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Chris Cole
Learning Differences Advisor

Chris is the Learning Differences Advisor for the Trust. In this role she manages the main programmes, Dyslexia Support Southland and Growing Stars, plus other initiatives that have been developed. In all her roles she provides expert information, understanding and support to parents, caregivers and organisations with on learning differences. 

Chris also is a Learning Differences Specialist with her own business, Unique Minds and an author of the child’s book about learning differences 'All a Part of Me'.

Chris lives in Invercargill with her husband Steve and four boys. She enjoys travelling with her family, playing sport and reading crime novels.

What drives Chris in her work is wanting everyone to feel valued and accepted for exactly who they are, for them not to feel wrong for thinking and learning differently. 

Leeanne de Vries
Chair

Leeanne was born and breed in Southland. She and her husband transferred within the Banking industry in the early 1990s to Christchurch for 13 years, both their children were born there, and they returned to Southland in 2007.

Leeanne has spent 23 years in Banking, seven years in Real Estate and currently runs her own business. Leeanne also mentors, trains and supports many School Boards of Trustees throughout Southland and a Statutory Appointee for the Ministry of Education.

Leeanne is very focused on improved student engagement and achievement through effective governance. She is excited to be part of the Learning Differences Board to ensure the success and development of the Trust and of the programmes and support provided to children with learning difficulties and their families.

Pam Fleck
Trustee

Pam is a Leadership Advisor to schools in the Southland region. She works primarily with beginning principals, and other principals when required.

Recently retired as a principal, Pam has mentored beginning principals for a number of years and has informally supported Southland principals for some time.
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Pam lives at Thornbury, just a few kilometres from Riverton, with her husband Ray on a lifestyle block where growing most of their food is a hobby. They have four adult children and ten grandchildren. Pam’s interests include family, gardening, reading and renovating an old villa.

Lisa Tou-McNaughton
Trustee

Lisa is the daughter of a Polar PI and Southland gal. She is married to Andy and they have two wonderful children; Fin and Kate. 

Lisa has been an educator for nearly 30 years and is passionate about giving young people and their families opportunities. She believes in equity for all and in the power of creativity and kindness to make the world a better place.
If you would like to get in touch with our trustees, you can email them at trustees@learningdifferences.org.nz.