Rochelle Hairs - Parent Support & Early Intervention 027 333 0995
About me
Kia Ora, I'm Rochelle
I’m a mother, traveller, meditator, pescatarian & a pretty good cook (just ask my husband!). I am also extremely passionate about working with children and their families.
Born in Mount Maunganui, I completed my first degree at Victoria University in Psychology and Education before travelling, working and studying abroad for the next 20 years or so.
After raising my daughters in a couple of idyllic settings in NSW, Australia we returned to New Zealand in 2023 (well I returned and bought my South African husband and Aussie-born children with me)... to join the Steiner community at Taikura and enjoy the idyllic surroundings of The Bay.
I strongly believe we need to be valuing Early Childhood for what it is - the most important time of a human's life as well as valuing Parenting for what it is - the most important job in the world. That's why I do what I do.
My journey
Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Mauao tōku maunga
Ko Tauranga tōku moana
Nō Mount Maunganui ahau
Ko Hairs tōku ingoa whānau
Ko Rochelle tōku ingoa
Ever since I can remember I’ve been working with children and families. From babysitting the local neighbourhood kids in Mount Maunganui when I was 10, my passion for working with children, young people and their families has taken me to America, Ghana, England, South Africa and most recently Australia where I gained a Masters in Nursing, a Graduate Certificate in Child & Family Health & gave birth to my own two daughters.
In 2013 we joined the Steiner Community at Aurora in Bowral, NSW. Over 9 years I had the immense pleasure of running three Steiner Playgroups a week, from our 5 acre rural property in Berrima. During that time I also studied Child Development, Autism Spectrum Conditions, Sensory Sensitivities, Developmental Movement Play and Infant Reflexes. My work with families at Playgroup grew to running parent education talks, workshops and then individual sessions with families. Combining both my allopathic and anthroposophical knowledge I love to help families during those challenging early years.
Ubuntu – the African philosophy that “a person is a person because of other persons” lies at the heart of all that I do. I strongly believe that as Parents we were never meant to be alone on this journey – we all need a village to support us.
Where I lived in Australia the First Nations People (the Gundungurra) have a saying – Nungunungula - let us walk and work together.... I look forward to working and walking with you.
My credentials
- Post Graduate Certificate in Extra Lesson (Developmental Movement Play Therapy) (2022 – 2024), The Extra Lesson Institute, Sydney, Australia
- Post Graduate Certificate in Child & Family Health (2011), University of Western Sydney, Australia
- Masters in Nursing (2008-2009), Sydney University, Australia
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Education (1998 - 2000), Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
- Professional Membership: APELA (Asia Pacific Extra Lesson Association)
Professional development
Over the years I have attended talks, workshops, seminars, courses and conferences in:
- Child Development
- Developmental Movement Play
- Neurodiversity
- Simplicity Parenting
- Steiner Approaches to Early Childhood Development - Birth to 7
- Pikler Approaches to the Care of Children - Birth to 3
- Mental Health Challenges in Children & Teens
- Steiner Education
- Anthroposophical Nursing - Supportive Therapies
- First Aid