Welcome to Thrive
Welcome to Thrive, where learning is an adventure.
Our engaging games and creative scenarios teach essential life skills in a fun, immersive way. Children learn effective communication, drama skills, and positive body language, all while respecting themselves and others.
They learn to interact confidently with everyone around them, from peers to adults, in a natural, joyful learning environment.
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Here, creativity isn't just encouraged; it's a way of life. Our programmes captivate students of all ages, making every lesson a journey in personal growth and joy.
Every Day's A School Day For Us...
Our teachers are passionate about nurturing creativity and helping students to achieve their full potential. With years of experience in teaching speech and drama, they are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for every student to thrive within.
Kelly Raos
Founder and Head Teacher, Thrive Speech & Drama
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Kelly Raos has been teaching speech and drama for over 15 years. She is Deputy Principal of the Howick Children's and Youth theatre where she teaches classes, directs productions and coaches students towards their speech and drama examinations. Kelly loves all aspects of teaching drama, from the creativity to the confidence and self expression it inspires in her students. When not teaching and directing, Kelly is busy with her three daughters and loves spending time at the beach.
Fiona Bailey
Dip Tchg., B Ed.,
Dip Drama
A trained primary school teacher, Fiona taught at Bailey Road School before deciding to devote her full time to drama teaching. Fiona is also the Principal of the Howick Children’s theatre organisation. She has been teaching drama, directing productions and preparing students for speech and drama examinations for over 34 years. She is passionate about her teaching and loves watching children develop confidence, self esteem and grow in all aspects of their life through speech and drama.
Michelle Field
Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts
Michelle loved drama classes herself as a child and young adult.
She has been a Stage Manager for many years and in 2018 began teaching drama at The Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre. Michelle teaches developmental drama classes, directs productions and continues to work in Stage Management.
When not teaching or directing, Michelle enjoys trips away with her daughter and husband in their
newly refurbished retro caravan!
Brooke Williams
Bachelor of Performing and
Screen Arts
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Brooke is an enthusiastic and passionate speech and drama teacher. Growing up doing both Trinity and New Zealand Speech Board exams, Brooke’s passion for the arts has evolved into a career of teaching and performing. Brooke loves working with children to help them develop confidence and define and nurture their own unique gifts and creativity. Brooke has taught speech and drama in New Zealand for 7 years and has also worked with children as an acting coach for auditions and screen productions.
Brooke graduated from Toi Whakaari: The New Zealand Drama School, in 2006. Since then she has worked as an actress in theatre, television and film in New Zealand, Australia the U.S and Canada.
Jehangir Homavazir
Bachelor of Perorming and Screen Arts
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In east Auckland born and raised on the playground is where he spent most of his days, chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool and playing some cricket outside of the school. Jehangir graduated from Toi Whakaari, the New Zealand Drama School, in 2020. Since then, he has been involved in many stage and screen projects. Jehangir has completed all of his Trinity College Speech and Drama exams, showcasing his skills in the performing arts. He loves teaching children and creates a fun and supportive learning environment. His classes include improvisation, public speaking, and storytelling, helping students gain confidence and express themselves. Jehangir is dedicated to nurturing young talent and inspiring his students to shine on stage.
Nathan Brown
Trinity College Speech and Drama ATCL and
HCYT Tutor Training
Nathan Brown, a dedicated instructor with over 10 years of teaching experience. Nathan grew up loving performing and all aspects of theatre. He has completed all his Speech and Drama Trinity Exams and is passionate about the personal growth that comes with learning. Nathan has been teaching drama classes at the Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre for a decade. He loves teaching and inspires students through his expertise and commitment to their development. Nathan creates a supportive and engaging learning environment, where students feel encouraged to express themselves confidently. He is known for bringing fun and energy to every class which makes learning exciting!