Our Leadership Team
The Expertise Behind Our Programmes
Every TLC programme was designed and developed by experienced educators with deep roots in the New Zealand Curriculum and extensive international teaching backgrounds.
​
English Programme
Our English programme was created by a specialist English educator with eight years of teaching experience across New Zealand and internationally, including four years teaching ESL in Taiwan and Japan. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and TESOL-certified, they brought a genuine understanding of multilingual learners and diverse educational backgrounds to every part of the programme.
​
Combining intermediate-level classroom teaching with targeted tutoring here in New Zealand, they designed a programme grounded in the New Zealand Curriculum, one that builds reading, writing, and communication skills through personalised, goal-oriented learning that delivers measurable progress and real confidence.
​
Mathematics Programme
Our mathematics programme was developed by an educator with over 15 years of international experience in mathematics education, curriculum design, and teacher leadership across New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Maldives. Currently completing a PhD in Education, they have held senior leadership roles overseeing mathematics curriculum and examination standards for thousands of students.
​
They shaped our learning materials, tutor training, and personalised learning pathways, all designed to turn maths anxiety into real confidence. This student-centred approach ensures every learner makes measurable progress aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum.
Sonja
Founder | Owner
With two children of her own and over 20 years living in New Zealand,
Sonja founded the Learning Club with a parent's perspective firmly at its heart.
Born in Germany, she brings a cross-cultural outlook shaped by firsthand experience across tutoring centres, New Zealand schools, and international schools, giving her a uniquely well-rounded view of how children learn and what effective education really looks like.
​
As a parent, Sonja knows the concerns families face: finding the right support, seeing genuine progress, and knowing your child is in good hands. It was this understanding, combined with a passion for creating something better, that inspired her to build TLC from the ground up.
Max
Centre Manager
Max is the engine behind the scenes at TLC, bringing the operational structure and reliability that keeps everything running smoothly. While our tutors focus on teaching and families focus on learning, Max works behind the scenes to ensure that every process, system, and detail is taken care of to-day coordination that makes TLC function as a well-oiled machine.
​
With a sharp eye for detail and a genuine commitment to getting things right, Max plays a vital role in maintaining the consistently high-quality experience that TLC is known for. His work ensures that students arrive to well-prepared sessions, that communication flows seamlessly between staff and families, and that the TLC team has everything they need to do their best work.
Meet our Tutors
Emerald
Math & English
Emerald is studying criminology & anthropology at university, with aspirations of pursuing a career in teaching.
She became a tutor because she enjoys helping others understand new ideas and build confidence in their learning.
Watching students develop new skills is truly rewarding, and she is passionate about creating a positive, encouraging environment where learners thrive.
Sanjana
Math & English
Sanjana is a civil engineering student who enjoys supporting others in their learning.
​
She likes to tutor because she wants students to really understand concepts, not just memorise methods, so they can apply what they learn with confidence.
Her goal is to create a space where students feel comfortable asking questions and building genuine understanding.
Ben
Math & English
Ben has always had a natural passion for working with young people, bringing enthusiasm and patience to every session.
​
He became a tutor because he loves making learning fun and accessible, helping kids build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
​
Seeing a child's face light up when something finally clicks is what drives him — Ben is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive space where every student feels encouraged to grow.
Jordyn
Math & English
Jordyn is a student teacher who enjoys helping young people grow
in confidence and discover that learning can actually be fun.
She wants students to understand what they’re learning, not just memorise it, so they can see how it connects to the world around them and use it with confidence.
Every student learns differently, so her aim is to create a space that is engaging, encouraging and suited to students learning needs.
Tabitha
Math & English
Tabitha is a student teacher, studying at AUT. She has 6 years of experience working with children.
She utilises children’s natural curiosity as a tool to connect to their learning on a deeper level.
Tabitha strives to build connections which enhance learning to be fun and engaging.
Patrikk
Math & English
Patrikk holds a Master of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Auckland and is currently completing his training as a secondary school teacher.
Driven by a deep passion for education, he focuses on inspiring young learners to become curious, critical, and independent thinkers.
Through tailored guidance, Patrikk helps students master complex scientific concepts while building confidence in their academic abilities.