Shania Stempa
Christchurch,CAN
Summary
I am a Primary Education graduate and beginning teacher who brings a slightly different background to the classroom: a Master of Science (with Merit) in Child and Family Psychology alongside years of hands-on youth development experience.
My approach to teaching is grounded in the belief that for learning to happen, tamariki must first feel safe, secure, and valued for who they are. Because of my psychological background, I specialise in looking past surface-level actions to understand the underlying drivers of a child's behaviour. I focus on creating calm, predictable, and inclusive learning environments where students feel emotionally secure enough to take risks and thrive.
Throughout my classroom placements and my frontline work as a Youth Worker and Wellbeing Coordinator, I have developed a strong framework for supporting diverse learning needs and neurodivergence. I am deeply committed to restorative practice, trauma-informed care, and putting bicultural frameworks (Tātaiako and Tapasā) into daily action.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Youth Support Worker
Emerge Aotearoa
Christchurch
06.2023 - 01.2025
- Worked one-on-one with young people aged 11–18, navigating complex needs, including diagnoses of ADHD, Autism, anxiety, and depression, or coming from volatile home environments.
• Developed and put in place personalised trauma-informed plans to help these youth safely re-enter the community and education system.
• Supported Māori and Pacsifika youth by using culturally appropriate frameworks that put their identity and connection to place at the centre of their support.
• Used de-escalation strategies and restorative approaches daily to manage challenging situations calmly and safely.
Customer Service
Black And White Coffee Cartel
Christchurch, CAN
11.2022 - 06.2023
- Maintained customer satisfaction with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing customer needs and resolving concerns.
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly to avoid on-hold wait times.
- Responded proactively and positively to rapid change.
- Trained staff on operating procedures and company services.
- Monitored cash drawers in multiple checkout stations and maintained adequate cash supply.
Volunteer
Mental Health Advocacy and Peer Support Trust
Christchurch, CAN
08.2022 - 02.2023
- Help give people who are struggling with mental health or addiction a safe place to eat, talk and keep warm or cool during the seasons
- Maintained clean, neat and operational facilities to serve program needs.
- Assisted with special events or programs.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Used active listening and empathy to approach conversations.
Customer Service
Crisp Café
Christchurch, CAN
03.2021 - 11.2022
- Serving customers and taking orders
- Cleaning and tidying
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly to avoid on-hold wait times.
- Recommended products to customers, thoroughly explaining details.
- Delivered prompt service to prioritize customer needs.
Customer Service
Barista, Taste Café
Ashburton, CAN
02.2018 - 02.2021
- Delivered exceptional customer service to every customer by leveraging extensive knowledge of products and services and creating welcoming, positive experiences.
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly to avoid on-hold wait times.
- Offered advice and assistance to customers, paying attention to special needs or wants.
- Responded proactively and positively to rapid change.
Ākonga Health and Wellbeing Promotion Coordinator
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Christchurch, CAN
01.2025 - 12.2025
- Designed and ran institute-wide workshops for students focusing on practical tools for stress, anxiety management, and consent.
- Implemented te ao Māori practices and tikanga, including manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, to enhance campus wellbeing.
- Built relationships and coordinated alongside internal and external stakeholders to deliver health and mental well-being initiatives.
- Gathered feedback from students to assess wellbeing needs and directly inform programming.
Elderly Caregiver
Coldstream
Ashburton, CAN
09.2018 - 10.2019
- Caring for residents physical health, mental health, and well-being
- Maintained clean, safe and well-organized patient environment.
- Supported daily hygiene needs of patients by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care and personal grooming.
- Provided compassionate and patient-focused care to cultivate well-being.
- Maintained strong connections within caregiver community to gain continuous knowledge.
Customer Service
Dominoes Pizzas
Ashburton, CAN
04.2016 - 01.2019
- Cleaning and tidying
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of product and service changes.
- Answered constant flow of customer calls with minimal wait times.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services and company information.
- Responded proactively and positively to rapid change.
- Delivered prompt service to prioritize customer needs.
Education
Master of Science - Child And Family Psychology
University of Canterbury
Christchurch, NZ 01.2023 - 11.2025
Bachelor of Health Sciences - psychology
University of Canterbury
Christchurch11.2022
High School Diploma -
Ashburton College
Ashburton, NZ12.2018
NCEA LEVEL 2- Merit Endorsed -
Ashburton College
Ashburton12.2017
NCEA LEVEL 1- Excellence Endorsed -
Ashburton College
Ashburton, NZ12.2016
Postgraduate Diploma - Teaching And Learning
University of Canterbury
01.2026 - 11.2026
Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Time Management
- Planning and organising
- Attentive to People
- Empathy and Compassionate Care
- Understanding of Māori and Pacifica Cultures
- Responsible
- Active Listening
- Respectful
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Recordkeeping and Confidentiality
- MS Office
- Calm and Professional Under Pressure
- Problem solving
Training
- DBT
- VR Exposure Therapy
- Suicide Prevention
- Trauma Informed Practice
- De-escalation
- First Aid
- Working with Māori
- Working with Whanau
- Te Korowai- Strengths-Based practice
Timeline
Postgraduate Diploma - Teaching And Learning
University of Canterbury
01.2026 - 11.2026
Ākonga Health and Wellbeing Promotion Coordinator
Ara Institute of Canterbury
01.2025 - 12.2025
Youth Support Worker
Emerge Aotearoa
06.2023 - 01.2025
Master of Science - Child And Family Psychology
University of Canterbury
01.2023 - 11.2025
Customer Service
Black And White Coffee Cartel
11.2022 - 06.2023
Volunteer
Mental Health Advocacy and Peer Support Trust
08.2022 - 02.2023
Customer Service
Crisp Café
03.2021 - 11.2022
Elderly Caregiver
Coldstream
09.2018 - 10.2019
Customer Service
Barista, Taste Café
02.2018 - 02.2021
Customer Service
Dominoes Pizzas
04.2016 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Health Sciences - psychology
University of Canterbury
High School Diploma -
Ashburton College
NCEA LEVEL 2- Merit Endorsed -
Ashburton College
NCEA LEVEL 1- Excellence Endorsed -
Ashburton College