Board Members

Lisa Tou-McNaughton
Chair

Lisa is the daughter of a Polar PI and Southland gal. She is married to Andy and they have two wonderful children; Fin and Kate.

Lisa has been an educator for nearly 30 years and is passionate about giving young people and their families opportunities. She believes in equity for all and in the power of creativity and kindness to make the world a better place.

Carla Gillies

Carla, a dedicated primary school Principal, is committed to supporting students with learning differences. She has a Postgraduate Diploma in Education focusing on Complex Educational Needs and a Master’s Degree in Counselling. She has over 15 years’ experience in the education sector.

Her passion lies in literacy, particularly in the science of reading and structured literacy approaches, aiming to provide the most effective support for students with dyslexia.

Carla lives in Southland with her husband Jade, his 17-year-old son Tiaki, and their two miniature schnauzers Duke and Albie. In 2024, they welcomed another precious son, Maiki to their family.

When she has free time, Carla enjoys outdoor activities such as trail running, hiking, and reading.

Carla’s favourite educational quote is, “We do our best until we know better, then we do better.”

Lyndal Ludlow

Lyndal gets a great deal of pleasure from encouraging and enabling people to learn, grow and feel good. In this rapidly changing world, keeping people connected to and involved with their communities through arts, sports and education is important to her.

Working within the local government sector has enhanced her governance skills, which she brings to the trust. She has 25 years’ experience working in education, event management and marketing. She supports a number of community groups and initiatives in a volunteer role.

Lyndal lives in Invercargill with her husband, teenage boys, cat and far too much lego.

Krista Farley

Krista Farley is naturally creative and approaches challenges as a big picture thinker. These key dyslexic strengths have proven incredibly valuable in her life and career.

Krista was motivated to become a Trustee as she is a passionate advocate for greater support and understanding of neurodiversity. “If I can contribute to something that helps make someone’s journey even slightly easier, it will be immensely rewarding. “

A born and bred Southlander, Krista is married to Aaron and they have two children. She has worked in the dairy industry, has operations and marketing experience and is currently the Community Activation Manager for Youthline Southland.

In her spare time, she loves tackling a good craft project, getting out on the water paddle boarding and just spending time with her family.

For Krista success isn’t defined by job titles or money; it’s about achieving a healthy balance between family and work, creating lasting memories, and finding joy in everyday life. It’s also about learning from mistakes and growing as a person. The Albert Einstein quote, “Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.” fits well with her belief that true success comes from the relationships we build and the positive impact we leave behind.

Julie Manson

As a parent of a child with Dyslexia and APD Julie knows how important it is to understand the strengths and challenges that come with having a learning difference and how crucial it is to find the right help and support and to be your child’s advocate. She has attended the Growing Stars Workshop and seen first hand the positive impact it has for children and their parents.

In 2024 she completed the Women in Governance Mentorship programme with the Institute of Directors, and having been on PTA’s and Committees for well over 10 years, she wanted to take the step up from Committee to Governance level, as a Learning Differences Trustee.

Julie is a Mum to two fabulous boys and is a self-confessed true Thespian, performing with the Bluff Drama Club since 1996 and is a life member. She has performed at the ILT Christmas Variety Concert, and Southland’s Shakespeare in the Park.

A huge sports fan and sports Mum she supports her boys in all their sporting endeavours from touch, basketball, rugby, softball, volleyball, refereeing. You will always hear her cheering on the sideline. She is employed by Rugby Southland as the Community Rugby Administration Manager.