Our Presenters
Online Speakers From Reggio Emilia
An atelierista and pedagogista will lead presentations with thought-provoking inquiries, encouraging deep reflection on children’s learning and our everyday practice.
Speakers from Aotearoa New Zealand
Brenda Soutar
Brenda has provided cultural guidance to REANZ as the Kaiarahi, since its inception. Brenda has been interested in the Reggio Emilia educational experience since 1999 when she had the opportunity to visit Reggio Emilia following the C Company Māori Battalion tour of Italy. Reggio Emilia is one of several inspirational approaches that has stretched Brenda’s thinking.
Brenda has been actively involved in Māori language revitalisation for over 30 years, with experience across kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa Māori, and whare wānanga. Her work draws on international theories and practices of language acquisition, applied within Māori language immersion contexts.
She was Principal of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Mana Tamariki and brings deeply personal insight to the vision that te reo Māori is restored as a nurturing first language, having raised her own children entirely in te reo Māori, from home through to wharekura.
Dr Rachel Denee
Rachel is a Trustee of REANZ and has been engaged with the pedagogy of Reggio Emilia for many years, leading study groups to both Reggio Emilia and Melbourne to explore the approach in practice. She is a Senior Lecturer at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, and pedagogical leader and co-owner of Daisies Early Education & Care Centre in Wellington.
She brings extensive experience in early childhood teaching and leadership. Her research interests include leadership, professional learning, visual arts, and early childhood pedagogy. Rachel is also a trustee of Whanake Education Trust and Nature School NZ Trust.
Speakers from Australia
Caterina Pennestri
Caterina is the Atelierista and Pedagogical Coordinator at St Peter’s Girls’ Early Learners Centre in Adelaide, where she has worked since 2015.
With a background in Contemporary Art, a Master’s degree in Art Education, and postgraduate study in Reggio Emilia, her practice centres on the importance of the hundred languages of children and on pedagogical research into the potential of materials within children’s learning processes.
Originally from Italy, she has worked in diverse Adelaide contexts, including the Art Gallery of South Australia and school‑based artist residencies. She contributes nationally through the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange, advocating across the country for the importance of creativity and the hundred languages of children in the Australian context, and was awarded the 2025 Award for Educational Excellence in recognition of her leadership and commitment.
Kate Mount
Kate is the current Chairperson of Reggio Australia and a long-standing volunteer, contributing both nationally and locally in Adelaide.
With experience of 16 years leading transformational practice at a prominent Early Learning Centre, Kate is deeply committed to building collaborative and empowered teams through inspirational, responsive and creative approaches. She now works with teams across the country, supporting them to strengthen their pedagogical practices and professional culture.
Her work is grounded in the Reggio Emilia principles, ensuring advocacy for the rights of the child and nourishment of educators. Kate believes that the quality of everyday practice must reflect the respect, curiosity and possibility that every child deserves.
Accomodation nearby
Book your accomodation early to ensure you have easy access to the conference. There are many to choose from within close proximity.