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Mennie Scapens

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Mennie Scapens is a facilitator prepared by the Center for Courage & Renewal. 

​She 
has 20 years’ experience in educational leadership, having co-founded Matahui School, a small independent primary school, near Katikati, NZ, in 1988.   An effective and respected school leader, she helped bring out the best in the teachers she worked with, working collaboratively with them and the wider school community to develop and work towards a clear vision for the school.  Mennie has a deep admiration and respect for teachers and the work that they do, and a life-long passion for education.

Mennie's passion for learning about learning meant that Matahui School became a school at the leading edge in New Zealand, renowned for its approach to the multiple intelligences (Howard Gardner, 1983) and learning dispositions (Costa & Kallick), with an associated focus on developing children’s creativity, their problem-solving skills, and their emotional intelligence.  The school regularly hosted visiting teachers and student teachers, and Mennie was regularly asked to provide workshops for teachers and parents in the local education community and university.

She retired as principal in 2005 to undertake an action research project for her Master of Education, which involved working collaboratively with a group of secondary school teachers who were trying to implement student-centred teaching practices based on MI Theory in their classrooms.  The results of this project became a published book in in 2008 - Conflicting Beliefs:  The Theory of Multiple Intelligences in the Junior Secondary School.

Mennie is also passionate about her own inner work, understanding that her commitment to taking time-out of a busy calendar each year to go on personal retreat has deepened her self-understanding and helped sustain her passion and commitment towards helping create a more compassionate and healthy world.
 
With her husband Bill, Mennie also has a wide background in business.  Over the past 35 years they have been involved together in successful kiwifruit and tourism ventures, and currently in the installation of underground infrastructure.  Mennie brings to this arena her experience and strengths in strategic planning, organisational, financial and personnel management.

Today Mennie designs and leads leadership development programs, teacher renewal retreats, and programs for personal development.  She is passionate about helping people uncover and grow their unique talents and dreams, and discovering personal pathways to living and leading authentic lives.  


Mennie can be contacted at:
Email:  scapens@xtra.co.nz
Ph:        027-686-7449
   


Mennie Scapens M.Ed
Courage & Renewal Facilitator
Phone 07 552 6581
Mobile 027 686 7449
Email  scapens@xtra.co.nz


What participants have to say:

"Taking the time out of the busy rush of university life to really reconnect with my inner self was definitely invaluable! I had forgotten to really take a step back to re-evaluate my personal goals and see whether they align with my values."
   - Merit Scholar, Macquarie 
           University, Sydney.


"I particularly liked the idea of the trust circle, in which silence wasn't awkward, but was mostly a way to reflect upon what others told. The atmosphere was very soothing, relaxed and ideal for inner thinking and reflection." 
  - Merit Scholar, Macquarie 
           University, Sydney.


"The concept of silence as a valued member of the group provides a new framework to connect and relate to others, in a more responsive way rather than a reactive way."
 - Counsellor, Tauranga.