Why we do what we do
Every child is different, and what works for one won't work for another. Too often, families only get help once things have already become difficult at home or at school, and we don't think that's the right way round. We know children do better when someone steps in early, before a problem becomes a crisis.
That's really the reason we started this. Between us, we've got backgrounds in educational psychology, teaching, and learning support, and we're all based here in Rotorua, working directly with local children, their families, and their schools.
When we're involved, we look at the whole picture which means talking to parents, teachers, and any other professionals already involved, and paying as much attention to what's already working for a child as to what isn't.
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
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 a registered 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 a registered charitable trust operating The Growing Minds Academy — a community programme supporting children's wellbeing and learning.
