Learner Success Team member and they'll be happy to help you out.
MEET YOUR LEARNER SUCCESS TEAM
Kelly Stevens
Head of Learner Success
Kelly is the Head of Learner Success. She has been with the wider UP Education group since 2012, has worked in multiple roles, is a member of the Yoobee Colleges Executive team and is also a qualified adult teacher and facilitator. She understands the challenges students face daily. She is responsible for the Educational Performance Strategy, new initiatives and ensuring that we are providing equitable opportunities for all students.
Rachael Atkinson
Learner Success Team Lead
Rachael is the Learner Success Team Lead. She has worked within the UP Education group since 2017, supporting both students and campus staff to achieve successful outcomes. Rachael strongly values developing people and encouraging student achievement through education. She is responsible for leading the Learner Success Team to improve the overall educational performance of NZ School of Tourism by embedding effective practices across all campuses.
Fiona McDonald
Learner Success Coordinator
Fiona is our Learner Success Coordinator for NZST Christchurch. Prior to this, she was a high school teacher for almost 20 years, teaching mainly English. Having also been a high school dean for 10 years, she views developing relationships with students as the key ingredient to impacting academic progress. She enjoys seeing students develop in their academic work, and then seeing this translate into holistic growth in their lives. Fiona looks forward to supporting students to meet the academic requirements of their courses so that they can confidently enter employment in their chosen field.
Nik Weston
Learner Success Coordinator
Nik is our Learner Success Coordinator for NZST Auckland Airport. Nik hasbeen a member of the Yoobee Whānau since 2010, working in several roles including Film Tutor, Graphics Tutor, and Team Leader. Nik is a late-diagnosed autistic so he can offer support based on lived experience for neurodiverse students (in particular Autism and ADHD). Nik enjoys supporting tutors to work with ND, Rainbow Community, and Māori/Pasifika students who have specific support needs.
Chathu Muhandiram
Learner Success Coordinator
Chathu is our Learner Success Coordinator for NZST Wellington. She has dedicated herself to education, with a strong belief that every student deserves a safe, comfortable, and inclusive learning environment. Chathu takes pride in fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for every student, ensuring they achieve their academic and career goals. She finds joy in witnessing the growth and success of students and is committed to guiding them every step of the way.
Preeti Kaul
Learner Success Coordinator
Preeti is our Learner Success Coordinator for NZST Auckland City. During her time with UP Education, she has successfully worked with multiple brands and campuses to improve learner outcomes. Nurturing youth and their success have been her main forte. Preeti is enthusiastic and eager to focus her attention on supporting her campuses with identifying learner needs and implementing strategies to help achieve equitable outcomes.
Kassandra King
Learner Success Coordinator
Kassandra is our Learner Success Coordinator for NZST Hamilton and NZST Tauranga. Kassandra has dedicated herself to the realm of education with nine years of experience. From traditional classrooms to modern online platforms, she has explored various avenues to enhance the learning journey. Kassandra is passionate about crafting inclusive and effective learning environments for all students. She excels in attentive listening, offering personalised strategies to empower individuals on their path to success.
