Our Leadership Team
Robert Pether
– Lead Tutor of English –
Robert brings eight years of teaching experience across New Zealand and internationally, including four years teaching ESL in Taiwan and Japan. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, he has a genuine understanding of multilingual learners and diverse educational backgrounds.
In New Zealand, Robert has combined classroom teaching at intermediate level with targeted tutoring, giving him strong grounding in the New Zealand Curriculum.
He holds a Certificate in TESOL and leads TLC's English programme — building reading, writing, and communication skills through personalised, goal-oriented learning that delivers measurable progress and real confidence.
Shenal Iranga
– Lead Tutor of Mathematics –
Shenal brings 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, he has held senior leadership roles overseeing mathematics curriculum and examination standards for thousands of students.
Shenal leads our mathematics department - reviewing learning materials, developing the tutoring team, and building personalised, goal-oriented pathways that turn math anxiety into real confidence. His student-centred approach ensures every learner makes measurable progress aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum.
Sonja Painter
- 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 Koester
- Operations -
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.
Caelan
Math & English
Caelan is studying accounting at university, bringing a sharp analytical mind and a genuine love for learning to her tutoring sessions.
She became a tutor because she understands firsthand how much the right support can change a student's experience.
For her, the most rewarding part is watching students surprise themselves with what they're capable of. She brings a calm, approachable energy to every session, making sure no question ever feels too small.