about us
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about
Sunflower Wellness for Children was founded by Sian Williams from a genuine passion for helping children feel understood, valued, and confident in their own unique way of learning.
Throughout her career as a primary school teacher, tertiary lecturer, inclusive education specialist and parent, Sian has worked alongside many children and families navigating learning, developmental, behavioural, and emotional challenges. Time and time again, she saw families searching for support that was compassionate, practical, and focused on the whole child—not just their challenges.This inspired the creation of Sunflower Wellness for Children.
At Sunflower Wellness, every child is recognised for their individual strengths, interests, and potential. Sian believes that when children feel safe, connected, and understood, they are empowered to grow, learn, and thrive. Working in partnership with families, schools, and early childhood centres, she provides personalised support that nurtures confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.
With extensive experience in education, child development, neurodiversity, and inclusive practice, Sian is committed to creating positive outcomes for children of all abilities. Her approach is relationship-based, strengths-focused, and tailored to meet each child's unique needs while supporting the wellbeing of the entire whānau.
At the heart of Sunflower Wellness is a simple belief: every child deserves the opportunity to shine. Like a sunflower turning towards the light, children flourish when they are nurtured, understood, and supported by those around them.
Throughout her career as a primary school teacher, tertiary lecturer, inclusive education specialist and parent, Sian has worked alongside many children and families navigating learning, developmental, behavioural, and emotional challenges. Time and time again, she saw families searching for support that was compassionate, practical, and focused on the whole child—not just their challenges.This inspired the creation of Sunflower Wellness for Children.
At Sunflower Wellness, every child is recognised for their individual strengths, interests, and potential. Sian believes that when children feel safe, connected, and understood, they are empowered to grow, learn, and thrive. Working in partnership with families, schools, and early childhood centres, she provides personalised support that nurtures confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.
With extensive experience in education, child development, neurodiversity, and inclusive practice, Sian is committed to creating positive outcomes for children of all abilities. Her approach is relationship-based, strengths-focused, and tailored to meet each child's unique needs while supporting the wellbeing of the entire whānau.
At the heart of Sunflower Wellness is a simple belief: every child deserves the opportunity to shine. Like a sunflower turning towards the light, children flourish when they are nurtured, understood, and supported by those around them.
Sian Williams Education support specialist
BEd(Tchg) -Fully Registered Post Grad Cert Specialising in Inclusive EducationAnimal Assisted Therapist
Veterinary Nurse Certified
Sian trained as a primary school teacher at the University of Auckland and has a passion for ensuring all children experience constant "light bulb" moments on their learning journey. She has extensive experience working with neurodivergent children and those with greater learning needs, collaborating with parents and teachers to establish the best educational support and outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. She loves to bring many different learning approaches to her lessons, developing programs to suit students on how they best learn.
Before embarking on her career in primary education, Sian spent many years working across the health and veterinary sectors in New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom. She has also worked as a tertiary lecturer, educating and mentoring future professionals while developing her teaching style to suit many individuals.
Committed to lifelong learning and innovation, Sian has expanded her qualifications by becoming an Animal Assisted Therapist, combining her passion for animals with their proven therapeutic benefits to enhance children's learning, wellbeing, and emotional development.
In addition to her education and therapeutic work, Sian has successfully owned and operated businesses within the sustainable electricity industry. This experience has strengthened her leadership, communication, problem-solving, and business management skills, providing her with a unique perspective that complements her work with children, families, schools, and the wider community.
Committed to lifelong learning and innovation, Sian has expanded her qualifications by becoming an Animal Assisted Therapist, combining her passion for animals with their proven therapeutic benefits to enhance children's learning, wellbeing, and emotional development.
In addition to her education and therapeutic work, Sian has successfully owned and operated businesses within the sustainable electricity industry. This experience has strengthened her leadership, communication, problem-solving, and business management skills, providing her with a unique perspective that complements her work with children, families, schools, and the wider community.
emilie meredith
Early Intervention Specialist Teacher
BEd (ECE) – Fully RegisteredPost Grad Dip in Education (ECE)Post Grad Dip in Specialist Teaching (EI)
Emilie is a passionate and experienced early childhood teacher with extensive knowledgeand practical strategies to support children and whānau. She has a strong interest in social and emotional literacy, neurodiverse learners, and supporting children who may present with challenging behaviours. Emilie works alongside families with warmth andunderstanding, providing guidance, encouragement, and practical ways to support each child’s individual strengths and needs.
Emilie strongly believes in sharing knowledge and providing practical tools that empower families and teachers to feel confident in supporting and educating children. Her goal is to help others feel capable, informed, and empowered, creating positive outcomes for children and allowing both children and the adults around them to grow together.She also believes that meeting and supporting each child at their individual level is key to helping them thrive and bringing out the very best in them. By working alongside the childand recognising and nurturing their unique “gold nugget” their strengths, interests, andindividual qualities, children develop a strong sense of belonging, feel heard, valued, and develop a strong sense of self.
Emilie’s strengths include supporting referrals and helping families navigate support pathways, creating smooth and meaningful transitions into primary school, developing regulation tools and strategies, writing and implementing Individual Plans (IPs), and walking alongside whānau to provide ongoing support, guidance, and advocacy.
Sophie hickmer education support specialist
BEd (Tchg) - Fully Registered Post Grad Dip Learning and Behaviour
Sophie joins Sunflower Wellness with a strong 15-year background in the New Zealand education sector. Having spent over 10 years as a classroom teacher, followed by 5.5 years working as an RTLB, she specialises in creating inclusive environments where diverse learners can thrive.
With a deep expertise in literacy, Sophie is highly skilled at identifying and supporting diverse learning needs in reading and writing. Driven by aroha and a commitment to inclusive education, she works alongside families and schools to unlock each child's unique potential, helping Kiwi kids build the confidence they need to blossom.
With a deep expertise in literacy, Sophie is highly skilled at identifying and supporting diverse learning needs in reading and writing. Driven by aroha and a commitment to inclusive education, she works alongside families and schools to unlock each child's unique potential, helping Kiwi kids build the confidence they need to blossom.
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