Villa Education Trust

Trust Board Members

Cameron Astill

Cameron has been working in the hospitality industry for over 24-years including various management roles. He has proven abilities in problem solving, people management and motivation.  Cameron is passionate about making sure that children succeed to their full potential in education.  

Alwyn Poole, B.B.S., M.Ed.(Hons), Dip.Tchg., PG Dip Sport Mgt

Alwyn is a highly educated and motivated teacher with a desire to help all children reach their full potential in all areas. He has taught at Tauranga Boys College, Hamilton Boys High School and St Cuthbert’s College. He was also the Principal at Mt Hobson Middle School for 18 years and assisted with the establishment of South Auckland Middle School and Middle School West Auckland. Throughout his teaching career and in his own study, he has sought the best ways to teach and learn.

Karen Poole  B.B.S. 

With over 25 years administrative and business experience in the education sector, Karen is the CEO for the Villa Education Trust. She implements strategy, provides development and compliance, and has worked within a number of education establishments around New Zealand. Karen is passionate about providing opportunities for all children.

Rebecca Dow  BA, Dip Tchg (Secondary), MEd

Rebecca is passionate educator, who focuses on building strong positive relationships with both children, their whanau and the wider community.  She believes that school should be a place where children grow and learn holistically.  She is motivated to ensure that children leave school knowing what they are good at, and have the confidence, values and self-discipline necessary to succeed.  Rebecca has taught in both New Zealand and Australia, and has held various management positions.  In 2013 she completed a master’s thesis, in which she focused on the provision of holistic pastoral care for students.  Rebecca is currently a consultant for Innovative Education Consultants.

Josefina Me Fuimaono-Sapolu BCom/LLB, LLM Honours  

Josie has a conjoint degree in Law and Commerce and has a strong interest in international law and human rights law, with a particular focus on social justice and environmental justice.  She has practiced law in the Samoan and New Zealand   jurisdiction for more than 10 years. Josie is extremely passionate about advocating for rights of the child and women’s rights, to ensure our most vulnerable people are treated with fairness and dignity.