We recently received a message from a Kadimah parent that stopped us in our tracks, a note of thanks that spoke to the care, calm, and dedication one of our OSCAR Team Leaders brings to their work each day. It was a powerful reminder of the impact our people make in quiet, consistent ways, and we’re proud to share more about the person behind that feedback.

Ataa joined The Y with a strong passion for education, community, and wellbeing. With a background spanning science, teaching, and community engagement, she brings both depth and thoughtfulness to her role. Since graduating from AUT, she has continued to build her skills through further study, alongside practical experience that reflects her commitment to innovative and inclusive education.

She joined our OSCAR team in November 2024 and later stepped into a Team Leader role, drawn to The Y’s values of respect, care, honesty, and responsibility. These values closely align with the way Ataa approaches her work with tamariki and whānau, creating environments where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to be themselves.

Working at Kadimah has been a particular highlight for Ataa. Having previously worked in larger classroom settings, she values the smaller group environment OSCAR provides, where strong relationships can form and learning can be more personalised. This setting allows her to support each child’s independence and confidence, while fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Ataa’s commitment to community extends well beyond her role at The Y. She volunteers as a Youth Leader with Hato St John and supports the Mount Roskill Citizens Advice Bureau, giving her time and skills to help others. She is also trilingual, speaking English, Arabic, and French, which helps her connect with families from a wide range of backgrounds.

Looking ahead, Ataa sees The Y as an important part of her future. She is keen to continue developing her leadership, mentoring others, and contributing to programme development, while gaining a deeper understanding of how our organisation works as a whole.

At the heart of Ataa’s work is a genuine care for people and a belief in lifelong learning. We’re proud to have her as part of our Y whānau and grateful for the warmth, skill, and purpose she brings to our community every day.