The Growing Minds Hub exists because every child is unique, and success looks different for every child. We believe support should be shaped around who a child is, not just the challenges they may be experiencing.
Who we are
The Growing Minds Hub brings together expertise in educational psychology, teaching, learning support, and child-centred practice to support children in meaningful and lasting ways.
Based in Rotorua, we work alongside tamariki, whānau, and kura to provide early, holistic, and collaborative support that helps children thrive in learning and life.
Our work is grounded in the belief that wellbeing and learning are deeply connected, and that children do best when the key adults in their lives are working together with shared understanding, practical tools, and a clear path forward.
Why we do what we do
Growing Minds Hub exists because every child is unique — and success looks different for every child.
Every child is unique and success looks different for every child.
Too often, support only arrives once things have already become difficult. We believe children deserve early, preventative support that builds them up before they reach crisis point, and that the adults around them deserve practical tools and confidence to help.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: children shouldn't have to fit into narrow systems to succeed. Support should fit around them.
Our approach
Everything we do is shaped by a child-centred, strengths-based, and relational approach.
We work alongside children, families, schools, and other professionals to build support that is practical, meaningful, and sustainable in everyday life. Rather than focusing only on challenges, we look at the whole child — their strengths, needs, relationships, environment, and opportunities for growth.
Our team
The Growing Minds Hub is built on a shared commitment to supporting children in ways that are thoughtful, evidence-informed, and deeply relational.
Nicole Lovegrove
Director of The Growing Minds Hub and Lead Educational Psychologist
Nicole brings a strong background in teaching, learning support, and educational psychology, with a deep commitment to helping children, families, and schools feel understood, supported, and empowered.
Born and raised in Rotorua, Nicole attended St Mary’s and John Paul College before beginning her career in primary teaching. She later returned to St Mary’s as a teacher, team leader, and learning support specialist. Over time, she saw more and more children facing learning, wellbeing, and behaviour challenges without access to the support they needed. That experience led her to further her education and develop the specialist expertise to make a meaningful difference.
Nicole’s approach is ecological, relational, and grounded in the belief that positive change happens when the environments around a child are strengthened too. She is passionate about supporting tamariki, whānau, and kura in ways that are practical, collaborative, and sustainable.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)
Certificate of Arts (Psychology)
Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology
Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology
Registered Educational Psychologist
Registered Teacher
Abby Sorrenson
Education Lead and Trustee of The Growing Minds Hub
Abby is an experienced and passionate educator based in Rotorua, dedicated to supporting young learners to thrive both academically and personally.
She brings a broad and thoughtful skill set to her work, with expertise in inclusive teaching, gifted education, digital learning, and learner-centred practice. Currently working as a Learning Support teacher in a local primary school, Abby is committed to creating engaging and inclusive environments where every child feels valued, capable, and empowered.
Her diverse qualifications allow her to support a wide range of learners, from gifted students to those needing additional learning support, while bringing innovative and responsive approaches into the learning environment.
Abby brings warmth, dedication, and a deep love of learning to everything she does, both professionally and personally.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Teaching
Certificate in Gifted Education with Distinction
Postgraduate Certificate in Digital and Collaborative Learning
CELTA qualification with Grade A pass
We are growing with our community.
As The Growing Minds Hub evolves, our focus remains the same — helping children feel supported, empowered, and excited about learning.
Our organisations
The Growing Minds Hub operates across two organisations, each with a distinct purpose.
Growing Minds Hub Ltd
is a New Zealand limited liability company. This is the practice behind our individualised educational psychology support, parenting support, learning and neurodiversity support, and workshops.
Growing Minds Hub Charitable Trust
is an incorporated charitable trust with a community purpose at its heart. The Trust operates The Growing Minds Academy, a programme designed to help children in Rotorua reconnect with learning, build confidence, and grow the skills that matter for life.
Two organisations, one shared belief: every child deserves support that fits who they are.
Want to know more?
Whether you are looking for support for your child, interested in workshops, or would like to find out more about The Growing Minds Academy, we would love to hear from you.
This website is operated by two separate organisations:
Growing Minds Hub Ltd is a New Zealand limited liability company providing individualised educational psychology support, parenting support, learning and neurodiversity support, and parent and teacher workshops.
Growing Minds Hub Charitable Trust is an incorporated charitable trust operating The Growing Minds Academy — a community programme supporting children's wellbeing and learning.
