The Conscious Kids Team
Maria Mariotti
Co-Founder and Director
Maria is an Italian mum who has been traveling around the world with her family (her 3 kids were born on 3 different continents!) to study and learn from indigenous cultures, different philosophies, and natural therapies.
As well as being one of our amazing co-founders, Maria is our Business Developer & Project Manager. Her knowledge and experience combined with her playful soul allow her to see the bigger picture of Conscious Kids and its future. Maria is the epitome of a free spirit and can-do attitude!
Rita Pontes
Co-Founder and Director
Rita is a Brazilian mum of two girls and a qualified Graphic and Interior Designer. After visiting different countries with her family, they have found New Zealand the best place to live a conscious life, connecting future and past, nature and development, love and respect.
As a designer, Rita is passionate about making the world a better place for everyone, full of colours and happiness. She believes that every new day is a miracle and small changes make big transformations.
Harriet Brown
Conscious Kids Co-Founder
Harriet Brown Co-Founder of Conscious Kids Harriet is a mother of two daughters and a qualified teacher with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science.
During the school term, she could be found exploring Long Bay Regional Park with a group adventurous preschoolers from the Nature Kindergarten she previously. With a strong passion for encouraging children to play outdoors, regardless of the weather, Harriet was continually inspired by the significant growth she witnessed in her Nature Kindergarten students.
Together with Maria and Rita, she founded CONSCIOUS KIDS to extend these benefits to school-age children.
In Memoriam
Tref Turner
Conscious Kids Lead Educator
Kia Ora team! I’m Tref Turner, also known as Treffy T, and I am a registered teacher for Kindergarten and Primary school.
My journey into the outdoor environment as a third teacher brought me to the amazing Conscious Kids team, and seven years later, I’m here. During my time with CK, I have trained staff, provided curriculum advice, and developed individual plans for families needing extra support. My approach emphasizes autonomy, self-esteem, and a child-led philosophy.
I look forward to meeting all of you and the incredible ‘Conscious Kids’!
Gabi Pontes
Digital Markting Guru
Kia ora, I'm Gabi! I serve as the Social Media/Digital Marketing Specialist at Conscious Kids.
Over the past 7 years, I've progressed from a Teen Volunteer to Assistant and then Supervisor, and I feel incredibly fortunate to pursue my passions in Graphic Design and Marketing with a company that has instilled in me the values and philosophies I cherish most.
Having spent much of my childhood in the bustling cities of Brazil, I truly value the dedication CK has shown in fostering a deeper connection between our tamariki and the natural world.
