Our Coaches are our difference
Ten Feet Tall is committed to employing trained coaches, ideally with Speech and Drama, Public Speaking, Debate or Leadership experience. To ensure we offer our students the highest quality classes, we have a team with a diverse range of skills and expertise.
Sarah Hartley, our founding coach, meets with our coaches regularly to develop bespoke programmes for students. She also runs our Emerging Coach development programme, meeting with coaches regularly to discuss their classes and regularly observe their teaching.
Senior Coach: Extensive experience coaching students through exams and teaching Speech and Drama and Public Speaking. May hold an LTCL qualification or be a qualified examiner.
Experienced Coach: Experience coaching students through exams and teaching Speech and Drama and Public Speaking. Will have a teaching qualification and may hold an ATCL Speech and Drama or Public Speaking qualification.
Emerging Coach: Less than three years' experience coaching students through exams and teaching Speech and Drama/Public Speaking. Will have a degree, a teaching qualification, or an ATCL Speech and Drama or Public Speaking qualification.
We Value
Connection. Trust. Growth. Coaching. Flexibility. Inspiration. Excellence.
Sarah Hartley
Founder & Senior Coach
Speech & drama / Public Speaking / Leadership
- BA English Literature
- Graduate Diploma of Teaching
- LTCL Speech and Drama (Trinity College London)
Sarah designs and oversees the Ten Feet Tall curriculum, ensuring every programme combines educational excellence with engaging, confidence-building experiences. As Director, she leads the day-to-day operation of Ten Feet Tall, supports and mentors the coaching team, develops new programmes and resources, and helps shape the future direction of the organisation.
Sarah works closely with students preparing for competitions, scholarships, leadership opportunities, speeches, and examinations, and is passionate about helping young people achieve their personal best. She also leads the development of new workshops, leadership programmes, and learning experiences that enable students to grow in confidence, communication, and critical thinking.
While much of Sarah's work happens behind the scenes, you'll often find her coaching students, supporting coaches, running workshops, judging competitions, and connecting with families throughout the year.
Our Coaches
Tracy Holsinger
Senior Coach
Speech & drama/ Public Speaking
- B.A. in Drama and Theatre Arts (Goldsmiths College London)
- LTCL Speech & Drama (Trinity College London)
Tracy is our senior-grade Trinity College specialist.
Tracy is an experienced theatre director, actor, and speech and drama coach with over 25 years of experience in arts education. She examined internationally as a Trinity College London examiner.
She is passionate about guiding her students along thoughtful artistic journeys that develop confidence and creative independence.
When she’s not teaching, Tracy enjoys gardening and spending time with her cat.
Laressa Lewis
Senior Coach
public speaking/ ESL
- B. Soc. Sc (Double Major in English and Political Science)
- CELTA (Cambridge University, England)
- Lead ESL Specialist
Laressa is our senior-grade Public Speaking teacher, from Year 1 through to Year 13.
With a background as a passionate ESOL teacher, she focuses on building both accuracy and fluency in oral English, while also helping students grow in confidence as writers and speakers. Laressa is a gentle coach, highly detailed focused on developing important life skills.
Outside of teaching, Laressa has a strong interest in nutrition, health, and design. She also enjoys making the most of New Zealand’s beautiful beaches and vibrant coffee culture - preferably together!
Grace Goulter
Experienced COACH
Speech & drama/ Public speaking
- Diploma in Acting
- Diploma in Screenwriting & Directing
Grace is an experienced speech and drama coach with over 12 years of teaching experience across a range of Auckland schools. She has also worked on multiple international film sets.
Passionate about acting and performance, she is dedicated to helping students grow in confidence and reach their full potential. With extensive knowledge of the performing arts industry, Grace brings a warm, encouraging, and professional approach to every lesson.
When Grace is not teaching she enjoys relaxing with her family.
Priyanka Dutta
Experienced Caoch
Debate/ Public Speaking
- ICF Level 1 Certified Coach
- Diploma in Montessori
- Method of Education (MMI–London)
- Working towards Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary)
- Bachelor of Commerce
Priyanka is an experienced coach and aspiring primary educator with over 20 years of experience in training, coaching, learning and development, and communication skills facilitation across India and New Zealand.
She holds a Diploma in Montessori Education, is an ICF Level 1 Certified Coach, and is currently completing a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary).
Priyanka is passionate about helping children build confidence, communication skills, and self-expression through positive, supportive coaching. She believes every child has a unique voice and thrives when they feel safe, encouraged, and valued.
When she's not teaching, Priyanka enjoys singing, gardening, and learning about different cultures.
Bella ArmStrong
Emerging Coach
Speech & Drama / Public Speaking
- Bachelor of Creativity (Musical Theatre)
- Diploma in Performing Arts
- Currently studying towards a Bachelor of Social Work
Bella is thrilled to be coaching Speech and Drama with Ten Feet Tall, currently taking classes across West Auckland and North Shore locations. She is a dedicated creative, holding experience in performing and teaching across Auckland and Wellington.
She is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive environment where tamariki are able to thrive.
When she's not coaching, Bella can be found at the beach, studying and listening to music!
Caleb Arkwright
Emerging Coach
Speech & Drama / Public Speaking
- ATCL Speech & Drama (Trinity College London)
- Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Acting), Unitec
- Working towards LTCL Speech and Drama
Caleb is a professional actor based in Auckland who brings real-world performance experience directly into the classroom. Working across speech and drama and public speaking, he focuses on helping students develop confidence and their own unique voices.
He holds an ATCL in Speech and Drama through Trinity College London and a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Acting) from Unitec, completed in 2024. Alongside his experience in children’s theatre and party entertainment, Caleb brings energy, playfulness, and strong performance craft to his classes. He is passionate about helping students develop presence, clarity, imagination, and connection in their performance and communication.
Outside of teaching and acting, Caleb loves writing and can often be found getting stuck into a good novel
ELLA C
EMERGING COACH
Speech & drama / public speaking
- Working towards LTCL Speech and Drama
- Winner of the Best Teacher Award 2023 at Theatresports Youth Programme.
Ella currently teaches all levels of Speech and Drama and Public Speaking. She has been coaching for the last 7 years.
Ella is passionate about creativity and education, helping students find their voice and express themselves with confidence.
Ella has tutored theatresports, taught drama, directed productions, performed in theatre shows, and has run holiday programmes and classes at Lake House Arts, working with a wide range of students.
She believes in empowering children through self-expression and storytelling.
When she’s not teaching, Ella can be found playing sports, spending time at the beach, writing music, or reading a good book in the sun with a coffee.
Kim Milmine
EMERGING COACH
Debate
- Conjoint Bachelor of Laws and Arts, triple majoring in Law, Political Science, and Sociology
- Adjudicator for Auckland Schools Debating
- Coach of the 2024 Auckland Development Squad
Kim is an experienced debater and adjudicator, who looks after Debate at Ten Feet Tall. She is comfortable coaching students in Debating at all levels.
With an impressive competitive history including top placements in high school, across New Zealand, and internationally, she brings deep knowledge and practical insight to every lesson.
Passionate about critical thinking and empowering young voices, Kim creates a supportive and challenging environment where students can thrive.
When she’s not coaching, Kim enjoys horse riding and watching documentaries.
Taarini Soni-Singh
EMERGING COACH
Debate
Taarini is currently studying a conjoint of Law and Global Studies at the University of Auckland, with French as her chosen language. Passionate about education and communication, she enjoys helping students strengthen their confidence, think critically, and express ideas clearly.
Having participated in premier debating throughout high school and university, Taarini understands the value of curiosity, preparation, and resilience. In her classes she aims to create a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to challenge themselves and develop their own voice.
Outside of academics and coaching, Taarini enjoys writing and baking, bringing creativity and enthusiasm into every session.
Ella LIN
EMERGING COACH
debate
- Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne, majoring in Economics and Minoring in History.
- Completing Graduate Diploma in Teaching (She is now pursuing a career in education. She works with students of all levels).
Online Coaches
Stephanie Caisley
Senior Coach
Public speaking
- ATCL Speech & Drama
- Adv ASB Public Speaking
- NZSB Examiner
Stephanie is our senior-grade Public Speaking specialist. Stephanie coaches after school online.
Stephanie helps each student unlock their potential, building confidence, clarity, and persuasive communication skills that lead to success in their assessments.
In addition to her coaching, Stephanie serves as an examiner for Speech New Zealand.
When she’s not working, Stephanie enjoys walking along the beach and catching up with family or friends over coffee at a local café.
Erin
Experienced Coach
Speech & drama/ Public speaking
- Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Film with minor in Media Studies.
- ATCL Diploma Trinity Speech and Drama
Erin is Ten Feet Tall’s online speech and drama coach working with students from Year 1 through to Year 13 in both Drama and Public Speaking.
With a passion for helping children take risks, grow in confidence, and think creatively, she inspires her students to challenge themselves and discover new ways of expressing their ideas. Erin brings energy, warmth, and a wealth of performance experience to every class.
When she’s not coaching, Erin can often be found continuing to share her love of theatre with the wider community.
Our support team
Grace
Admin Manager
Grace is our Customer Service and Programme Coordinator, bringing over 13 years of project management and administration experience from roles in both New Zealand and the UK.
As a mother of two daughters, Grace is passionate about supporting children in their growth and development, particularly in nurturing confidence and fostering leadership skills. Combining her professional expertise with her experiences as a parent, she is excited to support students and families on their learning journey at Ten Feet Tall.
Outside of work, Grace enjoys spending time with her family, exploring New Zealand’s hidden travel gems, and discovering great wines and culinary hotspots.
Sujatha
Customer Services & Programme Coordinator
Su is our friendly customer services and programme coordinator. Having worked in both IT, HR and Early Childhood careers Su understands the importance of customer service.
Having worked in a number of learning environments Su understands the importance of listening to parents and understanding how we can best support their child.
Having worked with students across diverse age groups, she firmly believes that a strong foundation in communication is essential for personal growth and lifelong learning.
When Su is not working you can find here reading or doing handicraft work.
JANE
Customer Services
Jane is the Exam Administrator at Ten Feet Tall, keeping exams organised and reports on time. With over 10 years of experience in administration and customer support, she’s organised, detail-oriented, and happy to wrangle emails, schedules, and paperwork alike.
Jane is passionate about supporting students and families behind the scenes, cheering kids on as they grow in confidence, communication, and leadership. She loves being part of a team that empowers students and supports families every step of the way.
When she’s not working, Jane enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and exploring nature.
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