Michelle Donald

I am a qualifying art therapist who applies a range of creative processes for self expression. A mindful, explorative and trauma informed approach is at the heart of my practice. In the past 2 years I have gained 300+ hours of clinical placement experience in the community as an intern Art Therapist.

I am a New Zealand citizen and have 15 years experience in education in Vietnam. I found teaching art with adolescents to be particularly rewarding as they explored identity and ways of being in the world. I seek to enhance wellbeing and cultivate conditions for empowerment with individuals and communities I interact with.

I often work with nature as a valuable source of reflection and connection. I welcome a role where I can bring the wealth of my experience and am at my best collaborating relationally.

Art and Design Teacher at Vinschool The Harmony (2021-01 – 2024-12)

• Develop and teach IGCSE, and A-level Art and Design with Grade 9-12 with the Cambridge Curriculum
• Empower and facilitate personal creative journeys with art processes
• Pastoral care as a homeroom teacher
• Involved in school activities
• Relations with parents
• Assessment for learning

Art and Design Teacher at Hanoi Academy International Bi-lingual School (2017-01 – 2021-12)

• Develop and teach IGCSE Art and Design with Grade 9 and 10 Vietnamese students within the Cambridge Curriculum framework
• Engage personal creative journeys
• Pastoral care of students
• Involved in the school community
• Assessment for learning

Primary Teacher at Hanoi Academy International Bi-lingual School (2015-01 – 2017-12)

• Teach grade 4 and 5 students English, Maths and Science within the Cambridge Curriculum
• Pastoral care as both a subject teacher and homeroom teacher
• Involved in school activities and rapport with parents

Head / Senior Teacher at Schools Link (2013-01 – 2015-12)

• A member of the Academic team, involved in the induction and mentoring of ESL teachers for young learners (primary - secondary)
• Conducted observations followed by feedback to enable teachers to develop their practice
• Involved in interventions and abided by policy regarding disciplinary actions as necessary
• Developed syllabi and pacing guides
• Adapted and created resources to support student learning and assessments
• Involved in school assemblies, parent meetings and field trips

ESL Teacher at Schools Link/Language Link (2009-01 – 2012-12)

• Teaching English with young learners and adults

ESL/Art Teacher at Language Link (2011-01 – 2011-12)

• Developed and taught 'Art Attack': A Summer Art Program for young ESL learners (5-12 years)
• A daily workshop designed for children to be engaged in themes, and practice using English in the context of creating art
• Culminating in an exhibition of the children's art with parents invited

Charity Fundraiser and Team Guide at Dialogue Direct (2004-01 – 2007-12)

• Face to face street fundraising for Greenpeace, FOE, Water-Aid and UK based NGOs
• Raise awareness
• Team building and motivation
• Training new fundraisers

PG diploma in Art Therapy – Kutenai Institute of Art Therapy (2024-01 – 2026-05)

M.Ed. in Master's in Education – Nottingham University (2019-09 – 2019-09)

PGCEI in Postgraduate Cert in Education Int. – Nottingham University (2016-09 – 2016-09)

CELTA in Cert in English Language Teaching - Adults – Languages International (2007-09 – 2007-09)

Diploma in Fine Art – Dunedin School of Art (1992-01 – 1994-12)

Certificate in Art and Design – Otago Polytechnic School of Fine Art (1991-01 – 1991-12)