Miriam joined us on staff in 2019 as the inaugural staff member in Christchurch for our Teaching programme. She lectures across the Education programme, overseas the programme in Ōtautahi/Christchurch and in 2024 is also lecturing into the Theology programme.
Miriam has qualifications in education and theology and has worked in educational settings in Aotearoa, England and Australia. Throughout her teaching career Miriam has taught and offered professional development in the Arts and is an advocate for how the Arts can transform and enhance creativity and classroom practices. She has led and written programmes for schools and churches as well as creating professional development for teachers. She has a passion for the use of te reo me ona tikanga Māori in education and church spaces.
Theologically, Miriam is interested in how creative practice can be formative and transformative and the ways in which the Church can engage with the arts (in the broadest possible ways) in its mission in the world. Her research is primarily focused on the Bible, women, and creative practices and expressions, in liturgy and the world. Her outputs intersect academic, spoken word/performance poetry, poetry and textiles spaces.
She has written two books for children and families. ‘Adventing: A journey to Christmas’ and ‘God’s Great Story: Your Great Story.’
At her local church Miriam helps with signing worship for the deaf community and teaching/preaching. Miriam runs retreats and quiet days for people to engage spiritually. She has a passion to serve the Church (universal) and invite believers into a wider, more wonder-filled and theologically sound journey of faith, experiencing confidence in the God we encounter in scripture.
Miriam is a joyful extrovert who loves reading, purchasing books, sewing, stitching, writing and being around people. She is married to Michael and they have two wonderful sons.