What do you think makes you a good coach?
I believe I am a strong coach because I bring together a genuine passion for chess, a love of teaching, and an understanding of how students learn. I have experience playing in chess tournaments, and my university studies have also strengthened my interest in how best to support learners as they develop new skills.
I want students to feel both challenged and supported. My aim is to create an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and gradually building confidence in their own thinking.
What are your key strengths?
- Logical thinking – I am naturally analytical and enjoy breaking problems down into clear, manageable steps.
- Objective feedback – I can identify where improvement is needed while keeping feedback constructive and encouraging.
- Empathy – I understand that every student learns differently and that progress requires patience and support.
- Clear communication – I enjoy explaining ideas in ways that make sense to the individual learner.
- Growth-focused coaching – I want students to understand not just what went wrong, but how they can improve next time.
Why do you love chess?
Chess was part of some of the most important years of my childhood development. It gave me an opportunity to use my critical-thinking and problem-solving skills for myself, rather than only in a school setting.
It also taught me an important personal lesson: not everything has to be perfect. Chess showed me that mistakes are inevitable, that a game can continue after an imperfect move, and that improvement comes from reflecting, adapting, and trying again.
I love chess for the intellectual challenge it provides, but also for the personal growth it has given me over the years.
When and how did you first learn to play?
I was first introduced to chess when I was around 10 years old, through my intermediate school's chess club. The club taught me the fundamentals, and we regularly played against one another to practise and improve.
We were also frequently invited to Chess Power tournaments, which gave me the opportunity to gain competitive experience and learn in a completely different environment.
I was fortunate to have a fantastic teacher running the chess club. He created such an enjoyable and supportive learning environment that I attribute a significant part of my love for chess to those early experiences. It has also influenced the kind of environment I want to create for my own students.
Why do you enjoy working with kids?
I love creating spaces where children can learn, explore, challenge themselves, and discover what they are capable of. Every child brings a different personality and way of thinking, which makes working with young learners especially rewarding.
Seeing a student experience that moment when something suddenly makes sense—or watching their confidence grow after overcoming something they initially found difficult—is an incredible feeling.
I also enjoy knowing that the skills children develop through chess can support them in whatever interests, studies, or careers they choose to pursue later in life.
What are your main chess achievements?
- Awarded Second Best Girl at the 2014 Nelson Nationals event.
- Earned a Giant Tamer badge after successfully completing the Master Challenge.
- Achieved a number of first, second, and third-place badges at Chess Power events.
- Gained valuable tournament experience through regular participation in Chess Power competitions during my school years.
- Developed a lifelong appreciation for chess and the learning, resilience, and personal growth that comes with it.
While I am proud of the medals and badges I earned, I also value the lasting impact competitive chess had on my confidence, thinking, and approach to learning.
How do you think chess helps kids?
Chess gives children something increasingly valuable: the opportunity to slow down and think deeply.
In a world filled with screens, constant stimulation, and instant rewards, chess encourages children to concentrate on one problem, consider different possibilities, wait patiently, and make a thoughtful decision. There is no shortcut—you have to engage with the position in front of you.
At the same time, chess develops critical thinking, logic, planning, concentration, patience, and resilience. Children learn that they will not always find the best move immediately and that mistakes are simply part of the learning process.
It also gives them time away from devices to engage directly with another person, a board, and their own thoughts. I believe opportunities like this are becoming more valuable than ever for young people.