Facilitators

Facilitators: Fran Thompson-Stevens & Levi Sikking
Fran and Levi have a long association and friensdhip, beginning with attending New Mother Support Group (NMSG) back in 1991 with their own babies. They consider that 'babyBEings' fills a similar need in their community now, that NMSG once gave them. Levi used to attend Fran's pre-school, Aniwaniwa, with her own children and then later worked alongside Fran until it closed. Levi and Fran compliment each other well and love the work they do and working together. Like many of the parents who attend their classes they can't wait for them to start again on Thursdays and Fridays each week!
In 2017 Erin Shaw, a mother who attended classes with both her two daughters, has come on board to help Fran with the overflow of classes on Wednesdays.

Read more about Fran, Levi & Erin below...

Fran working with a mother and 2 babies.

Fran Thompson-Stevens is a former primary and early childhood teacher. After 10 years running her own pre-school, Aniwaniwa, Fran attended Pennie Brownlee’s course Dance With Me in the Heart Level 1 where she first heard about Dr Emmi Pikler’s philosophy of respectful infant care. In 2007 Fran completed the Level 1 Summer School at the Pikler Institute in Budapest. Since May 2008 Fran has been facilitating ‘babyBEings’ parent & infant classes in Tokoroa where she lives, inspired by the work of Dr Pikler and Magda Gerber. In 2009 Fran completed the first RIE 1 training in New Zealand, and since then has also completed Dance With Me in the Heart Level 2, and a 4 day COS (Circle of Security) Parenting Training by Glen Hoffman from USA. This qualifies Fran to facilitate workshops and an 8 week training on the COS for parents. In 2013 Fran returned to Budapest and completed the Level 2 Summer School training at the Pikler Institute and in 2017 she studied again with pedagogues from the Pikler Institute, this time in Sydney, completing the Autonomous Play Activity Training.

Fran has officially earned the "INSPIRED BY PIKLER" status given by the Pikler Institute!

Since attending Dance With Me in the Heart Level 2 with Pennie Brownlee, Fran now provides ‘littlebeings’ classes for moving babies and toddlers. These classes provide parents with valuable support as their child enters toddlerhood by helping them to cope more confidently with this crucial, but often misunderstood, stage in their child's development. Once a month all classes are invited to 'natureBEings' where we take a trip to a local nature reserve and enjoy PLAY in the outdoors, in all weathers all year round. As well as taking all these classes Fran also enjoys mentoring ece teachers and facilitating workshops whenever she can.
In 2016 with the help of Erin Shaw, a parent who has attended babyBEings and littleBEings with her 2 daughters, Fran set up an outdoor only class on Monday mornings for any 0-5 year olds associated with the programme.

Levi (right) welcoming a parent & baby.

Levi Sikking is a former 'Parents As First Teachers' (PAFT) parent-educator and currently works part-time with SWPIC (South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Trust) doing home visits with young families. As well as being a 'natural' with babies Levi brings a wealth of professional knowledge and experience to her role in facilitating classes. Her warm & welcoming personality and attention to detail ensures parents feel comfortable and our classes run smoothly. Levi has completed Pennie Brownlee's ‘Dance With Me in the Heart’ Level 1 and 2 courses and volunteers her time two days a week at babyBEings and littleBEings classes.

Levi welcoming the babies to her, offering them her comfort or support if they should need it..

In Term 2, 2017 we welcomed
Erin Shaw to assist Fran with Wednesday classes. Fran feels very fortunate to have Erin's assistance, offering her relevant experience and wisdom for parents, and her beautiful presence with the babies. Erin has attended babyBEings in the past with her 2 daughters, now aged 5 and coming up 3 years old. When she volunteered to learn to assist Fran & Levi in their work a year ago,they knew she was the ONE! She came to them and volunteered.... wanting to give back and help ..continue the legacy of babyBEings, once her children were old enough..

Levi andFran couldn't be more grateful and over joyed. In this photo Erin delighting in one little boy and his play on a Wednesday morning. Her beautiful, gentle smile and calm presence must have felt safe and welcoming to him, as he ventured closer and tried out being near her. When adults allow a child the time and space to approach them when they are ready, I believe it makes for a smoother, happier and richer contact between them.