Posts in College
Deborah Steele
Deborah Steele

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary), Diploma in Christian Leadership

I am a rural girl at heart. Being brought up on a farm in Northland meant I learnt the value of hard work and teamwork. I love all things nature and love adventures - especially travel! I love spending time with my husband and two girls – camping, hiking, water activities!

As the Assistant Principal, I aim to see students and staff flourish and thrive at Horizon School. People matter to me and it's why I do what I do. I love the family vibe at Horizon and the way that people are able to belong, no matter their differences.

Performing Arts is a passion of mine. I write plays, perform, direct, and especially love musicals.

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College, Leadershipwww.creed.nzDeputy Principal College
Amy Williams
Amy Williams

Bachelor of Communication Studies, Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)

I grew up in Hamilton and Auckland, and I have recently moved to Snells Beach to join the Horizon whānau. I am a proud wife and mother to two beautiful children, and I am passionate about providing teaching and learning that supports our rangitahi to reach their potential.

As Head Dean and teacher of Literacy, History, and English at Horizon School, it is a privilege to facilitate a safe place for students to seek help and encouragement, use Biblical wisdom to provide guidance when students are facing challenges, and help to foster their individual successes.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, singing, dancing, listening to music, baking, sharing food with others, and going for walks and swims in the ocean.

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Collegewww.creed.nzHead Dean, Senior College Dean, Teacher
Maddie Long
Maddie Long

Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Secondary Education, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Design Technology (Fashion Industry)

I'm originally from the UK. I came to New Zealand with my husband 18 years ago to teach at Mahurangi College. After some years raising a family, then working as a magazine editor I decided it was time to return to teaching.

I love thinking up new and exciting ways for students to experiment and learn. I find the school very caring and the students have a great sense of humour with a willingness to try new things.

Dog walking, shopping, watching movies, eating and playing cards with my family – that would be my ideal day!

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Collegewww.creed.nzYears 9/10 Dean, Technology Teacher
Adrien Alldridge
Adrien Alldridge

Masters in Geography, Post-Graduate Certificate in Education.

I have recently returned to teaching having spent the last 20 years in church leadership, first as a Youth Pastor and most recently as Lead Pastor of a church my wife and I started in Bournemouth, on the south coast of England.

I’m really excited to be back teaching, and am enjoying trying to get the very best out of the Year 9 and 10 students in the College. I love to encourage and empower people in the hope that they can flourish and thrive. My wife is on staff here and our 3 children attend the school as well, so our whole family are at Horizon, and we all love the very special culture and community here.

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Collegewww.creed.nzTeacher, Head of PE
Lana Purdon
Lana Purdon

Bachelor of Business Studies (Major in Accountancy), Graduate Diploma in Secondary School Teaching, Master of Educational Leadership (First Class Honours)

I grew up in a rural town called Dargaville and since then have moved to Auckland, Hamilton, back to Auckland, and now to Warkworth. I am married with two young children, and we are thoroughly loving becoming a part of the Warkworth and surrounding communities.

At Horizon School, I teach Business Studies and Mathematics. I have a passion for my subjects, allowing students to see how this information can impact them in their lives, here and now, and help them in their future endeavours.

I love to garden, go for a run, play a game of netball, swim, bake, go camping with my family, cross-stitch, and read a good book.

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Collegewww.creed.nzAcross School Leader, Teacher
Paul Dawson
Paul Dawson

Bachelor's Degree in Business Admin, MBA, Diploma in Teaching (secondary)

Originally starting life overseas, I grew up in Los Angeles and I have also lived in San Francisco and London. I then made the move to New Zealand in 2019. I am married and have two daughters who are students here at Horizon.

I teach Maths, Business Studies, STEM, and Formation. I enjoy empowering and encouraging young people.

My hobbies include rock-climbing, snowboarding, spear-fishing, wakeboarding, and SCUBA diving.

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Collegewww.creed.nzTeacher
Emma Alldridge
Emma Alldridge

Master’s in Interior Architecture, Postgraduate Certificate in Design and Technology, Qualified as a Christian Spiritual Director and Supervisor for Spiritual Directors

I am from the UK and originally arrived in New Zealand in 2008. I am married and have three children who go to Horizon School. My educational background is in Art, Music, Architecture, and Design.

At Horizon School, I love helping people grow holistically and naturally draw on my creativity, compassion, and craftsmanship to help them on their journey. I bring this into practice as a teacher and mentor, seeking to engage and inspire young people to connect with their own imagination and creativity.

Spending time outdoors draws out my creativity, and I often incorporate organic forms and shapes into my ideas as an artist and designer.

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Collegewww.creed.nzTeacher, Music Teacher
Sarah Welch
Sarah Welch

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Arts in History, Graduate Diploma in Teaching

Originally from Snells Beach, I spent time in Wellington for University and South Auckland where I taught for 7 years. In 2017 I returned to Snells Beach with my husband and two daughters who go to Horizon.

I love teaching and can't imagine ever doing anything else. It is such a privilege to walk alongside these fabulous young people during their years at College. I love that at Horizon the students are known and that their interests and passions are encouraged.

Outside of school, I love to go camping or spend time at the beach with my whānau. I also enjoy baking, reading, David Attenborough docos, and learning photography.

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Collegewww.creed.nzTeacher, Board of Trustees Staff Representative
Marla Ferguson
Marla Ferguson

Bachelor of Arts in English, Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching

I was raised in the Southwestern USA and grew up in California and Arizona. I am married with three children, Eva, Ethan, and Eliza, and we moved to New Zealand in 2014.

At Horizon School, I teach Literacy, Hapori, and Maths to Year 8 students, as well as Year 10 Literacy. Accomplished and confident students prepared with the academic and social skills necessary for a successful future are always my priority in my classroom.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading a good book, collecting vintage textiles, and sewing.

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Collegewww.creed.nzTeacher
Maya Foster
Maya Foster

Bachelor of Education (Hons)

I am from the UK and trained as an Art, Design and Technology teacher. I moved to New Zealand 18 years ago with my husband and daughter to teach Technology at Rangitoto College.

I joined Horizon college last year to teach Visual Art. I am delighted to be teaching in my passion subject again and feel that I have 'come home'. I love working with Horizon students as they are eager to practise their God-given skills of creativity with genuine integrity.

In my spare time I love to create in a variety of media. I'm currently hooked on crotchet and harakeke has woven its way into my life!

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Collegewww.creed.nzArt Teacher, Specialist Classroom Teacher
Roushan Johnson
Roushan Johnson

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Air Transport Management, Commercial Pilot Licence, Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering, Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Education (Specialising in Maths and Science)

Originally from Wales, I trained to be a pilot originally – studying in the UK and America.

I teach Maths, Physics and Engineering. In 2024 we have introduced Evolocity – a connected programme where senior students study both tech and physics credits whilst carrying out hands-on learning to build a motorised vehicle. I love that at Horizon we combine year groups and subjects so that the learning the students do is connected to real life rather than siloed

I love football. I play football for Warkworth Football Club and help Warkworth fun football league, where I am currently coaching my sons team 'Arsenal'.

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Collegewww.creed.nzTeacher, Data Manager
Michelle Diprose
Michelle Diprose

Diploma in Teaching, Certificate in Life Coaching

My family moved to Snells Beach 23 years ago to start up an alternative education school. I love what the smaller community vibe brings, meeting new people and keeping active with my family.

The combination of teaching and life coaching led me to being a Wellbeing Coach at Horizon 2 days a week. I believe students need a safe place where they feel they belong and their strengths are celebrated.

I like nothing better than to connect with friends and family and enjoying what our community has to offer. One of my greatest achievements was walking Base Camp a few years ago.

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College, PrimaryPhil HoughtonWellbeing Coach