Who are we?

Jo Luff – Lead Educator, Play Specialist, Founder

Kia Ora everyone, I was a trusted roaming child and want to ensure that others get opportunities to be adventurous, roaming and free playing. I am a fully qualified and registered teacher that has specialized in free play for over ten years now while working with Play and Learn’s Nature Kindergarten in Long Bay. In the past I have had the joy of working with Conscious Kids and the privilege to be a part of the remarkable team of people who created Nature Kids Co-op.
Now, it is with excitement that I bring you Muddy Kids!
Muddy Kids believes the stronger the safety parameters, the freer the play.

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Lexi Longman- Play Specialist, Social Media Coordinator

Kia Ora !
I am an experienced play facilitator who absolutely thrived on adventure days growing up exploring the South coast of England with my family. My Dad taught me so many useful skills on our adventures and definitely passed on his passion for nature to me at a young age. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to share this passion with your tamariki at Muddy Kids !
For more than eight years I have been working in a wide range of roles with in the health and wellness sector, helping young people reconnect with nature and sharing the joy that being outside brings. I have worked with children across the spectrum of abilities and development.
I have had the pleasure of working alongside many incredible teachers and mentors within the freeplay movement here in Auckland with Conscious Kids, Nature Kids Co-op and Play and Learn’s Nature Kindy.
At Muddy Kids and my own tween/teen programme, Adventure Kids, I hope to continue to grow this beautiful community and ensure that all tamariki get to enjoy the outdoors at all ages.

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Eleanore Ward- Play Worker

Eleanore is originally from Leicester England, and moved to New Zealand when she was six and has lived on the North Shore ever since. She grew up around beautiful Long Bay area attending school at both Long Bay Primary and Long Bay College. Eleanore has been part of the crew for over three years now, bringing her calm confidence, big heart, and a serious love for the outdoors to every session. When she’s not adventuring in the forest with us, you’ll find her coaching the local Special Olympics basketball team — who have just made it to the finals in Wellington this past December!!

She’s also a lover of classic art and all things creative, often weaving that into her work with tamariki. We are so lucky to have Eleanore as part of the Muddy whānau

Claire – Educator, Mum

Alongside being a super mum to three kids she is a relief teacher for Play and Learn , Nature Kindy and Nature’s Den. We are extremely lucky to have her with us . Recently she completed her level 3 forest school qualification.

Emily – Youth Leader

At Muddy Kids we feel that outdoor freeplay is not only essential for children but is a joy that can be shared by teens and adults alike. Our youth leaders are an invaluable help to the adults but also great role models for our kids. The children enjoy having a big person to relate to who doesn’t fit the mold of a teacher or parent but can still offer guidance in play.

Emily Ashton is one of our incredible Youth Leaders. With a lifelong involvement in Scouting, Emily brings a strong foundation in outdoor skills, leadership, and adventure-based learning. Her passion for the outdoors shines through in everything she does, from supporting nature play to confidently helping on camps and holiday programmes.

Emily is adored by our tamariki and highly respected by our staff. Her kindness, energy, and genuine love for outdoor play make her a wonderful role model and an invaluable part of the Muddy Kids community.

Chris – Youth Leader

We’re stoked to have Chris joining the Muddy Kids team!

Chris loves being outdoors and is really excited to get stuck into camps and adventures with our tamariki. They’ve been involved in scouting for many years, building heaps of practical outdoor skills and confidence along the way.

Chris is part of a Venturer Unit (a scouting group for older teens that focuses on leadership, adventure, and outdoor challenges), and was recently named the unit “Pyro” – meaning they take the lead on things like fire lighting and outdoor cooking (a pretty handy skill at camp!).

Coming from a big family, Chris is super comfortable working with young people and understands how to create a fun, supportive environment where everyone feels included.

We’re really excited to have Chris on board and know they’ll bring great energy, care, and outdoor know-how to our programmes!